Dachshund

The Dachshund is nicknamed the “hot dog” or “wiener dog ” for its long silhouette, short and muscular legs, brave and energetic personality, and always-on-the-lookout attitude. It evolves from comes from the German words for badger (dachs) and dog (hund), and was originally bred in 18th-century Germany to hunt badgers.

Dachshunds are infamously bred for hunting dangerous prey. They can be brave and a bit tenacious, but their charming nature and famous long-and-low body make them one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Normally, Standard Dachshunds weigh 16–32 pounds and stand 8–9 inches tall and Miniature Dachshunds are under 11 pounds and stand just 5–6 inches tall.

Caring for a Dachshund Dog

Dachshund is a willful, headstrong, playful, and mischievous breed. Nevertheless, they are smart and attentive. Dachshunds require regular exercise despite their size cause they want to stay fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their long back which are always vulnerable to injury. They are not so strong as to run, jump, or swim extensively. Yet, the pups are enthusiastic about engaging in these activities. To help keep your Dachshund’s back healthy and prevent injuries, try to limit their jumping by installing pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds. Keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight also helps minimize the risk of a back injury.

Dachshund Health Issues

The average Dachshund lifespan is 12–16 years, about average for a smaller dog breed.  Dachshunds have long spines, muscular and bowed legs, and low-to-the-ground stature which cause back ailments. Moreover, Dachshunds are also dolichocephalic (long-faced) dogs. They have more nasal lining than short-nosed dogs and therefore are more prone to fungal, bacterial, or other infections in their sinus cavities.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) leads to complete and permanent paralysis of all four legs if not treated quickly. IVDD bulges or slips discs within the vertebral column of the spine. As many as 25% of Dachshunds develop IVDD in their lifetime. If you notice any of these symptoms you may take your dog to the vet:

  • Trouble walking
  • Limping
  • Holding head/neck down
  • Dragging paws
  • Scuffed toenails

The treatments depend on the severity of the disc damage. The vet may prescribe treatment with anti-inflammatory and pain medications, as well as muscle relaxants and strict cage rest. Cage rest means no playing, running, or jumping—only short, leashed walks to go to the bathroom are allowed. Your Dachshund will need your support to move hither and thither. You will have to carry him or her up or down any stairs in your home, and shouldn’t be allowed to jump on or off furniture. When holding a Dachshund with back injuries, support their hind end with one hand and chest with the other. Through surgery, your pup may be able to regain the use of its legs and correct other functions affected by a slipped disc.

Obesity

Dachshunds experience obesity because of their short stature and small legs, These innate body features make it more difficult for them to exercise. They are also prone to disorders that impact their mobility, such as IVDD and orthopedic conditions. These conditions make it harder for your dog to move, which leads to weight gain. You may expose your Dachshund to veterinary check-ups to ensure that it remains healthy. You can also visually monitor your dog’s weight by checking its body condition score. If you hardly feel your dog’s ribs while touching and notice that they do not have a waist, they’re likely overweight. You can schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to find out how many calories your dog needs each day and to create a weight loss plan for your Dachshund.

Luxating Patella

luxating patella is common in small dogs, including Dachshunds. It’s a condition in the kneecap as a result of slipping out of its normal position and often occurs simultaneously in both hind legs. Your Dachshund may limp on their hind legs, or you may see a “skip” or “bunny hop” to their gait when they walk. So as for other illnesses, luxating patella treatments also depend on the severity. Some may need anti-inflammatory and pain medications or even corrective surgery. Giving your dog joint protection supplements and keeping them at a healthy weight may help prevent secondary issues related to luxating patellas.

Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Bloat in dogs is common among large dog breeds. However, Dachshunds can also develop it because of their deep chest. It fills the stomach with gas and can progress to gastric dilatation-volvulus, where the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow to vital organs.  Here are the symptoms of bloat and GDV :

  • Swelling of the belly, or a pot-bellied appearance
  • Pacing
  • Drooling
  • Retching
  • Licking lips
  • General malaise

If you see any of these signs, take your Dachshund to your veterinarian or an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Dental Disease

Dachshunds are more prone to periodontal disease. You must brush your dog’s teeth daily, as it’s the best way to prevent dental disease. Your veterinarian may recommend the best dog toothpaste and toothbrushes with dental chews. Once a year, the pet parents must clean Dachshund’s teeth professionally.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure that is caused for no reason and has an assumed genetic origin. The seizures occur when the dog is between 1 and 5 years old. There are two kinds of seizures in Dachshunds: generalized and focal. Generalized seizures affect the entire body. Your dog is usually not aware of its surroundings, drools excessively, and urinates or defecates during the seizure. But in Focal seizures, it experiences facial twitching, chewing movements, or paddling of the limbs. Take your dog to the vet for a quick examination if it has had a seizure. The vet will perform a complete physical and neurologic examination, run blood work, do urine testing, and possibly recommend an X-ray or ultrasound to rule out other possible causes of seizures, such as toxins.

Eye Problems

Eye problems such as cataractsglaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are common in Dachshunds and can cause blindness in your dog. Common symptoms of eye problems are cloudy eyes, red, swollen, or irritated (with discharge) eyes, bumping into things, anxiety or hesitation in new places, unwillingness to go up or down stairs or climb on or off furniture, pawing at the face and confused, dazed, or startled behavior. PRA is not treatable. It deprives vision to dogs. Cataracts can be treated with surgery, and glaucoma can be managed with medications, though surgery is sometimes needed.

What to Feed a Dachshund

Dachshund
Image-Source: hypropremium

Dachshunds require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet tailored to their life stage—puppy, adult, or senior—to fulfill their nutritional requirements. Opt for an AAFCO-approved dog food, as it ensures the ingredients meet industry standards.

It’s important to avoid giving your Dachshund table scraps and animal bones. These can lead to various health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or even gastrointestinal blockages. Additionally, many human foods are high in fat, which can cause serious conditions like pancreatitis.

Your vet may suggest a specialized dental diet to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your Dachshund’s teeth, promoting oral health.

How to Feed a Dachshund

Puppies should generally be fed three to four times a day, while adult Dachshunds typically do well with two meals per day.

Dachshunds are a small breed, so foods designed for small dogs are a good choice. These formulas often contain smaller kibble that’s easier for your dog to chew. To select the best food for your Dachshund, consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

How Much Should You Feed a Dachshund?

The amount of food your Dachshund needs will depend on the specific food brand and your dog’s health and activity levels. Refer to the feeding instructions on the food package and consult your vet to determine the proper portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.

It’s crucial not to overfeed your Dachshund. Excess weight increases the risk of back problems and other health conditions.

Nutritional Tips for a Dachshund

When feeding an AAFCO-approved diet, your Dachshund will receive all the necessary nutrition. However, your veterinarian may recommend specific supplements to enhance your dog’s overall health, especially for supporting their back and eyes, including:

  • Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to promote joint health.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and coat.
  • Antioxidants and vitamins to protect eye health and delay cataract development.

Dachshund Personality and Temperament

Dachshunds are playful and affectionate dogs, making them suitable for first-time pet owners. They thrive on mental challenges, such as puzzle games or scent-tracking activities. However, due to their long backs, it’s important to be cautious during high-energy activities to avoid potential back injuries.

Because of their spirited personalities, playtime with young children should always be supervised, as Dachshunds may play too roughly. Children should also be taught how to appropriately interact with dogs.

Despite their small size, Dachshunds require regular exercise to stay fit and strengthen the muscles that support their back. Provide them with multiple daily walks, play sessions, and activities that stimulate them mentally.

Dachshund Behavior

Dachshunds are well-suited to apartments and smaller living spaces, but they do tend to be quite vocal. Training can help manage excessive barking.

With their background as hunting dogs, Dachshunds possess an excellent sense of smell and a strong prey drive, so they may not be the best choice for homes with smaller pets they might view as prey.

These dogs also tend to dig, which could damage your garden or yard. Offering alternative activities will help curb this behavior.

Dachshund Training

Although Dachshunds are intelligent, they can also be independent and stubborn, which can make training a challenge. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, and keep training sessions short to maintain their focus. If your Dachshund gets distracted by sounds or smells, take a break and resume later.

It’s also essential to socialize Dachshund puppies from an early age to ensure they grow up confident and well-mannered. Proper socialization helps prevent inappropriate barking and chasing.

Fun Activities for a Dachshund

  • Earthdog trials
  • Scent walks
  • Nose work
  • Puzzle toys
  • Hide-and-seek with treats
  • Daily walks

Dachshund Grooming Guide

Dachshunds come in three distinct coat types:

  • Longhaired: These Dachshunds have a thick, slightly wavy coat with longer hair on the neck, chest, and underside.
  • Smooth: They have a short, sleek, and shiny coat.
  • Wirehaired: Their coat consists of a coarse outer layer with a softer undercoat.

While all Dachshunds shed regularly, their shedding is typically less intense compared to some other breeds.

Skin Care

Dachshunds don’t need frequent baths, but their bellies—being close to the ground—can pick up debris, requiring more frequent brushing. Generally, bathing them once every few months is fine, but consult your vet for specific advice regarding their skin care.

Coat Care

Coat maintenance varies depending on the type of coat your Dachshund has:

  • Smooth-coated Dachshunds: These dogs require minimal maintenance. Wiping them down with a towel is usually enough to keep their coat clean and shiny.
  • Longhaired Dachshunds: They require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Use a slicker brush to detangle their hair and a bristle brush to maintain a shiny coat.
  • Wirehaired Dachshunds: Their coat needs occasional hand-stripping a few times a year to preserve its rough texture. Regular brushing and an occasional trim of the beard and eyebrows are also necessary.

Eye Care

All dogs have a natural eye stain known as porphyrin in their tears, which appears as a reddish-brown discoloration. Special eye wipes, like Angels’ Eyes®, can help remove any tear stains. While some staining is normal, it’s important to consult your veterinarian if you notice any significant changes in your Dachshund’s eyes or vision.

Ear Care

Dachshunds are prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and cause bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Check their ears once a month for excess wax, especially during grooming sessions. Ask your vet about the best ear cleaning products and techniques to prevent infections

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