Hello, fellow lovers of long dogs and low standards for personal space!
My name’s Bob (you can call me Big Bob, like my wife’s sisters do), and I am the proud, chubby, slightly creaky-kneed owner of Sir Wigglebottom the Third—a seven-year-old dachshund with a royal attitude and the spinal integrity of a Jenga tower mid-game.
Now, I’m no vet. Heck, I pull a hamstring putting on socks. But what I do have is years of hands-on, belly-scratching, treat-dispensing experience with this long-bodied legend of the dog world. So, if you’re a new dachshund owner, a seasoned wiener wrangler, or just curious about what can go wrong when your dog is shaped like a furry bratwurst, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive (carefully, no jumping!) into the most common health problems in dachshunds, and how us humans can do a better job keeping these adorable little sausages healthy.
1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – AKA: The "My Back!" Special
IVDD in dachshunds, dachshund back problems
If there’s one thing dachshunds are famous for (besides their disproportionate egos), it’s back problems. Their long spines and short legs are a biomechanical recipe for disaster—kind of like building a bridge out of spaghetti noodles.
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is the fancy medical term that haunts all dachshund owners’ dreams. It's when the discs in the spine slip, bulge, or rupture, which can lead to pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, paralysis.
What to watch for:
Yelping when picked up
Wobbling like they just left a dachshund disco
Reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture
Dragging back legs (in severe cases)
Big Bob’s Tip: Invest in some ramps. We’ve got one leading up to the couch, the bed, the porch, and even one leading to his favorite sunbathing spot under the window. Sure, my house looks like a doggy retirement community, but it’s better than an expensive emergency surgery.
2. Obesity – The Struggle is Real
dachshund obesity, overweight dachshund
Let’s be honest here. I’m no stranger to a late-night snack. Apparently, neither is Sir Wigglebottom. Dachshunds love food like I love buttered biscuits. But the problem is, every extra pound on a dachshund is like me strapping a bowling ball to my back and trying to jog. Not happening.
Obesity is one of the most common dachshund health problems, and it makes everything worse—especially IVDD. More weight = more pressure on their spine and joints.
How to tell your sausage has too much casing:
No visible waist when viewed from above
Difficulty breathing during activity
Trouble getting up stairs (or refusing to try)
Big Bob’s Tip: Measure those meals. Treats count. And no, they can’t eat a corner of your sandwich just because they’re giving you the “sad eyes.” (Okay, sometimes they can, but not every day!)
3. Dental Disease – That Breath Could Melt Paint
dachshund dental problems, dachshund teeth cleaning
I love my little guy to pieces, but sweet biscuits—his breath could knock out a skunk. Dental disease is super common in dachshunds, and most of us don’t do enough to keep their chompers clean. Left untreated, it can lead to gum infections, tooth loss, and even heart disease.
Signs your dog’s mouth is a crime scene:
Bad breath (like, worse than normal)
Red or bleeding gums
Dropping food while eating
Pawing at the mouth
Big Bob’s Tip: Brush their teeth. Yes, actually. They sell toothbrushes for dogs, and toothpaste that tastes like chicken (I accidentally tried it once—do not recommend). Also, dental chews help, but they’re not magic.
4. Patellar Luxation – Knees, Why Do You Betray Me?
Dachshund knee problems, patellar luxation in dogs
Despite having tiny legs, dachshunds still manage to have knee problems. Patellar luxation is when the kneecap slips out of place. It’s not super common in all dachshunds, but when it hits, it’s no joke.
What to look for:
Skipping or “hopping” on one leg
Sudden lameness
Licking or biting at a knee
Big Bob’s Tip: Don’t let them overdo it with the jumping and roughhousing. And if your pup seems to have knee issues, get it checked sooner rather than later. Sir Wigglebottom once limped for a week just because he tried to chase a squirrel (he got three steps, bless him).
5. Ear Infections – The Itchy Truth
dachshund ear infections, dachshund floppy ear problems
Dachshunds have adorable floppy ears that make them look like living stuffed animals. Unfortunately, those same ears trap moisture and can become breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast.
Ear infections are a regular headache, especially for long-haired or wire-haired varieties.
Signs your wiener is dealing with a bad ear day:
Scratching or rubbing ears
Head shaking
Redness, odor, or discharge
Big Bob’s Tip: Wipe those ears once a week with a gentle dog ear cleaner. I use the “squirt and rub” method, which Sir Wigglebottom despises, but it keeps him smelling like a dog instead of a moldy sock.
6. Hypothyroidism – Slow-Mo Sausage Syndrome
dachshund hypothyroidism, dachshund metabolism problems
Some dachshunds suffer from hypothyroidism, which slows their metabolism and can cause weight gain, lethargy, and a sad-looking coat.
Watch for:
Sudden weight gain (without snack-based cheating)
Lethargy
Hair loss, especially on the sides
Big Bob’s Tip: This one needs a vet diagnosis and usually a daily pill. Sir Wigglebottom takes his with a blob of peanut butter and considers it a treat from the gods.
7. Eye Problems – Not Just a Pretty Face
dachshund eye diseases, progressive retinal atrophy in dachshunds
Dachshunds can inherit Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions that lead to vision loss. It’s sneaky and there’s no cure, but early detection can help you prepare.
Symptoms include:
Bumping into things
Fear of going out in the dark
Cloudy-looking eyes
Big Bob’s Tip: Regular vet checkups help. And if your pup does go blind, don’t worry—they adapt better than we do. Sir Wigglebottom’s buddy down the street is blind and still rules the dog park like a tiny, fluffy mafia boss.
8. Skin Issues – Flaky Friends
dachshund skin allergies, dachshund dry skin
Allergies, dry skin, and dermatitis are common in dachshunds. Some are allergic to pollen, dust, certain foods—or in Sir Wigglebottom’s case, apparently everything except rotisserie chicken.
Clues your dog’s skin is unhappy:
Constant scratching
Red, irritated patches
Licking paws obsessively
Big Bob’s Tip: Ask your vet about switching to a hypoallergenic diet, or adding omega-3s to their meals. Also, don’t bathe them too often—it strips the oils from their skin (and you’ll end up with a confused, wet sausage glaring at you).
Final Thoughts From a Middle-Aged Wiener Dad
Look, I know I’m no expert. But I do know this: owning a dachshund is like living with a tiny, judgmental roommate who occasionally gets the zoomies and always insists on sleeping under your blanket.
They’re hilarious, stubborn, needy, sweet, and yes—high maintenance. But if you stay on top of the most common dachshund health problems, you’ll be rewarded with years of wiggles, snuggles, and endless entertainment.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Sir Wigglebottom is barking at his reflection again. Probably thinks it’s an intruder. Or maybe he just wants a snack. Either way, duty calls.
Stay long and stay strong, my friends!
dachshund health problems
IVDD in dachshunds
overweight dachshund
dachshund dental disease
dachshund ear infections
dachshund allergies
common dachshund illnesses
Comments
Post a Comment