Otterhound

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Otterhounds are a big breed of dog that needs a lot of exercises. They will consume 3-4 cups of food a day. Their age, height, and everyday lives all play a role in this. If you're not sure how long to feed them, keep an eye on them or consult your veterinarian.

A high-quality diet containing readily digestible proteins is ideal for the Otterhound. Finding food specifically designed for big dogs will help you meet their nutritional needs.

With the changing of the seasons, the Otterhound will shed. In the fall and winter, the Otterhound's insulating and water-resistant undercoat keeps the dog safe, but the dog may prefer to wear something lighter once summer arrives. By default, the outer layer of an Otterhound's coat isn't soft.

The Otterhound has a thick coat that gives it a charmingly unkempt appearance. Since the outer coat is flat, it grows to be very long, reaching up to six inches in length. In the spring and summer, this fur must be shed, and the Otterhound does so.

Although Otterhounds' coats should be shown as naturally as possible, they require brushing once or twice a week, depending on length and texture. A slicker brush and a medium comb are ideal for this.

Since the dogs drag their beards on the ground and store snacks in them, the beard of the Otterhound can need to be cleaned at the same time. Every week or two, the nails should be clipped.

Otterhounds require both mental and physical exercise. While a broad, tightly fenced yard is a good start, some hounds will rather lay under a tree in a fenced acre than self-exercise. Both owners and hounds benefit from long walks to smell the world and visit passers-by.

Obedience classes, monitoring, and endurance all offer both mental and physical stimuli.

Otterhounds are a good breed for a big breed, and conscientious breeders test their stock for health issues, including epilepsy and Hip Dysplasia. Still, even dogs with mild Hip Dysplasia on radiographs will live a long life and walk well. Like all big dogs, Otterhounds are susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening disease in which the stomach enlarges and bends. Owners may become familiar with the symptoms of bloat and what to do if it occurs.

Otterhounds get along well with kids and are patient with them. When they are raised together, they can be an excellent friend. Owing to their big body, they do not do well if there are toddlers in the home. Older children should be taught how to approach them and how to act in their presence. If they are little or big, children should still be watched.

Otterhounds, despite their size and strength, can be highly responsive. To get the highest performance, use constructive, reward-based training strategies and praise. When Otterhounds master something, they, like humans, enjoy being told how wonderful and talented they are. Patience is needed.

Food usually is effective in preparation, but a mixture of food and praise is much more effective. Otterhounds will benefit from clicker training as well.

Compatibility for other pets is an essential factor to consider. They are usually fine around other dogs and livestock whether they have been bred with them or have been carefully exposed to them. Many Otterhound owners still have cats, and unlike what some reports can say, they usually get along well.