Common dachshund health issues owners must watch

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany as hunter dogs for badgers but are now popular all over the world owing to their smart and enthusiastic personality and mini size, which is fit for small apartment homes. They have short and muscular legs, a strong build, mini to medium size, and are brave and energetic.

Dachshunds come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and coat types. There are also two dachshund sizes:

Standard Dachshunds weigh 16–32 pounds and stand 8–9 inches tall.

Miniature Dachshunds: They are under 11 pounds and stand just 5–6 inches tall.

Characteristics of dachshunds

Height: They have a height of 5-9 inches.

Weight: Doxies weigh nearly 11-32 pounds.

Life expectancy: They are expected to live a life of 12-16 years.

Breed group: comes in the hound category

Temperament: friendly, less aggressive

Energy level: active, high energy

Shedding level: low

Common health issues: intervertebral disc disease, dental problems, eye issues, obesity, etc.

Common health issues of dachshunds

Dachshunds generally have a 12-16 year lifespan, but they are prone to many health issues that affect their quality of life. Here we are going to pen down some of them so that pet owners are aware of their dachshund's state of life.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds is caused by a bulging or slipped disc within the vertebral column of the spine. As many as 25% of dachshunds may develop IVDD in their lifetime, and it can lead to lifetime paralysis if not treated timely.

Take your Dachshund to the veterinarian if you notice a change in the way they move or any of the following symptoms:

• Back pain and troubled movement

• Trouble walking and jumping

• Limping or lameness

• Holding head/neck down

• Dragging paws

• Scuffed toenails

• Problems urinating or defecating

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment with anti-inflammatory and pain medication may be recommended, as well as muscle relaxants and strict cage rest—no playing, running, or jumping; only short, leashed walks to go to the bathroom are allowed.

For diagnosis your vet may carry out imaging such as x-ray, CT scan, or MRI to exactly locate the point of damage. Vet-approved diagnostic procedures are crucial in addition to clinical signs for precise diagnosis.

Surgery or other treatments for more severe IVDD are often necessary to help dogs regain use of their legs and other functions affected by a slipped disc. Some dogs never recover fully despite treatment.

Obesity

Dachshunds are highly susceptible to obesity if they have a sedentary and lazy lifestyle or if they are experiencing other health issues such as IVDD, skeletal disorders, etc., which restrict movement and mobility and cause obesity.

It is advised to monitor and weigh your dachshund at least once yearly to keep them fit and healthy; their diet plan should be regulated if they are gaining weight, and exercise must be included in their routine if they are indoors and not going for hunting. You can schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to find out how many calories your dog needs each day and to create a weight loss plan for your dachshund if he or she is overweight.

Deafness and ear problems

Congenital and hereditary deafness is common in some dachshunds, especially dappled ones, if their mother and father are both dappled. Dapple dachshunds are those who have mottles or patches of white color on their coats. Although there is no cure for this condition, dogs can live a healthy life, as this has nothing to do with the longevity of dogs. Other than congenital deafness, ear diseases and conditions can be treated and managed by strict adherence to veterinary guidance.

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is common in small dogs, including Dachshunds. This is caused by the kneecap slipping out of its normal position, and the condition often occurs simultaneously in both hind legs.

You may notice your Dachshund limping on their hind legs, or you may see a skip or bunny hop in their gait when they walk. Depending on the severity, some dogs do not require any treatment, but others may need anti-inflammatory and pain medications or even surgery.

For diagnosing a luxating patella, radiography to rule out other conditions and bone abnormalities is recommended.

Giving your dachshund joint supplements and keeping them at a healthy weight may help prevent secondary issues.

Dental problems

Mini dogs such as Dachshunds are more susceptible to periodontal diseases, in which plaque and tartar build up on a dog's teeth, leading to gum inflammation, bacterial infections, and tooth decay and loss.

The best way to prevent this is to brush teeth daily or twice weekly. Your veterinarian can recommend the best toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with other oral health products like dental chews and water additives.

Nasal diseases

Dachshunds have long faces and are dolichocephalic, which is a minus point for them and makes them susceptible to many bacterial, viral, and fungal infections of the upper respiratory tract, sinuses, and nose.

If your dog is having nasal issues, the following signs may be shown:

• Excessive mucus secretion

• Congestion

• Sneezing and coughing

• Nose rubbing, etc.

Bring it to the veterinarian if you notice any one of the following symptoms to determine the root cause of the problem.

Epilepsy or neurological issues

Idiopathic epilepsy is the presence of seizures without a known cause. The seizures commonly start when a dog is young, between 1 and 5 years old, and this condition is suspected to be genetic.

There are two main kinds of seizures in dachshunds:

Generalized seizures affect the entire body. Your dog is not aware of their surroundings, often experiences convulsions, and may urinate or defecate during a seizure.

Focal seizures are more subtle; they can cause chewing movements or twitching of the face or a limb.

Conclusion

Keeping a dachshund is an exciting experience, but it costs a lot when minor negligence regarding their health costs you a lot, as they are susceptible to many health issues; monitoring and careful consideration are necessary to avoid irreversible loss.