Dachshund Health Issues: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Dachshund Healthy

Introduction

It's a pleasure to have Dachshund company in our lives but it is necessary to talk about the health problems that this unique breed may face. Despite being well-known for their unique body types and energetic and stubborn characters, dachshunds might have some health issues that owners must be aware of.

Everything you need to know about common Dachshund health problems can be found in this guide, which also provides helpful advice on maintaining your Dachshund's health.

Overview of Dachshund Health Issues

Dachshunds are quite strong breeds; however, there are typical health issues related to their lovely, unique shape. Due to their short and long body type, they might have spine, discs, and joint problems that might appear later in their lives. However, being knowledgeable and careful of those issues can prevent these chronic diseases or have at least a positive effect on our short-legged buddies.  

Importance of Understanding Health Issues in Dog Breeds

As we know, there is no perfect dog breed regarding character or a healthy body. Each bread has its unique advantages and challenges. Knowing the health issues common to Dachshunds and other dog breeds allows owners to be proactive in detecting issues and start treatment at early stages, which can prevent minor issues from becoming life-threatening problems. This way, owners and Dachshunds can enjoy stress-free lives. 

Understanding the Dachshund Breed

The Dachshund breed originated in the 15th century and became popular around 18th-19th century. They are well known for their badger hunting capabilities thanks to their unique short-legged and wiener-like body shape. It allows them to be close to the ground and dig deeper holes. With amazing smelling skills, finding and hunting the badgers is quite simple for them.

Short Legs and Their Impact on Dachshund Health Problems

Although having short legs gives them a huge advantage in nature for survival skills, it might be the most significant disadvantage for our lovely companies in city life. We know it is so hard to say "NO" to them when they are jumping to bed or sofa. However, due to short legs, these activities can cause serious disc problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). 

Why Dachshunds Are Genetically Prone to Certain Health Issues?

These joint and disc problems are expected to happen because of their genetics and wrong activities adopted by the owners. We all love it when our furry friends happily jump around us and snuggle next to us in the bed or sofa, but we should supervise these activities with correct practices. 

Most Common Dachshund Health Issues

There are some common health issues among Dachshunds, such as intervertebral disc disease, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. These diseases might decrease the life quality of your Dachshund if not taken care of properly. Before deeply diving into each one, we suggest visiting a veterinarian regularly and closely watching your little buddies' health.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most dangerous and common health issues in Dachshunds due to their unique body structure. It is estimated that about 20%-25% of Dachshunds might develop IVDD in their lifespan. 

IVDD starts with degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae of the spine. The main reason for this disease is that dachshunds have abnormally shaped spines. 

The discs can split or break, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and neurological problems. There are two common types of IVDD:

Type I IVDD

This type involves the sudden breaks or splits of discs, especially in younger Dachshunds. This type is more common than the Type II IVDD.

Type II IVDD

Type II IVDD is caused by slower, more progressive degeneration of the discs over time and is seen in older dogs.

Early detection is crucial for managing and treating IVDD. If you notice any of the signs below, please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible since early diagnosis and intervention can improve the result of the treatment.

• Mild signs include a reluctance to jump or climb stairs, abnormal rigidity in the back or neck, and changes in standing and movement behaviours.
• Moderate signs: Reduced activity level, difficulty walking, crying out of pain and arched back.
• Severe signs: Inability to walk or move, loss of bladder and bowel control, complete immobility of the back part of the body.

While there is no guarantee to avoid IVDD in Dachshunds, there are some suggested steps to reduce risks:

The treatment of IVDD depends on the Dachshund's age and the disease's severity. For mild cases, it is suggested that your Dachshund rests in the crate for several weeks, and the pain should be managed with medications such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories. 

For serious cases, there might be a need for surgical intervention, such as removing the degenerated discs to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. The success rate of surgery is generally positive, especially if performed early.

Rehabilitation is crucial after treatment such as physical therapy and controlled exercises, for recovery and to prevent a recurrence.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A Common Eye Issue in Dachshund Dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition caused by mutations in specific genes responsible for developing and maintaining the retina in Dachshunds. In PRA, the cells in the retina start degenerating gradually over time, which leads to progressive loss of vision.

