Bloodhound Health Guide
Everything bloodhound owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
Bloodhounds are large scent hounds best known for extraordinary tracking ability, a powerful nose, and a calm, persistent temperament. Historically developed for trailing game and later used in search-and-rescue and law-enforcement work, they are built for endurance rather than speed. Their loose facial skin, long ears, and heavy body make them distinctive, but those same traits can also contribute to breed-specific health concerns such as eye problems, ear disease, and orthopedic stress. Because Bloodhounds are large dogs with a deep chest, owners should also understand their risk for serious emergencies like bloat.
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Bloodhounds are screened by breed clubs and OFA for hip dysplasia. Signs can include stiffness, trouble rising, exercise intolerance, and hind-end soreness.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia can cause front-leg lameness, pain after exercise, and early arthritis. OFA elbow evaluation is part of recommended breed screening.
Entropion and ectropion
Heavy facial folds and loose eyelids can predispose Bloodhounds to eyelid abnormalities. These may lead to tearing, redness, squinting, discharge, and corneal irritation.
Chronic ear infections
Long, pendulous ears can trap moisture and reduce airflow, increasing the risk of otitis externa. Watch for odor, redness, head shaking, scratching, or discharge.
Bloat (GDV)
As a large, deep-chested breed, Bloodhounds may be at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency. Restlessness, nonproductive retching, drooling, or a swollen belly need immediate veterinary care.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can occur in many dogs and may be screened in some Bloodhound breeding programs. Signs may include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, recurrent skin or ear problems, and poor coat quality.
Preventive Care Schedule
Bloodhounds need the same core preventive care as other dogs—routine vaccines, year-round parasite prevention, fecal testing, and regular wellness exams—but their breed risks make a few items especially important. Puppies and adolescents should be monitored closely during growth to help reduce excess orthopedic strain. Adult Bloodhounds should have regular weight checks, mobility assessments, and dental care, since extra weight can worsen joint disease. Ask your veterinarian about screening hips, elbows, and cardiac health if you are evaluating a breeding dog or reviewing breeder paperwork. The American Bloodhound Club lists OFA hip, elbow, and cardiac evaluations as required CHIC screenings, with eye exams, patellar evaluation, PennHIP, and degenerative myelopathy testing as optional. Because of the breed’s long ears and facial folds, home ear checks and prompt treatment of irritation or odor are also important.
When to Use Telehealth for Your Bloodhound
Telehealth can be especially helpful for Bloodhound owners when you are unsure whether a problem needs an urgent in-person visit. Good use cases include early ear irritation, mild skin-fold redness, questions about eye discharge, limping after activity, weight-management planning, reviewing breeder health testing paperwork, and deciding whether symptoms of lethargy or coat change should prompt thyroid testing. Virtual care can also help with monitoring chronic issues, discussing recovery after a recent vet visit, or triaging whether your dog’s signs sound more like routine follow-up or same-day care. Telehealth is not appropriate for collapse, breathing trouble, severe eye pain, deep wounds, inability to stand, or any possible bloat emergency.
Bloodhound Health FAQs
Are Bloodhounds prone to bloat?
What health tests should a Bloodhound breeder have done?
Why do Bloodhounds get so many ear problems?
Are Bloodhounds more likely to have eye problems?
How can I help protect my Bloodhound’s joints?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.