Bloodhound grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Bloodhound: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Weekly brushing with a rubber hound mitt removes dead hair and keeps the short coat shining, with a little more effort during spring and autumn sheds. Bathe only every couple of months or when your dog has rolled in something, since frequent washing dries the skin. The folds around the face and the lips need a daily wipe and thorough drying, as damp, food-filled creases quickly become sore.
The ears drag through dirt, water and dinner, so clean them weekly and check for smell or redness. Look at the eyes too: many Bloodhounds show some red haw below the eye, and a gentle wipe of discharge from the inner corner helps. Trim nails every three to four weeks. A drool towel in each room is part of the grooming kit for this breed.
Bloodhound grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Once a week |
| Bathing | Every 2 to 3 months, or when dirty |
| Shedding | Moderate, year round |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
Short, dense and fairly hard on the body, softer on the head and ears, covering thin, loose skin that hangs in deep folds.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling