CARING FOR YOUR DACHSHUND: A COMMITMENT TO HEALTH

Dachshunds are a generally long-lived, healthy, and robust breed, often living 12 to 16 years. As owners and responsible breeders, understanding the unique needs of their long, low-slung bodies is the key to ensuring a happy and pain-free life. A combination of preventative care, a proper diet, appropriate exercise, and health screening is essential.

HEALTH SCREENING FOR BREEDING DOGS

Responsible breeders utilize genetic and clinical testing to minimize the transmission of hereditary diseases. The  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) established the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) to recommend specific health screenings for every breed of dog.

 

HEALTH CONCERN RECOMMENDED TEST DETAILS
Eye Health Eye Examination (CAER) by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist. Screens for inherited and acquired eye disorders such as Distichiasis (extra eyelashes) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Patellar Luxation OFA Patellar Evaluation Screens for the condition where the kneecap temporarily slips out of place, common in small breeds.
Cardiac Health OFA Cardiac Exam by Cardiologist. Auscultation as a minimum A clinical cardiac examination (auscultation) by a veterinarian or a specialist to check for early signs of heart disease, such as a Mitral Valve Disease or a heart murmur.
Overall Genetic Health DNA Health Test. Embark / Pawprint Screen for genetic mutations linked to over Dachshund health risks and common adult-onset diseases, such as: IVDD, PRA, DM, Brittle Bone Disease, Narcolepsy and others.
Lafora Disease - Mini Wire Lafora Testing Kit. Genomia Testing is recommended for Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds to screen for this form of inherited epilepsy.

INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE (IVDD) & SPINAL CARE

Due to their chondrodystrophic (dwarf) genetics, Dachshunds are highly predisposed to IVDD, where the spinal discs harden and rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This is the breed's single most critical health concern.

Preventing Spinal Injury and IVDD

Proactive lifestyle choices are the best defense against IVDD:

  • Weight Management: Maintain an ideal, lean body condition. Excess weight is the single biggest factor increasing the risk of IVDD as it puts added strain on the long spine and joints.

  • Limit Jumping and Stairs: Discourage jumping on and off furniture. Use pet ramps or steps to provide safe access to sofas, beds, and vehicles. Limit the use of stairs, especially repetitive or strenuous trips.

  • Proper Handling: Always support both the chest/forelegs and the rear end when picking up a Dachshund to keep the back level and fully supported. Never allow their back to hang unsupported.

  • Low-Impact Exercise: Regular, moderate, low-impact exercise builds strong core and back muscles, which helps to stabilize the spine.

  • Chiropractic & Massage Help: Utilize a chiropractor or massage therapist to keep your dogs muscles relaxed and body in alignment.

Signs of Back Trouble (Seek Immediate Veterinary Care!)

A Dachshund showing any of the following symptoms needs emergency veterinary attention:

  1. Reluctance to move, play, or jump.
  2. Crying out or yelping when touched or moved.
  3. A hunched back or stiff gait.
  4. Dragging of the back legs or any signs of partial or full paralysis.
  5. Loss of bladder or bowel control.

DIET AND EXERCISE

Maintaining a healthy weight and conditioning muscle tone are critical for spinal and overall health.

Nutrition and Weight Control

  • Portion Control: Dachshunds have ravenous appetites and are prone to obesity. They should be fed on a strict schedule, not free-fed. Consult your veterinarian for the ideal weight and a specific daily caloric intake.

  • Quality Diet: Provide a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their life stage. Look for food that is rich in protein and contains supplements beneficial for joint health, such as Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish oil).

  • Treats: Use low-calorie, healthy treats (like small pieces of carrots or single ingredient treat like beef liver) and limit all high-fat treats and food and do not feed sugary human foods. If it is bad for you to eat, it is bad for your dog to eat.

 

Recommended Exercise

Dachshunds are active, intelligent dogs who need regular physical and mental stimulation.

 

  • Adults: Aim for 20 to 40 minutes of daily activity, including regular walks on a leash and gentle playtime.

  • Low-Impact is Key: Focus on low-impact activities like:

- On-leash walks.

- Gentle swimming (excellent for building muscle without spinal strain).

- Scent and puzzle games (for mental stimulation).

  • Puppies: Exercise should be gentle and limited, following the five-minutes-per-month-of-age rule until they are fully grown and all growth plates have closed (between 18 - 24 months of age).

DENTAL AND EAR CARE

Dachshunds' compact mouths can make them highly susceptible to dental disease, which is very common in dogs.

 

Dental Care

 

  • Brushing: Aim to brush your Dachshund's teeth weekly using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. The overcrowding in their mouths makes plaque and tartar buildup a rapid problem.

  • Professional Cleanings: Regular professional dental cleanings by a veterinarian (under anesthesia with X-rays) are often necessary to maintain long-term oral health.

  • Chews & Toys: Provide appropriate dental chews, bones, antlers and soft, dental-safe toys to help control tartar between cleanings.

Ear Care

 

  • Routine Checks: Check your Dachshund's ears weekly. Due to their floppy ears, moisture and debris can easily become trapped, leading to infections.

  • Cleaning: Clean the outer part of the ear and the accessible ear canal with a veterinary-approved, non-alcohol-based ear cleanser and a cotton ball or gauze. Never use Q-tips, as they can push debris deeper into the ear canal or damage the eardrum.

  • When to Call the Vet: If you notice redness, swelling, a foul odor, excessive shaking of the head, or dark discharge, consult your vet immediately.

LETS DISCUSS DACHSHUND WEIGHT:

The "Dachshund Perfection" Approach

Don't let that delightful Dachshund belly turn into a speedbump! For a happy, healthy hound, keeping your little sausage at the perfect weight is a lifelong mission. Too much pudge, or being too skinny, can lead to serious health issues, so make it a habit to do a monthly weight inspection.

The Goldilocks Zone (Just Right):

  • When you run your hands along his side, you should be able to easily feel the ribs, but they shouldn't be sticking out like xylophone keys.

  • Viewed from above, he needs an obvious "Dachshund waist" behind the rib cage.

  • From the side, you should see a slight, sporty tuck-up in his belly. That’s a fit wiener!

The "Where's the Beef?" Zone (Too Lean):

  • If you can easily see his ribs, spine, and hip bones (and there’s zero jiggly padding), it's time for a menu upgrade.

  • He'll have a dramatic abdominal tuck.

  • He’s likely burning muscle for fuel, so break out the measuring cup and increase those portions slightly, wait a couple weeks and re-assess before deciding if the portion needs to be incresed slightly more (or find a more calorie-dense cuisine).

The "Sofa Spud" Zone (Too Pudgy):

  • You'll need to press firmly to feel those ribs—if they feel like they're hidden under a sofa cushion, it's time for a diet change.

  • The graceful waistline? Gone. Instead, he’ll look rather round or bulging when viewed from above.

  • There's no tuck-up from the side; his tummy will be flat or sagging with fat. If he's rocking a permanent "dad bod," you need to cut back on the snacks and increase his low-impact activity to protect that delicate spine.

 

The risk of obesity increases with age, is more common in neutered animals, and there are associated risks of diabetes and osteoarthritis. The most obvious solution is to reduce the quantities your Dachshund eats (including titbits!) or move your Dachshunds (and I say plural because who has only 1?) onto a lower calorie food.