Dachshund care: How to care for a dachshund

Dachshunds, or sausage dogs, have a unique morphology: their body is long and robust, with a long tail and an elongated snout, their ears are long and droopy, and they have short, strong legs... they were specifically modified by the Germans to flush badgers out of their dens. Dachshunds are natural trackers and very brave, normally confronting foxes, badgers, and rabbits; though they can also stand up to a wild boar. Their sense of smell picks up scents from a great distance, making them ideal for these types of tasks.

Basic Dachshund Tips

They are not one of the dogs that require the most care, however, we leave you with some very useful tips to perfectly care for your Dachshund

- Walks: Take your Dachshund for walks often; exercise is very good for strengthening their back.

A Dachshund doesn't have the stamina for long runs, but they do enjoy long walks. Observe if they walk better with a dog collar or a dog harness; a collar is usually recommended from a young age to accustom them to not pulling.

- Training: It's important to know how to train a Dachshund from a puppy and ensure they socialize. It's also advisable for them to have toys within reach that they can chew on, preferably over your furniture. The most recommended are latex toys, which are difficult to break and non-toxic if swallowed. The Dachshund is a very stubborn dog; they need firm, repetitive handling from the beginning, always with the same words. Although it may seem impossible, training a Dachshund requires good doses of patience.

- Rest: Dog beds are essential, as they spend an average of 12 hours sleeping. It's advisable to set aside a place for them and teach them that this is where they should be, so the dog knows its place in the family. That spot will become their resting area.

- Bathing: As a general rule, dogs don't like to be bathed, and dachshunds even less, so arm yourself with patience. The first thing you'll need is a special dog shampoo and a basin or bathtub with warm water.

- Brushing: especially for long-haired Dachshunds, to prevent matting and remove loose hair and dead skin. If you need to trim their hair, take them to a professional.

- Feeding: Look in specialized stores for good dog food adapted to your Dachshund's needs. There are natural, organic, vegan, holistic options, and also completely natural frozen food. As you can see, there's a wide variety on the market. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what might be best for your dog. Always look for quality dog food.

- Health: Remember to visit the vet at least once a year and keep their health record up-to-date with the corresponding vaccinations. If the dog is healthy, two visits a year are sufficient. The professional will indicate what type of medications they will need: pipettes, parasiticides, vaccines, anti-tick sprays...

The breed is known for its spinal problems, due to its extremely long spine and short ribs. It is also prone to slipped discs and spinal injuries. As adults, they can suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, they tend to suffer from dental problems, and we must not forget that another of their weak points is obesity.

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Have you had any problems caring for your Dachshund? Tell us about it below; we'd love to read your comments.

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