What health concerns should a Dachshund owner look out for?

IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease is a condition short-legged breeds like Dachshunds are prone to and while all breeds can suffer from disc disease, it is apparent at a much younger age.

Obesity – Another common problem for short-legged breeds is obesity which in turn can lead to a number of other health conditions.

Cushing’s Disease – This disease occurs when the adrenal glands malfunction and symptoms include increased thirst and increased appetite.

Excess shedding is not something a Dachshund owner has to worry about but whether you have a short-haired or long-haired Dachshund, you will need to bathe and brush your pet regularly. Long-haired varieties require the most maintenance but even so, a bath every so often and daily brushing is all they need in terms of upkeep. Dachshunds have long and droopy ears that need to be cleaned out regularly to avoid a build-up of bacteria.

It is a common misconception that Dachshunds require very little exercise, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This breed is prone to obesity and regular exercise is essential to keep your pet’s weight in the normal range. Despite their small appearance, this breed was created to hunt so it’s important not to underestimate their capabilities when it comes to physical activity. As a goal, opt for two walks per day of around 30 minutes and look for signs that your pet could use more exercise. If your pet is barking excessively or displaying destructive behaviour, this could be a tell-tale sign that your dog has pent up energy and needs longer walks.

All dogs need structure and consistency, and training creates a strong foundation for a healthy and happy Dachshund. This breed is strong-willed and determined but you can use these traits to your advantage when training them and use their favourite treat or toy as a reward for learning commands. Dachshunds are low to the ground and as a result, they may try to dodge walks on rainy days, this is one of the challenges you can overcome by training them from a young age.

Dachshunds have an unusual shape, (they are nicknamed sausage dogs after all), and notoriously fragile spines so care and consideration should be used when picking them up.   Dachshunds are prone to back issues due to their long spines and because of this, you should support their chest and bottom when you pick them up to avoid putting added stress on the spine.

There are two types of Dachshund, standard sized and miniature but exactly how small is the latter? A miniature Dachshund weighs around 11 pounds whereas the standard Dachshund can weigh up to 32 pounds.

While generally healthy, Dachshunds can be prone to common health problems, so having pet insurance can help to cover you against those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.