Puppies get fed a quality puppy food twice daily until 5 months old.
At 5 months old they get fed an adult food twice daily. Males eat more than bitches. There is a table below for a guideline on amounts,
Approximate amounts:
8 wks: ½ to 1 c. per feeding
12 wks: 1 to 2 c. per feeding
6 months: 2 to 3 c. per feeding
Always soak food in warm water for a few minutes (until softened) before serving. Never feed dry! Bassets are prone to “bloat”, a potentially fatal problem. Feeding dry causes excessive drinking after eating, and this is the primary cause of bloat. The types of food are also important. We are very picky about the kinds of food we feed, the amounts, and the avoidance of dry feeding. We recommend that you only feed premium foods, with no corn, never soy of any kind, and little of the other grains with only natural preservatives. Foods too heavy in corn and grains causes gasses and are more bloat potentials. Read the labels. Be sure your puppy always has fresh water. Skimping on fresh water, or only giving water at certain times leads to over-drinking, and this in turn is a leading cause of bloat. You’ve heard the saying you are what you eat…. It goes for dogs too. You don’t skimp on your food. Don’t skimp on theirs.
Grooming a Basset is simple, and can take only 5 or 10 minutes if done routinely. Every week clean the ears with any vet recommended ear cleaner. If ears are not kept clean an infection will probably occur, and will be extremely difficult to control.
I can’t stress nail care enough. Keep them short. Because of the Basset’s big feet, they don’t wear the nails down as many dogs do. If not kept short they could cripple a Basset by curving back into the pads. If it’s not done regularly, the vein grows to a point that you won’t be able to keep the nails short enough. Weekly grooming in the beginning will get the vein back and keep it back. My pups have had their nails cut weekly all their lives and are used to it. Be aware that they never really enjoy having it done, but will accept it as a part of life. It shouldn’t be a problem if kept up. If you can’t do it, take him to a vet or groomer to have it done.
If a bath is needed, use only a good quality dog shampoo. Dogs have a different skin PH than humans, and human shampoo will cause skin problems.
Bassets love being with the family and usually crazy about going for rides, if they have some pleasant experiences, not just to the vet and or groomer.
I play soft music for my dogs. They are used to the background music and it will help the adjustment. When they are all alone it lets them feel a little comfort.
Please remember if you ever have any questions; medical or training don’t hesitate to call, visit or write. I want your pup to be a permanent and loved member of your family, and I will do anything I can to help.
