The Dachshund is a
surprisingly sturdy dog with stamina, one that will
do quite well with moderate exercise. Keep in mind
that due to the body structure, this breed tends to
gain weight quickly. Therefore, you would need to
take care not to feed this breed too much, paying
particular attention to the foods they are given on
a regular basis. With this in mind, it is best to
ask some questions of the breeder you are working
with and of the veterinarian to help you set a diet
that will be best for your pet. For instance, you
might consider making fresh meals for their
Dachshund with healthy foods such as vegetables and
grains that contain the right vitamins and the right
levels of protein.
There are some factors to keep in mind when you are
working with the vet or breeder to set a meal plan
for your new puppy, or when you are changing the
diet of a grown dog. These factors include age,
bloodlines of the dog, activity level, and the food
currently being fed. If you decide to go with
commercial pet foods, most experts would urge you to
buy only the premium brands and mixes so that your
Dachshund gets the proper amount of water, vitamins,
enzymes, etc. Changes in the dog’s diet should be
made gradually and with attention to how the pet
reacts to the change. In fact, it is best not to
make the change completely in less than two or three
weeks.
As for physical problems, the
Dachshund is prone to back injury and conditions due
to its elongated spine. Unfortunately, the back of
this breed can lead to paralysis the dog’s later
stages. However, the breed is also prone to
degenerative disc disease, a genetic condition that
can often be eliminated from your list of problems
by dealing with a careful and reputable breeder that
closely monitors his breeding stock and the health
of his puppies. If you suspect a disc problem, look
for unusually quiet, slow-moving behavior,
sensitivity to touch on the neck, yelping or crying
when moving the head, or poor appetite.
It may be best to have a ramp for the Dachshund to
get to a second level of floor or onto furniture,
such as a bed, if you allow the pet to do that. With
a ramp or pet stairs, this greatly reduces the
potential for damage to the discs in the spine. If
you hold your Dachshund, it is best to hold the pet
with the back horizontal, supporting the chest. This
too will help prevent injury to the back and spine.
Now, if you have children in the home, it would be
vital that they learn to leave the Dachshund on the
ground, or be taught how to hold it properly.
The Dachshund is also prone to heart disease and
diabetes, especially if the diet and exercise
schedule are not correct for the pet. The breed can
become overweight and lazy, leading to serious
health problems in later life. Generally, the
Dachshund will live 12 years or more, even up to 16
years, if it is properly cared for. The wrong diet
and too many treats can lead to obesity in the
Dachshund, so the owner should always be careful
about getting away from a regular meal plan. You
will even find veterinarians that suggest carrots
and celery as treats. Some suppliers now have
excellent natural treats for Dachshunds as well.
The Dachshund is a clean dog that should be bathed
monthly. They usually carry little or no “dog” odor
and shed an average amount, unlike many other
breeds. The smooth coated variety of Dachshund
should show a consistent and shiny coat. Because of
few health risks and ease of grooming, this
particular breed makes an exceptional pet.
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