This health problem usually starts with the loss of night vision, followed by a gradual decline in daytime vision and total blindness.

PRA is relatively common in Dachshunds, especially in certain lines that carry the gene for the disease. The exact percentage can vary, but PRA is a recognized hereditary condition in the breed, making genetic testing important for breeders and owners.

The early detection of Progressive Retinal Atrophy can be challenging because the symptoms are indirect. However, there are signs to look for in your Dachshund, such as night blindness, which might be noticed if your Dachshund hesitates to go out in the dark or bumps objects at night.

Dilated pupils, eyeshine, or behavioral changes such as Dachshund become more anxious or reluctant to move around, especially in unfamiliar environments.

Although it is almost impossible to prevent once a Dachshund inherits the genes for PRA, making your Dachshund's life comfortable and preventing the spread of the disease can be minimized. Genetic testing, regular eye exams, and routine veterinary checkups can help detect PRA earlier and allow for better management of the condition.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PRA, however, there are simple ways to manage the condition. Adjusting the environment for safety and predictability for your Dachshunds is crucial. Avoiding rearranging furniture and room layout can be beneficial in reducing risks of injury.

Hip Dysplasia in Dachshunds: Causes and Concerns

Hip dysplasia is a relatively uncommon disease in Dachshunds compared to other breeds, but it can still occur. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly. It can lead to a loose fit between the hip joints. Hip dysplasia can gradually develop over time and cause pain or movement discomfort. 

Two reasons that can cause hip dysplasia in dachshunds are genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors such as not being in a healthy weight range or too much or too little exercise. 

You might notice some clear signs if your Dachshund has hip dysplasia, such as limping, difficulty in movement, decreased activity, pain after movement and muscle loss.

The cure for hip dysplasia depends on the severity of the disease and is mainly solved by surgical operations such as Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) or Total Hip Replacement (THR).

Lifestyle adjustments can help to deal with this disease by modifying the home environment by using ramps instead of stairs or jumping and providing orthopedic sleeping gear. 

Skin Cancer in Dachshunds: Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that can affect Dachshunds. SCC is not extremely common in dachshunds, but it does occur, especially in dachshunds with lighter skin or those exposed to significant amounts of sunlight. 

Several factors can cause SCC in Dachshunds, such as genetics, sun exposure, or chronic inflammation. Chronic wounds, skin infections, or other inflammatory conditions might increase the risk of SCC by damaging the skin cells.

Similar to human cancer treatments, Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dachshund can be treated via Chemotherapy, Cryotherapy, surgical removal of affected tumors and tissues, and radiation therapy. 

There are ways to reduce risk factors of SCC, such as limiting sun exposure for Dachshunds, especially light-coloured ones, doing regular skin checks, and using protective clothing and hats for Dachshunds while spending outdoor time.

Dental Problems in Dachshunds: Periodontal Disease

Dental health problems in small breeds are quite common, especially periodontal disease. Dachshunds are particularly prone to dental problems due to their crowded teeth and smaller mouth structures, which can lead to plaque and tartar accumulation more easily. 

There are many reasons why the periodontal diseases occur in Dachshunds listed as:

Wrong diets: Diets consisting of soft foods can contribute to plaque buildup as these foods stick to the teeth more easily.

Lack of dental care: As humans, Dachshunds need regular brushing and professional cleanings to prevent plaque and tartar from showing up.

Genetics: Due to the smallmouth shape of dachshunds, which are full of teeth in a small area, they are harder to clean, which leads to the buildup of tartar and plaque.

As pet parents, you might notice some signs of your Dachshund's mouth health being okay or not. One of the earliest signs of periodontal disease is strong bad breath. It may be followed by inflammation of the gums, which can be noticed with red or swollen areas in the mouth. In some strong cases, unfortunately, it can lead to difficulty eating and/or losing or missing teeth. 

On the positive side, taking care of your Dachshunds` mouth health problems is not so hard. Adopting regular brushing, providing a balanced diet that balances soft and hard food together, routine veterinary checkups, and dental chews and toys, can provide a healthy mouth for your dog.

