Do dachshunds have any health problems? Dachshunds are generally happy and healthy dogs but certain health issues can be common for this breed. Knowing the potential risks and how to prevent them is the best way to ensure a long and fulfilling life for your pup.
This article will explore common health concerns of dachshunds and provide tips for preventive care to keep your pup healthy for years to come.
Do Dachshunds Have Any Health Problems – Table Of Content:
11 most common health issues in dachshunds
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Patella luxation
- Eye problems
- Seizures
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart disease
- Skin problems
- Lafora disease
- Cancers/tumours
How to prevent health problems in Dachshunds
Do Dachshunds Have Any Health Problems – 11 Most Common Health Issues
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a spinal disorder that can affect about 20 -25% of dachshunds. This condition results from the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which normally act as shock absorbers between the spine’s vertebrae. The disc material may swell, collapse, or rupture, leading to nerve root compression and potential pain and disability.
Symptoms of this condition can include back pain, sudden limping, refusal to jump or walk or sensitivity to touch on their back. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include medications, physical therapy and even surgery.
Beyond medical intervention, avoiding certain physical activities is extremely important in preventing potential damage to your doxie’s back:
– jumping on and down from furniture, such as sofas and beds – use dog ramps for your sausage dogs instead
– getting in and out of the car
– walking up and down the stairs – consider using stair gates and carry your doxie instead
– incorrectly lifting or carrying your dachshund can also put a strain on their back – you should support your dog’s weight at both ends of their body
Obesity
Obesity can become an issue for dachshunds, though it is one of the most preventable conditions for the breed. Excessive weight gain can cause serious medical issues, including Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), joint problems or heart disease.
It is essential that you provide your dachshund with a balanced healthy diet and the right amount of exercise.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dachshunds is a genetic condition that causes malformation of the hip joint. The symptoms usually include limping, stiffness or pain in the back legs. Often, the condition starts when the pup is young (before they are one year old) and progresses over time.
The treatment of hip dysplasia includes medication, physical therapy, healthy diet and sometimes even surgery. The best way to prevent hip dysplasia in dachshunds is to ensure that both parents have been screened for the condition. If possible, purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who will carry out health screening of your puppy’s parents.
Patella luxation
Patella luxation is a condition in dachshunds that occurs when the kneecap, or patella, slides out of its normal position. This can cause pain and limping in the affected leg. There are 4 grades of this condition. Starting with grade 1 which is the mildest form, while grade 4 is the most severe form and normally requires surgery.
Eye problems
Eye problems in dachshunds can range from simple, minor issues such as dry eyes to more complex cases of cataracts, glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disorder that affects the eyesight of dachshunds and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 5-7 years old. PRA is an incurable and degenerative condition, meaning it only gets worse with time, and some dogs may eventually go blind.
Always check your doxie’s eyes regularly and watch out for any symptoms such as vision loss, night blindness, cloudy eyes or the appearance of “salt-and-pepper” spots in the retinas.
Seizures
Epileptic seizures in dachshunds are common and can present in various forms. They may include uncontrollable muscle jerks, spasms, stumbling, shaking, disorientation, collapsing, or even temporarily losing consciousness. Usually, the seizures last for a short time, although in some cases, they can be prolonged lasting up to several minutes.
These seizures can be quite frightening but it’s important to stay calm and make sure your doxie can’t injury him/herself by hitting their head or limbs into any objects around them. Make sure to contact your vet as soon as the seizure is over to seek medical advice. Seizures can be managed well with medications and your sausage dog can lead a relative normal life.
Lafora disease
Lafora disease is a progressive, inherited, epileptic disorder that affects some wire haired dachshunds. Symptoms of Lafora disease typically appear from the age of 5 onwards and will become more frequent and more severe over time. Eventually, the dog may develop other neurological symptoms such as ataxia, blindness and dementia.
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Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism in dachshunds is an autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid does not produce enough of the hormones necessary for proper cellular functioning. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, hair loss, weight gain, and depression. Hypothyroidism in dachshunds can be diagnosed through a blood test and can be treated with regular thyroid hormone replacement therapy. With proper care, dachshunds can lead a happy, healthy life with this condition.
Heart disease
Dachshunds may experience some heart conditions such as heart murmurs or the more serious Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) seen in dogs over 10 years of age.
Sometimes dachshund puppies can develop heart murmurs, often around of age of 8 weeks, but these often resolve as your pup grows older.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the most common heart disease in dachshunds. It occurs when the mitral valve, which helps regulate the flow of blood between the left upper chamber of the heart and the left lower chamber, leaks over time. This leads to an inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Signs of MVD include coughing when asleep or while resting, lethargy, breathing difficulties or exercise intolerance.
Skin problems
Skin problems in dachshunds can vary from minor allergies and infections to more serious conditions like mange, dermatitis or alopecia. Allergies are the most common skin issues in sausage dogs and can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.
Infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause issues such as seborrhoea, hot spots, and alopecia.
Colour Dilution Alopecia is common in blue and Isabella dachshunds, which means they are more prone to skin conditions such as infections and possibly even cancer.
Cancers/tumours
Cancer and tumours are concerning health issues for all canine breeds, dachshunds included. These can come in a variety of forms and vary in severity. Skin cancers, lymphoma, and mammary tumours are just some of the more common tumours dachshunds can suffer from.
Doxie’s are particularly at risk of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma or mast cell tumors. It is therefore important to check their skin for any unusual bumps or lumps regularly and visit your vet if you have any concerns.
Mammary tumours can occur in 25% of female dogs (over the age of 4) that are un-spayed or are spayed too early (usually after their first heat).
Do Dachshunds Have Any Health Problems – How To Prevent Them
Although you can’t prevent all of the health issues that affect the dachshund breed, you can certainly take measures to help prevent some of them:
DNA testing of your puppy‘s parents – purchase your puppy from a responsible breeder when possible as they carry out health screening of both parents to minimise the risk of inherited diseases
Vaccinations – make sure you are up to date with all core vaccinations
Exercise and healthy diet – feed your doxie a healthy balanced diet and make sure they get lots of exercise, both physical and mental stimulation
Purchase ramps and stair gates – avoid potential risk of your sausage dog developing IVDD by using ramps and stair gates so they don’t have to jump and won’t be walking up and down the stairs
Weekly health checks – regular health checks at home are vital because the earlier you spot any health issues the better. Check your dachshunds’ eyes, ears, teeth, feet, nails, coat and skin on weekly basis and if you spot anything unusual, seek medical advice from your vet.
Vet visits and pet insurance – have your doxie checked by a vet on regular basis and get a good pet insurance
Do Dachshunds Have Any Health Problems – Conclusion
Although they can be prone to certain health problems, with the right care and prevention, you can keep your dachshund healthy and happy for many years.
Do Dachshunds Have Any Health Problems – Let Us Know What You Think!
What other tips can you give us to prevent health issues in dachshunds? Please let us know in the comments below.
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