Evie Randall
30 January 2024
Dachshunds have been a consistently popular dog in the US recently. These small but brave dogs are known to be constantly on the lookout. Read on through our Dachshund information guide for more about this very special dog, and to learn whether this breed is right for you.
Although initially bred to be prey dogs, they can be great family pets and are incredibly loyal. There’s nothing more heartwarming than becoming their forever person, but be mindful that you will never get to go to the bathroom on your own again.
In our Dachshund facts and information guide, we’ll talk about the unique traits of this lively dog and what to expect when it gets older.
Known for its elongated body and short legs, the spirited dachshund has been a beloved choice for families. Explore more about sharing your home with these delightful dogs in our Dachshund Breed information guide.
Dachshunds are an energetic, lovable breed. Whilst technically a scent hound, they do share some qualities you’d usually associate with terriers, such as a love of digging and having larger-than-life personalities.
Read on through our Dachshund breed information guide to learn more about the Dachshund’s temperament, training, history, care tips, and more.
Thanks to their cute appearance, they’ve always been a favorite subject for artists, cartoonists, and toy makers. This dog is the perfect family and children companion and can live happily in an apartment as long as it gets physically and mentally stimulated.
Here are some key Dachshund facts and information you need to know:
Where do Dachshunds originate from? Learn more about the history and origin of doxies with our Dachshund breed info:
Their unique shape and size are among their defining features. Discover more about the characteristics that make Dachshunds a special breed with this Dachshund information:
The Dachshund is renowned for its distinctive physical characteristics and traits. Read on for more about this very special dog with our Dachshund information:
Like any other breed, dachshunds can be prone to certain behavioral issues. Here are some key dachshund information to consider before bringing one home.
For a well-trained Dachshund, stick to all the rules of proper training. Here are some Dachshund info training tips closely tied to taking care of Dachshunds:
Dachshunds generally suffer from few health issues and are long-lived. Adhere to these tips from our Dachshund information guide to care for your Dachshunds:
Curious if a Dachshund is the perfect dog for your home? Here are Dachshund facts and information about their ideal living arrangement:
Dachshunds are playful and adorable, but they must be handled with care due to their elongated, fragile spines. Dig into more Dachshund info to learn how to care for your Dachshund fluffs:
Dogs age faster than humans, so the puppy you brought your toddler will be a senior dog by the time your child is a teen!
Just like people, even the most playful puppies slow down with age. Find out the signs that indicate your dachshund is becoming a senior dog with helpful Dachshund information.
Getting a dog from one of the reputable breeders guarantees that it’ll be free of genetic health conditions. Nevertheless, aging is inevitable, and it’s normal to notice some changes when your dog ages.
According to the breed standard information, Dachshunds can live between 12 and 16 years, although some dogs can live even longer. In fact, a Californian Dachshund called Rocky is reported to have lived for an amazing 25+ years.
In this guide on Dachshund breed information, we’ll provide insights into health conditions to be aware of as your doxie ages. This includes:
About 25% of doxies deal with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) at some point in their lives, which usually worsens with age. This is a degenerative disease caused by intevertebral discs either bulging or bursting. Symptoms you will notice include weak movement of the hind limbs, inability to lift the head, breathing issues, and urinary incontinence.
A dog can recover from IVDD but it can require surgery and careful recovery. First step as always is to speak to your vet if you see any early signs of IVDD.
Dachshunds are prone to genetic eye conditions that can lead to loss of vision, cataracts, or even blindness. Things to look out for are red or bloodshot eyes, blood on the eyelids, scratching of their face near their eyes, weeping eyes, or a cloudy area on their eyeball. It is important to note that some eye conditions have no visible symptoms so regular vet visits and checks on their eyesight are hugely important.
Cataracts are the most common problem, more so as the dogs age and this can be inherited through genetics for some dogs. Whilst cataracts can be treated by surgery, vets don’t often like to do this for older dogs so it may be something your dog will have to learn to live with.
A condition that usually affects Dachshunds as they’re growing up, Hip dysplasia causes instability in the hip joints, limiting mobility and causing pain.
Its symptoms include difficulty running or jumping, decreased activity, and losing thigh muscle fat. Treatment often involves physical therapy, and in more challenging cases, surgery may be necessary.
It’s pretty common for Dachshund owners to find food trapped in their mouths. As these dogs age, they are prone to dental issues like cavities, plaque, and calculus.
These dental issues increase the risk of heart disease, and the dog might start losing weight because it’s unable to chew.
A leaky heart valve or DMVD usually appears in this breed by the time they’re 8 or 10. This problem causes cough, exercise intolerance, fatigue, and a heart murmur that the vet can hear.
It might lead to obesity because the dog is unable to work out as much as it used to.
