5 Common Dachshund Health Concerns
According to the AKC, Dachshund dogs are one of the most popular breeds within the club. It’s easy to see why— these adorable four-footers are friendly, spunky, and perfect for a variety of living situations.
Before you bring over your adorable wiener dog, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s background. Like any other breed, Dachshunds have specific health concerns unique to them.
Are you considering welcoming a dashing Dachshund into your life? Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common health concerns all Dachshund owners should be aware of.
Back Issues
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers which is why they have stout, long bodies.
Unfortunately, the Dachshund’s characteristically long body comes at a cost. These darling dogs run the risk of developing serious back issues, including Intervertebral Disk Disease.
Intervertebral Disk Disease or IVDD, is when a dog’s spinal disc deteriorates leaving it open to bursting when provoked by different activities like walking up the stairs or jumping off of the couch.
This condition can be extremely painful for your pooch and lead to serious nerve damage. This condition is usually treated with surgery and the use of pain medication. Some preventative measures you can consider are investing in a back brace for your dog, limiting your Dachshund’s use of stairs and jumping, and using a harness instead of a collar to secure your pooch on walks.
Hip Dysplasia
Unfortunately, these pint-sized pooches are no stranger to the perils of hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint fall out of place and cause loss of function and pain over time.
Hip dysplasia is often genetic which is why it’s so important to find a responsible breeder when picking out your puppy. This condition can also be worsened with obesity and improper nutrition.
Fortunately, hip dysplasia can be treated with surgery, physical therapy, stem cell therapy, and joint supplements. However, it doesn’t hurt to keep your Dachshund’s general health in check as a preventative measure. In addition, try to limit your Dachshund’s jumping and stair use to keep their joints in tip-top shape. Don’t forget you can bank your pups stem cells during their spay or neuter procedure. That way you have their younger healthier cells ready for treatments should they need it. Learn more here
Obesity
Like many dogs, Dachshunds are prone to suffering from obesity. However, this condition is particularly critical for this breed since their small legs can’t support too much extra weight. In fact, obesity in Dachshunds can lead to a whole onslaught of problems, including back issues.
The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on your furry friend’s weight. Try to take it easy on the treats as well— Buddy may be begging for the extra bit of food, but limiting his treat intake is important. If needed, your veterinarian can help you adjust Fido’s diet and exercise routine as needed to maintain his healthy levels.
Skin Problems
Dachshunds and other breeds are susceptible to a variety of skin issues including dermatitis, hair loss, and food allergies. The breed occasionally suffers from a condition somewhat unique to Dachshunds called Acanthosis Nigricans. This condition leads to dark skin around the armpit and groin area of an affected dog’s skin.
With any of these conditions, it’s best to seek counsel from a veterinarian as they can be caused by a variety of inherited and environmental factors.
Eye Issues
These sweet sausage dogs have beautiful eyes, but unfortunately, they are susceptible to a variety of eye issues. Some of the most common eye conditions that Dachshunds include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma.
Most of these conditions are inherited, so make sure you have a firm understanding of your potential puppy’s pedigree so that you’re prepared accordingly. Glaucoma can occur when there’s too much fluid in the eye, so it’s imperative to stay on top of your furry friend’s health checks.
Like any other breed, Dachshund dogs have their own set of specific health concerns. As responsible pet parents, it’s our duty to protect these darling dogs to the best of our abilities. After all, these cute creatures are so worth the effort with all the love and joy they bring to our lives. Enjoy spending time with the distinguished Dachshund!