Luxating Patella: A Common Joint Problem in Dachshund Dogs

Luxating patella is a common joint problem in Dachshunds. It is also known as "floating kneecap" or "dislocated kneecap." 

A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. The main reason for this disease is the short-leg and long-body shapes of Dachshunds. This cute body shape creates extra stress on the joints, which can lead to Luxating patella. Other factors such as trauma or injury and ligament weakness can also be responsible for developing luxating patella.

If it is not caused by trauma or injury, luxating patella is hard to notice in the early stages since it develops slowly. However, if you notice difficulty walking or running, limping, or hopping on one leg on your dog, you should consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Depending on the severity of the luxating patella, treatment methods can vary. Weight management, pain relief with anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to strengthen the knee-supporting muscles might be recommended for mild cases. 

For more severe cases, surgery can be the solution to manage the luxating patella. Realigning the patellar tendon, tightening or releasing soft tissues, and deepening the femoral groove might help Dachshunds recover from luxating patella and regain a fully functional knee. High-risk physical therapy and rehabilitation may be needed after the operation.

Liver Disease in Older Dachshunds

Liver disease is an important health concern in older Dachshunds. Liver disease can be caused by many reasons, namely infections, toxins, obesity, tumors, age-related degeneration, and genetics. 

Live disease can develop slowly; however, some early symptoms are easy to notice. If your Dachshund is suffering from loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, and reduced energy levels, we suggest you contact a veterinarian to diagnose and start treatment.

Depending on the severity of the liver disease, in some cases, medications are quite fine for treatment. Your vet may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or liver-support medications to support liver functions. Dietary changes and regular monitoring are crucial for precise treatment as well.

Diabetes in Dachshunds: How This Dog Breed Can Develop Diabetes?

Diabetes is relatively common in older Dachshunds, especially in females. Dogs can develop diabetes when their pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Genetics, obesity, hormonal changes, age, or chronic inflammation of the pancreas can heavily contribute to building diabetes in your Dachshund.

Early detection is a huge help for effective treatment for Dachshunds. Common symptoms are increased thirst, urination, hunger, clouded eyes, sweet-smelling breath, and weight loss. 

Unfortunately, diabetes in dogs cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with proper care. With the help of correct treatment, keeping blood glucose levels stable is possible. 

The most common way of treatment is insulin therapy. Diabetic Dachshunds will require daily insulin injections to regulate glucose levels in their blood. Diet management, exercise to keep a healthy weight, and regular blood glucose monitoring are also essential for proper treatment.

Less Common but Significant Dachshund Health Issues

Dachshunds, like many other dog breeds, can have various health issues. While we've already covered some of them, like IVDD, dental problems, and diabetes, there are also less common but very important health concerns that Dachshund lovers and owners should be aware of. 

Unfortunately, there is still a chance of epilepsy, heart disease, thyroid-related diseases, and many more. These conditions can seriously impact your dog's quality of life, but with early diagnosis and proper care, Dachshunds can live a healthy, happy and comfortable life. 

Independent from whatever health problem your Dachshund can have, please remember that routine veterinary checkups, awareness of the signs and symptoms, and a proactive approach to your Dachshund's health are key factors for preventing and treating these unfortunate events.

Conclusion

We all agree that Dachshunds are special dogs with unique appearances and stubborn characters. We must remember that this cuteness can cause some disadvantages to a Dachshund's health, such as spine and joint problems.

We tried to cover the most common Dachshund health issues your wiener buddy may face, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), periodontal disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and liver diseases.

Early detection and preventive measures, such as weight control, regular veterinary checkups, daily exercises, and a healthy diet, are essential for every dog breed, specifically Dachshunds. As dog parents, we should be aware of the health of our small wieners and take necessary action. 

We covered the most important parts of Dachshund's health care and hope you will enjoy reading this. Please leave your opinion in the comments section below if you have anything to add, discuss, or share.

PS: Remember to share this article with other Dachshund's parents. A little info can save lives :)