Ask Miss Ruby D.............
Those Summertime Basset Blues
Okay, the weather is warm and we all love being outside. Finally, we can walk with our bassets without worry of snow and ice. So,
why is it that your basset drags his feet when you try to get him to the grass? I, Miss Ruby D, am here to explain.
First, let’s examine the space between your basset’s belly and your grass. If the grass tickles the belly, your basset will probably
tinkle on cement or in a garden where nothing touches that belly. How many of my friends out there seem to drag their paws on
that first early morning potty visit? Owners, the grass is wet!!! You know how we hate getting our paws wet!!! The guy bassets
like it even less!!! There is nothing better than the guy who mows his yard to keep a perfect short grass.
Secondly, do you or your neighbors spray lawns for weeds and insects? These products are safe to use in that they are not
poisonous, but we still can be allergic to it. It makes us itch and our toes really get to itching. While our yard may be safe, the
neighbor and park may use products mentioned.
Third, we have a lot of fur left over from the long winter. We need to get rid of that undercoat. The best way is to brush every
day. And, by the way, let the birds have our left over fur for their nests!! Bathing is another way to help us with itching. Assuming
that owners are using Frontline type products against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, there is no need for shampoos containing flee
killing products. These often leave our skin drier than normal. The most comforting shampoo is oatmeal based. When lathering,
leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse twice and apply an oatmeal conditioner. When we have dried, please brush us as we
will usually shed more and more than before the bath. Always make sure our toes are rinsed thoroughly too. Some of us bassets
have a deeper chest than others causing our front legs to rub. We get damp under our “armpits” and that can be breeding
grounds for yeast and other fungal type infections. Apply a little baby powder..
Our bellies may also show signs of rash similar to heat rash we see in children. A little powder will help here too. If you see black
like dirt, could be flea eggs or, it really could be dirt! Use a damp cloth to clean this. If you see rash, could be flea bites. These
really itch. Using monthly heartworm prevention and topical Frontline type products, fleas and ticks will not live or hatch on your
basset. It is the mosquito bite from an infected mosquito which causes heartworm. Please make sure your basset is tested and
placed on preventative. The expense of prevention is nothing compared to treatment once heartworm has been found and the
pain of worry is just as difficult. The added benefit is this medication also helps to prevent hookworm, whipworm and roundworm
when used year round and not just during the warm weather months. We also get “hot spots” which are extremely itchy. When
the previously discussed methods have been tried but the problem continues, please check with your veterinarian as a more
potent prescription may be needed.
Before doing this be sure to check with your veterinarian. We can use baby doses of Benadryl to ease intense itching. It only
takes a moment to call your veterinarian to be sure of a dosage that is correct. Also, you do not want to give medication if your
basset is on other medications as some medications should not be mixed just as with humans. Adding Fish Oil to your basset’s
feeding will also help. This comes in gel capsules and liquid form and found in larger pet supply stores.
As you know, we bassets have problems itching the scratch!!! We simply cannot reach all parts. We will start licking our paws as a
way to relieve the “stress”. Some dogs with anxiety issues do this as well. Some of us will lick and lick causing loss of fur and a
sore forms as well as a small bump which is known as “Lick Granuloma”. It is always best to have your Veterinarian check these
as an antibiotic ointment and/or oral medication may be needed. look at it but usually they will prescribe an ointment.
I also want to talk to everyone about yard clean up after we use it. If we could pick it up, we would. We can eat it, but that is
disgusting and not healthy either. So, please grab an old plastic bag from groceries and pick up immediately before the piles
begin to multiply. We have all seen the flies that come out of nowhere to feast upon this and therein is the problem. They lay
eggs and those eggs get ingested by us simply walking in the yard. When we come in and clean our feet, microscopic eggs get
into our intestinal tract . We have heard many expletives when a guest doesn’t see one of those piles and finds it on the bottom
of a shoe. It is so much easier to do the clean up right then than to wait until the yard is full. It will pay off in the long run.
Other things we see in the summer months are foods eaten that shouldn’t be such as plants or wild mushrooms. Everyone
knows about chocolate, but did you know grapes and raisins are just as deadly?? Many of us like carrots though and make great
treats – we love what people eat you know. Many dogs are allowed in garages but please make sure your dog cannot lick the
floor under where cars sit. Did you know antifreeze can kill? The stuff is so sweet we want to lick it up. It only takes a few drops
to make us very sick. If treatment isn’t started immediately, we could die.
We all would love to have a real BONE to chew on but they really do more harm than good we hear. These can break apart and
become lodged in our throat. It is better for us to have chew bones made for us. Again, a bigger bone is better than tiny ones.
Larger chew bones take time and less likely to break off and become lodged in the throat. Owners have the option to view the
bone and if it becomes a concern, replace with a new one. Some chew bones are great for anxious dogs. It keeps them busy and
not licking or chewing on themselves or owners things.
While we are discussing eating, let me suggest this. Do not leave food out longer than up to an hour. If we have not eaten in that
time, take it away until our next meal. When there are more than one dog in the home, always feed in separate bowls too. This
allows owners to observe eating patterns. We all know how important it is when they are on different diets. Water is to be out at
all times and kept fresh. We do not like “slobber water”. Slobber water is what we see when the water level is low and at the time
owners pour it out to replace, they find this thick substance – Slobber water!
We want owners and bassets out there to have a wonderful and safe summer. It is wonderful to be able to be outside and getting
exercise. I ask all my basset friends out there to encourage your owners to get a little more exercise. It is so good for their
health. Perhaps if they walk us, we are helping them to stay healthy!!!!!
And, there is no time like the present to start your “Waddle training”.
See you in September!!!!!
