How to Care for a Basset Hound's Droopy Eyes
- 1
The basset hound's long, floppy ears are designed to corral scents from the ground.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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.
