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Dealing with Bloodhound Drool: Keeping Clean

Bloodhounds, beloved for their soulful eyes and unparalleled sniffing abilities, are also notorious for their copious drool. This charming characteristic comes with the territory, but it doesn’t have to mean living in a constant state of slobber-induced chaos. Here’s a guide to managing your Bloodhound’s drool and keeping your home and yourself relatively clean.

Embrace the Bib

A simple, yet effective solution is a dog bib. Choose a wide, absorbent bib made of fleece or terrycloth and place it on your Bloodhound after they eat or drink. It will catch a significant portion of the drool before it lands on your furniture or clothing. Make sure the bib fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict their movement. Having several bibs on hand means you can easily swap them out for cleaning.

Drool Rags: Your New Best Friend

Keep strategically placed “drool rags” around the house. These can be small towels, microfiber cloths, or even baby wipes. Designate specific spots – near their food bowl, favorite napping area, and the door they use to go outside. Whenever you see a string of drool forming, quickly wipe it away. Microfiber cloths are particularly effective at absorbing drool and minimizing the spread.

Regular Face Wipes

Daily face wipes are essential for keeping your Bloodhound’s jowls clean and preventing skin irritation. Use pet-safe wipes specifically designed for facial cleaning, focusing on the folds of skin around their mouth. Regular cleaning helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to unpleasant odors.

Strategic Landscaping

If your Bloodhound spends a lot of time outdoors, consider the landscaping around their favorite spots. Opt for materials like pea gravel or mulch instead of grass, which can become slippery and muddy when mixed with drool. Hard surfaces like concrete or paving stones are also easier to clean.

Protective Furniture Covers

Invest in furniture covers to protect your sofas and chairs from drool stains. Choose washable, durable fabrics like canvas or denim. Removable covers are especially convenient for easy cleaning. You can also use throws or blankets to protect specific areas where your Bloodhound likes to rest.

Regular Cleaning Routine

Develop a regular cleaning routine to stay on top of the drool situation. This includes: * **Floors:** Mop hard floors frequently with a pet-safe cleaner. Steam cleaning can also be very effective. * **Furniture:** Vacuum furniture regularly to remove loose hair and drool. Use upholstery cleaner to spot clean stains. * **Bedding:** Wash your Bloodhound’s bedding weekly to prevent odors and bacterial buildup.

Water Intake Management

While you can’t completely eliminate drool, you can sometimes manage it to a degree by controlling water intake. Don’t restrict water, but avoid letting your Bloodhound gulp down large quantities at once. Offer smaller amounts of water throughout the day, especially after exercise or in hot weather. Raised food and water bowls can also sometimes help reduce drooling.

Acceptance and Humor

Ultimately, dealing with Bloodhound drool is about acceptance. It’s part of what makes them unique and lovable. Maintain a sense of humor, embrace the mess (within reason), and remember that the joy and companionship they bring far outweigh the extra cleaning. After all, a little drool is a small price to pay for the love of a Bloodhound!