Health and Care of Dachshunds

 

Dachshunds are typically healthy dogs, but they are prone to back issues (such as IVDD) due to how long it is. This is why is it very important that Dachshunds do not become overweight. Also, get ramps for your deck and chairs so they are not jumping from high surfaces. When carrying a dachshund, always support their back. Also it should be noted that dachshunds love food and always act hungry so it is easy to overfeed them. I give my dachshund 1/4 of a cup of Hills Science Diet food (which funnily has a dachshund on the bag) in the morning and again at night. You should ask your vet for the correct proportion of food each day. 

They are also prone to diabetes and joint issues. They have dwarf like legs so dachshunds should be given supplements to prevent future joint problems. 

They should go on two ten minute walks a day to keep active because they have a moderate energy level. Also, dachshund racing is something that should be generally avoided due to the possibility  of overstraining their backs. 

In terms of grooming, it depends on the variant of dachshund you get. For longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds, they should groomed once a month (which is what I do). There, Andante (my doxie) gets bathed, brushed and gets his nails clipped. Longhaired and wirehaired dachshunds should also really be brushed everyday. The smooth coat variant does not shed much as the other two variants and does not need to be groomed as often.