Everyday care
Living with a bloodhound
What a normal day looks like with a big, sleepy, sniffy hound, from breakfast to bedtime.
In short: Living with a bloodhound means a regular routine, long sniffy walks, measured meals, a weekly brush and regular checks of ears, eyes and skin folds. Expect drool, a big bed and a dog that wants to be near you. Ask your vet about feeding, because bloodhounds, like other deep-chested dogs, are at risk of bloat.
Last updated 23 October 2026
A day in the life
Bloodhounds love routine. A typical day has a morning walk, breakfast, a long snooze, a garden potter, an afternoon or evening sniffy walk, supper and lots of cuddles. In between, expect your hound to follow you from room to room.
Spread exercise through the day. The Kennel Club lists more than two hours a day for the breed, but much of that can be steady walking and sniffing. Rest is just as important: bloodhounds can sleep for much of the day, especially in warm spots.
Feeding, in general terms
Bloodhounds are big dogs, but they should not be overweight. Feed a good-quality complete food, in measured portions, and adjust as your vet advises according to age, size and activity. Fresh water must always be available, although you may find it spread across the kitchen floor.
Because bloat is a risk for deep-chested dogs, many vets suggest feeding smaller meals rather than one large meal, avoiding strenuous exercise just before and after eating, and not allowing gulping. Ask your own vet what they recommend for your dog, and see our bloodhound health problems page.
Grooming and cleaning
- Coat: a weekly brush with a soft brush or rubber mitt removes loose hair.
- Ears: check weekly and clean only as your vet advises.
- Skin folds: wipe and dry the face and neck folds as shown by your vet.
- Eyes: wipe away any discharge gently and ask about anything persistent.
- Nails and teeth: trim nails as needed and build in regular tooth care.
Drool and smell
Bloodhounds drool, especially after eating, drinking, or when excited. Hang a drool towel by the door, and use washable bedding and throws. Hounds can have a distinct doggy smell, which is usually helped by regular brushing, keeping folds and ears clean, and washing bedding. A persistent bad smell is worth a vet check.
Bedding and comfort
A large, supportive bed helps a heavy dog’s joints, and the dog will probably want it near the family. Raised beds, non-slip floors and ramps are kind to older hounds.
Travel and holidays
Plan for a big dog. Use a crate or harness that fits properly in the car, take breaks on long journeys, and keep the car cool. If you go away, book dog-friendly accommodation or arrange care with someone your dog already knows. And if you are ever unable to cope with your dog, tell us early so that we can help.
Travelling with a large dog? If you are planning a trip that involves flying, read Pet Friendly Flights: flying with large dogs. Large breeds usually travel in the hold of a commercial flight or by private jet with the dog in the cabin, depending on the airline or operator and the dog’s size. Always check with your vet and the carrier first. Our guide to travelling with a bloodhound has more.
Settling in a rescue bloodhound
A newly adopted hound needs time. Keep things calm for the first weeks, let your dog set the pace, build a routine and ask us for support. For training advice see our guide to bloodhound training and scent work.
Setting up your home
- Keep food, bins and kitchen worktops out of reach of a long, curious nose.
- Check the garden fence, gate latches and any gaps, because bloodhounds follow scent with great determination.
- Use rugs or non-slip mats on slippery floors, particularly for puppies and older dogs.
- Give your dog a quiet place to retreat, away from busy doorways.
Keeping a hound happy
A bored bloodhound will find its own entertainment, and you may not like it. Alongside walks, give your dog something to do with its nose: food scattered in the garden, a snuffle mat, a stuffed toy, or hide-and-seek games, as described in our training and scent work guide. Time with you matters most of all, because this is a breed that likes to be near its people.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a bloodhound be groomed?
The coat is short and smooth and usually only needs a weekly brush, according to the Kennel Club. The ears, eyes and skin folds need checking and cleaning more often.
Can bloodhounds travel in cars?
Yes, but they are big dogs. Use a properly fitted crate or car harness, plenty of ventilation, and never leave a dog in a parked car. Introduce travel gradually, because some hounds drool or feel sick at first.
More bloodhound guides
Thinking of adopting a bloodhound?
We match every rescue hound with the home that suits them best. You are very welcome to talk it through with us first.