Why basset hounds get ear infections and how to prevent them

Basset hounds are known for their loud baying and long, floppy ears that are generally too long for their bodies. While these dragging ears may be adorable, they are also prone to trapping dirt, water, and other debris that can lead to infections.

We’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of why these hardy hounds develop ear infections so easily, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Why are basset hounds prone to ear infections?

Dirt and moisture easily gets trapped under large floppy ears, and this is especially true with ears that frequently drag the ground. That gunk gets caught in ear folds and flaps and can fester, leading to bacterial growth (Trusted Source) and — you guessed it — infections in the ear.

These infections are commonly found in the outer ear (otitis externa) or can venture farther into the ear canal (otitis interna).

Spotting and treating ear infections

With basset hounds being so prone to ear infections, it’s important to know the early signs and what to look for should one develop.

Signs of ear infections in basset hounds

• Redness or swelling in and around the ears
• Visible skin irritation
• Scratching or pawing at ears
• Odor or discharge coming from the ears
• Head shaking or ear flapping

Treating ear infections in basset hounds

If you notice any symptoms of an ear infection in your dog, it’s best to schedule an appointment with their vet for proper treatment. This may include an ear wash, antibiotics, or more if it’s a severe or chronic infection.

According to Dr. Erica Irish, removing excess tissue near the ear opening or completely removing a disease ear canal (TECA surgery) (Trusted Source) are two surgical options for bassets with serious chronic infections.

9 ways to prevent ear infections in basset hounds

Ear infections are no fun for anyone. Thankfully, there are ways to help your basset hound prevent these pesky infections from happening in the first place.

Ear infections aren't usually a stand-alone issue. There is an underlying cause like parasites or allergies. If you can't address the underlying cause, the ear infection will keep coming back.

Dr. Erica Irish

1. Regular ear cleanings. Do ear checks and cleanings regularly to keep the dirt and bacteria at bay.
2. Try ear caps for baths or swimming. Put an ear cap on your pup before putting them in the bathtub or letting them enter any water. These will keep their ears from dragging and prevent moisture from entering the inner canal.
3. Pat them dry. If your basset’s ears do get wet, always pat them dry afterward so no moisture gets trapped.
4. Keep up with vet checks. Have your dog checked regularly by your vet to make sure they are healthy. This is the best way to catch any early signs of infections or other problems. Dr. Irish also suggests having thyroid levels (Trusted Source) checked in pups with chronic infections.
5. Introduce fatty acids. Adding an omega-3 supplement to your dog’s food can help boost their immune system and skin health, potentially helping prevent inflammation in and around their ears.
6. Avoid potential allergens. If you know your basset hound suffers from allergies, changing foods to another protein or avoiding environmental triggers will help lessen the chance of inflammation or infections from happening.
7. Immunotherapy. (Trusted Source) Slowly exposing your pup to potential triggers over time can help their bodies acclimate and develop better immunity to ear infections.
8. Surgery. Like mentioned above, surgery to remove excess ear tissue or removing the ear canal completely may be an option to treat and prevent future infections.
9. Keep a healthy weight. Bassets are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate ear infections, so proper exercise and diet is important.

Prevention is the best way to approach ear infections, especially when you know your dog’s breed may be more prone to them. Knowing the signs and staying vigilant, along with maintaining proper hygiene and diet, are all ways to help stop ear infections before they start.

Frequently asked questions

What other dog breeds commonly get ear infections?

Other breeds with floppy ears, such as spaniels or other hounds, breeds prone to skin sensitivities like pit bulls or poodles, and water-loving breeds like labradors and other retrievers are all known to be prone to ear infections.

How do you prevent ear infections in hounds?

The best ways to prevent ear infections are regular ear cleanings, vet checks, proper diet and exercise, and avoiding allergens. Options like surgery may be necessary for severely chronic infections.

What’s a home remedy for a basset hound’s ear infection?

It’s best not to try to remedy an ear infection at home, and rather to get treatment from your vet. You can, however, use a warm compress and a dog-specific ear wash to alleviate some of the irritation until you can see your vet.

Can a dog’s ear infection spread to the brain?

Although extremely rare, ear infections can spread to the brain (Trusted Source) and cause meningitis or abscesses.

How do I cure my dog’s ear infection naturally?

Trying to treat a dog’s ear infection at home can irritate the ear more and potentially cause more infections. It’s best to seek veterinary care instead.