Miss Ruby D and Mom
Okay, the weather is warm and we all love being outside. Finally, we can walk with our bassets without worry of snow and ice. So,
why is it that your basset drags his feet when you try to get him to the grass? I, Miss Ruby D, am here to explain.
First, let’s examine the space between your basset’s belly and your grass. If the grass tickles the belly, your basset will probably
tinkle on cement or in a garden where nothing touches that belly. How many of my friends out there seem to drag their paws on
that first early morning potty visit? Owners, the grass is wet!!! You know how we hate getting our paws wet!!! The guy bassets
like it even less!!! There is nothing better than the guy who mows his yard to keep a perfect short grass.
Secondly, do you or your neighbors spray lawns for weeds and insects? These products are safe to use in that they are not
poisonous, but we still can be allergic to it. It makes us itch and our toes really get to itching. While our yard may be safe, the
neighbor and park may use products mentioned.
Third, we have a lot of fur left over from the long winter. We need to get rid of that undercoat. The best way is to brush every
day. And, by the way, let the birds have our left over fur for their nests!! Bathing is another way to help us with itching. Assuming
that owners are using Frontline type products against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, there is no need for shampoos containing flee
killing products. These often leave our skin drier than normal. The most comforting shampoo is oatmeal based. When lathering,
leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse twice and apply an oatmeal conditioner. When we have dried, please brush us as we
will usually shed more and more than before the bath. Always make sure our toes are rinsed thoroughly too. Some of us bassets
have a deeper chest than others causing our front legs to rub. We get damp under our “armpits” and that can be breeding
grounds for yeast and other fungal type infections. Apply a little baby powder..
Our bellies may also show signs of rash similar to heat rash we see in children. A little powder will help here too. If you see black
like dirt, could be flea eggs or, it really could be dirt! Use a damp cloth to clean this. If you see rash, could be flea bites. These
really itch. Using monthly heartworm prevention and topical Frontline type products, fleas and ticks will not live or hatch on your
basset. It is the mosquito bite from an infected mosquito which causes heartworm. Please make sure your basset is tested and
placed on preventative. The expense of prevention is nothing compared to treatment once heartworm has been found and the
pain of worry is just as difficult. The added benefit is this medication also helps to prevent hookworm, whipworm and roundworm
when used year round and not just during the warm weather months. We also get “hot spots” which are extremely itchy. When
the previously discussed methods have been tried but the problem continues, please check with your veterinarian as a more
potent prescription may be needed.
Before doing this be sure to check with your veterinarian. We can use baby doses of Benadryl to ease intense itching. It only
takes a moment to call your veterinarian to be sure of a dosage that is correct. Also, you do not want to give medication if your
basset is on other medications as some medications should not be mixed just as with humans. Adding Fish Oil to your basset’s
feeding will also help. This comes in gel capsules and liquid form and found in larger pet supply stores.
As you know, we bassets have problems itching the scratch!!! We simply cannot reach all parts. We will start licking our paws as a
way to relieve the “stress”. Some dogs with anxiety issues do this as well. Some of us will lick and lick causing loss of fur and a
sore forms as well as a small bump which is known as “Lick Granuloma”. It is always best to have your Veterinarian check these
as an antibiotic ointment and/or oral medication may be needed. look at it but usually they will prescribe an ointment.
I also want to talk to everyone about yard clean up after we use it. If we could pick it up, we would. We can eat it, but that is
disgusting and not healthy either. So, please grab an old plastic bag from groceries and pick up immediately before the piles
begin to multiply. We have all seen the flies that come out of nowhere to feast upon this and therein is the problem. They lay
eggs and those eggs get ingested by us simply walking in the yard. When we come in and clean our feet, microscopic eggs get
into our intestinal tract . We have heard many expletives when a guest doesn’t see one of those piles and finds it on the bottom
of a shoe. It is so much easier to do the clean up right then than to wait until the yard is full. It will pay off in the long run.
Other things we see in the summer months are foods eaten that shouldn’t be such as plants or wild mushrooms. Everyone
knows about chocolate, but did you know grapes and raisins are just as deadly?? Many of us like carrots though and make great
treats – we love what people eat you know. Many dogs are allowed in garages but please make sure your dog cannot lick the
floor under where cars sit. Did you know antifreeze can kill? The stuff is so sweet we want to lick it up. It only takes a few drops
to make us very sick. If treatment isn’t started immediately, we could die.
We all would love to have a real BONE to chew on but they really do more harm than good we hear. These can break apart and
become lodged in our throat. It is better for us to have chew bones made for us. Again, a bigger bone is better than tiny ones.
Larger chew bones take time and less likely to break off and become lodged in the throat. Owners have the option to view the
bone and if it becomes a concern, replace with a new one. Some chew bones are great for anxious dogs. It keeps them busy and
not licking or chewing on themselves or owners things.
While we are discussing eating, let me suggest this. Do not leave food out longer than up to an hour. If we have not eaten in that
time, take it away until our next meal. When there are more than one dog in the home, always feed in separate bowls too. This
allows owners to observe eating patterns. We all know how important it is when they are on different diets. Water is to be out at
all times and kept fresh. We do not like “slobber water”. Slobber water is what we see when the water level is low and at the time
owners pour it out to replace, they find this thick substance – Slobber water!
We want owners and bassets out there to have a wonderful and safe summer. It is wonderful to be able to be outside and getting
exercise. I ask all my basset friends out there to encourage your owners to get a little more exercise. It is so good for their
health. Perhaps if they walk us, we are helping them to stay healthy!!!!!
And, there is no time like the present to start your “Waddle training”.
See you in September!!!!!
Miss Ruby D and Mom
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