Health Concerns Facing Dachshunds

Part of the care of your Dachshund will entail understanding the health concerns that can face this particular breed. Overall, Dachshunds are a fairly healthy breed that can live to a ripe old age range of 12-15 years. With this longevity comes additional health concerns however, like gum disease, heart disease and cancer that can be the result of aging. Dachshund care needs to include an awareness of these potential problems, and taking steps to help prevent the problems of aging long before they start. Other health concerns for a Dachshund owner to be aware of are genetic problems that are typical for the breed and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

Potential Genetic Diseases

If you have received your Dachshund puppy from a reputable breeder, there is a good chance that you will never have to worry about many of these problems, since breeding is done through a careful process to avoid potential health issues. However, it is wise to be aware of the possible problems that can come up so that you can ask your breeder about the likelihood of issues with your dachshund. It will also help you to provide better care to your Dachshund by knowing what to watch out for.

The first problem that is common in the breed is a variety of spinal disc problems, including slipped disc problem. While spinal problems are exacerbated by the long spinal column of the dog, there are other breeds (such as the Bassett Hound) with a similar structure that do not seem to suffer from the same kinds of problems. Back injuries can be greatly reduced as a part of Dachshund care by lifting your dog carefully so that you support his full spine evenly, and by not allowing him to jump on and off of furniture and into cars.

Another potential problem common to Dachshunds is mammary cancer, which can strike male and female dogs alike. The risk of this disease can be reduced by 98% by simply spaying or neutering your pet within the first six months of his life. Having your pet spayed or neutered as a puppy is an important part of Dachshund care for a number of reasons, and avoiding mammary cancer is one of them.

Protecting your Dog into his Golden Years

One step in Dachshund care that is important to begin early is brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Not only will this result in better smelling breath for your dog (an attractive feature, indeed!), it will also keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy into his later years. Good gum health can mean better health in other areas of your dog’s life as well. Another part of good Dachshund care that will help your dog to ride out his golden years in style will be a combination of good nutrition, sufficient exercise and careful weight maintenance. When a Dachshund becomes overweight and lazy, it can lead to many health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. A regular diet as a part of your Dachshund’s care should consist of a high-quality dry dog food that is given in proper portion size, and can be accompanied by the occasional doggy treat if desired.

Health concerns in Dachshund care will be considerably reduced once you learn how to choose a vet for your Dachshund. Regular checkups and inoculations, as well as a positive relationship with a regular veterinarian, are a vital part of your Dachshund’s care.