A health concern for basset hounds is allergies.
All dogs can suffer from allergies, but basset hounds are especially at risk. Perhaps they're more susceptible than other dog breeds because of their low position to the ground or strong sense of smell. Whatever the reason, a top health concern of basset hounds is allergies.
What Are allergies?
Allergies cause a reaction in a dog when it's exposed to an irritant. Dogs inhale allergies in the air, like pollen, mold spores and dust. They consume irritants in their food, such as corn, wheat and soy. A flea bite or bee sting triggers an allergic reaction in some dogs. A basset hound may be affected by any of these irritants or none at all.
Symptoms
The same general allergy symptoms occur in all types of dogs. The reaction causes skin irritation and itching. The dog reacts by continuously scratching, biting and licking the irritated area. Prolonged exposure to an allergen leads to other more serious problems, such as hot spots, hair loss and ear infections.
Diagnosis
When a basset hound is suspected of suffering from allergies, a veterinarian performs tests to make a formal diagnosis.
Atopy allergies--those inhaled from the air--are detectable with a blood test, but the blood test doesn't identify the irritants. A skin test also must be done where the dog is exposed to a variety of irritants and monitored for a reaction.
Food allergies require a food trial to make an official diagnosis. The dog's usual diet is replaced with food it's never before eaten for 12 weeks. If symptoms subside, the dog is put back on its regular diet. When symptoms return, food allergies are the cause. The food trial is also used to identify specific food allergens.
A flea bite allergy is determined using a skin test taken at two separate times once during the initial visit and again 48 hours later.
Treatment
The best treatment for allergy suffers is simply avoiding the irritant. However, avoidance may not be possible, especially for seasonal allergy sufferers. When this applies to your basset hound, there are antihistamines and steroids available to lessen allergy symptoms. Topical applications also are available to relieve skin irritation.
Considerations
Pet education states allergies can't be completely alleviated in dogs, but managed.
K9web.com cautions that a dog with allergies should not be bred. This is the best way of preventing allergies from being passed to the next generation of basset hounds.
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