Bluetick Coonhound

Brushing Routine

Brush 1-2 times weekly with a firm bristle brush or rubber curry comb to manage the short, dense, glossy coat. The ticked blue pattern looks best when regularly brushed to distribute oils evenly. Use a deshedding tool during seasonal coat transitions to control the surprisingly heavy shedding.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-5 weeks with a deodorizing hound shampoo -- Blueticks have one of the stronger hound odors. Double-lather if they have been hunting or in dense brush. Clean the pendulous ears separately with a medicated ear wash during every bath.

Common Issues

• Pronounced hound odor requiring more frequent bathing than most short-coated breeds
• Chronic ear infections in the long, thin ear leather
• Heavy drooling causing skin fold irritation
• Skin allergies and hot spots in humid climates
• Coat thinning on elbows from lying on hard surfaces

Extend Your Grooming Results

Apply deodorizing spray every 2-3 days between baths to manage the hound scent. Use an enzymatic ear cleaner every 3 days -- Bluetick ears are among the most infection-prone of all breeds. Provide soft bedding to prevent callus formation on elbows. Wipe facial folds daily.

Seasonal Care

Blueticks shed moderately year-round with significant blows in spring and fall. Houston's humidity intensifies their natural odor -- plan on bathing every 3 weeks in summer. Keep ears meticulously dry in humid months. The dense coat provides some heat protection but ensure shade access.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 1-2 times weekly, ear cleaning every 3 days, daily facial fold wiping, deodorizing spray every 2-3 days, nail trims every 3 weeks, professional grooming every 3-5 weeks.