Statistics show that 40% of doxies are overweight between the ages of 6 and 10. As the dog gets older, the extra pounds add to the pressure on the spine and increase the mobility issues of your senior Dachshund.
Dashchunds are more prone to developing diabetes than some other breeds and this becomes more prevalent in older dogs. Common causes include obesity and lack of physical exercise, diabetes is also more common in femal and than male Dashchunds.
Watch for signs like increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight loss, tiredness, and cloudy eyes. Early detection of diabetes allows timely treatment and adjustments to manage your dog’s symptoms, even though there’s no cure.
Dachshunds are prone to various skin problems, the most popular of which are dry skin and yeast infections.
Their symptoms are mostly similar, like excessive scratching, rubbing, licking, and skin color turning red.
In this case, you must avoid harsh shampoos and keep your dog’s environment clean. You’ll also need to visit the vet to determine the exact cause and future treatment plan.
With this Dachshund breed information guide, you will be able to prevent and spot health issues, ensuring your dog lives a happier, healthier, and often longer life.
Read on for more Dachshund facts and information to learn how to care for your beloved sausage dog in their later years.
Knowing your dog is old or adopting a senior dog doesn’t mean your pooch is about to die. It just needs special care and attention, and you should understand how to deal with your senior pooch. Here are valuable Dachshund info on caring for your senior Dachshund:
Regular exercise is one of the most essential factors in keeping your Dachshund healthy and avoiding IVDD!
When it’s young, you can go for long walks, hikes, or swimming to maintain its weight and help build muscle. As time goes by, take down the exercise time to maybe half an hour daily.
Also, please avoid any exercise involving jumping or having your dog jump at all. A neat trick that can help with that is setting up cavaletti rails for your dog to step over instead of jumping.
Over time, this little exercise can help your Dachshund avoid its instinct to jump over hurdles.
This is very crucial because jumping—even if it’s from the bed or couch—can trigger spine issues in doxies.
As your dog exercises less often, you should pay attention to their calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight. After all, their tiny bodies make them more likely to get chubbier than other dogs.
So, to start, you must avoid giving your doxie table scraps or fatty treats like bacon and jerky meat to prevent obesity and dental issues.
Regarding food preference, Dachshunds need loads of protein, zero fats, and omega-3 to keep them healthy.
For instance, you can feed your dog homemade fish, chicken, or turkey, as those are all excellent protein sources with little fat.
If you’re extra worried about its weight, you can create meals that provide nutrition and help the dog feel full. For example, a pumpkin puree can help your Dachshund feel satisfied while providing fiber.
Understand the limits of your senior pooch, as it might not be able to do the things it did in the past.
One would be going up and down the stairs due to IVDD or other spine issues. Moreover, your canine companion might have painful arthritis symptoms.
So, you should ensure your dog has a comfortable living space on the first floor. You can also install gates to keep your pooch off the stairs.
Invest in ramps and steps, and train your dog to use them, as they will be safer and allow your pooch to get on the bed or sofa quickly. Finally, be prepared to carry your dog around more often, as it might need help walking long distances.
While owning any pet involves responsibilities, if you feel confident in managing the unique aspects of having a Dachshund, go ahead! Many happy Sausage Dog lovers can attest to the joy they bring. Remember to keep our Dachshund information in mind for guidance!
Learning some essential Dachshund information and how to deal with the expected health issues as your dog gets older guarantees a better life for you with your senior pooch.
These friendly dogs don’t lose their delightful demeanor as they age, but they’ll become less active and need special attention.
To keep your dachshund happy and ensure a good, long life, make sure they have a healthy diet, exercise, training, visits to the vet, and ample opportunity to dig in your bed— don’t forget to refer to these Dachshund facts and information for additional insights.
We hope this Dachshund breed information guide has helped you understand your Dachshund a little bit more.
Daisy Chan is an experienced writer at KnowMyDog.com who is dedicated to providing senior dog owners with the knowledge and resources they need to take care of their aging pets. Her expertise in dog care and nutrition, coupled with her exceptional writing skills, has made her an essential part of the KnowMyDog.com team. Through her writing, Daisy shares her knowledge on a wide range of topics related to senior dog health and wellness, from exercise tips to advice on managing chronic health conditions.
Daisy’s passion for dogs and her commitment to excellence have made her a trusted source of information for pet owners seeking guidance on how to care for their senior dogs. Her ability to distill complex information into easy-to-understand articles has earned her a loyal following among dog owners who appreciate her expertise and her ability to make difficult topics accessible. Overall, Daisy’s work at KnowMyDog.com has made a significant impact in the pet industry, and her dedication to helping senior dogs and their owners is sure to continue benefiting countless pets and their human companions for years to come.
