Bloodhounds may encounter more medical issues than other domestic animals.  First, our size plays a part in our health.  Large dogs often have hip dysplasia, which is very painful to endure. Our eyelids could either be inverted (turned in) or just the opposite, our eyelids are turned out.  Inverted eyes could cause our lashes to scrape our eyes; thus, resulting in permanent damage to our eyes. The bloat is another common ailment of the Bloodhound. It is still medically unclear why large (deep-chested) dogs get "the bloat".  Perhaps it over eating, drinking while over heated, or from eating foreign object, such as socks and rocks.  (A very bad habit of mine...I can not resist rocks, socks, shoes, stuffed animals, wood and a lot of other things.) Whatever the cause, the bloat may lead to death if untreated, and sometimes, it still does, even with treatment. Medically, we can really be costly. But, of course, we think we are worth every penny! Lastly and again, because of our size, our life with you will be short.  Consider yourself lucky if you own a Bloodhound for an entire decade.  It may seem like by the time you finally get used to our bad habits, it will be time to say goodbye.

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