How to Care for a Basset Hound's Droopy Eyes

The friendly basset hound is known for its droopy skin folds and short stature. These characteristics paired together can cause dirt and debris to accumulate around the eyes of your dog, and this can lead to irritation and sticky discharge from the eye if not cleaned regularly. You can care for your basset's eyes and floppy facial skin by rinsing them every week and protecting them from the elements with special materials made just for canine eyes.

Things You'll Need

  • Saline eye wash
  • Cotton balls
  • Protective ophthalmic ointment
  • Dog goggles
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Instructions

    • 1
      The basset hound's long, floppy ears are designed to corral scents from the ground.

      Wipe your dog's face with a warm, moist washcloth several times a day. The washcloth should be moistened with warm water, but do not use soap unless your dog's face is exceptionally dirty. Dried soap will only turn sticky and attract dirt. If you do need to use a soapy washcloth, make sure you rinse well.

    • 2
      Because bassett hounds are low to the ground, their eyes are particularly vulnerable to dirt and dust.

      Squirt 3-4 drops of saline solution on a cotton ball. Gently wipe the cotton ball around the outside of your dog's eyes to remove any crust or dirt. Repeat with a fresh cotton ball and more saline solution if needed.

    • 3

      Gently pull down on your dog's lower eyelid and slowly squirt 4-5 drops of saline solution inside the eyelid. Don't touch the saline bottle to your dog's skin or eyes. Repeat with the other eye. This flushing should remove any matter inside the dog's lower eyelid.

    • 4

      Let your dog shake his head if needed to expel any extra saline solution from his eyes.

    • 5

      Apply a thin layer of protective ophthalmic ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid, pulling it down in the same way as in Step 3. Do this only if your veterinarian recommends it or if you are applying an ophthalmic antibiotic.