Dachshunds are prone to back problems, and as an owner, it’s important that you take steps to prevent them. In this article, we will discuss how to keep your dachshunds back healthy and strong. We’ll cover diet, exercise, and other tips that every owner needs to know.
Keep your dachshund at a healthy weight
One of the easiest ways you can avoid back problems in your dachshund is to keep them at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs are more prone to back injuries, so it’s important to make sure they’re eating the right foods and getting enough exercise.
A diet for a dachshund should include plenty of high-quality protein and moderate amounts of fat. Carbs should be kept to a minimum, as they can cause weight gain.
All dogs differ with this but there are some great companies that specifically make food for dachshunds and help you with portion sizes depending on their exercise routine and how much they weigh.
Don’t let them jump or climb stairs (or at least try)
Now, this one is tricky. As all dachshund owners know they can be a handful. They are independent and stubborn creatures. Trying to keep them from jumping or climbing stairs can be like herding cats! But it’s important, as these activities put a lot of strain on their backs.
If you can’t keep your dachshund from doing these things, at least try to limit how often they do them. And make sure they always have a soft place to land if they fall.
If you can’t avoid this, consider buying a stairgate or even ramps to help them get up and down.
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Exercise your dachshund the right way
Dachshunds need exercise, but it’s important to do it the right way. Too much strenuous activity can actually cause back problems, so it’s important to take things slow.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure your dachshund gets at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, playing fetch, and swimming.
Swimming is especially good for dachshunds because it’s low-impact and doesn’t put stress on their backs.
However, not all dachshunds like the water so this might not be an option for some.
Provide soft bedding for them to rest
A soft or even better orthopedic bed is crucial for a dachshund as they are prone to back injuries and problems. A good bed will support their spine and make sure they get enough rest, which is essential for their health.
A dachshund’s bed should be big enough for them to curl up in, and it’s a good idea to have one in multiple places so they can always get comfortable.
Dogs typically like beds that are raised off the ground, so consider buying a bed with a frame or getting an orthopedic foam pad to put on top of their regular bed.
Avoid letting them play with toys that could injure their back
Dachshunds think they’re invincible and will try to play with anything they can get their paws on. This can often lead to injuries, including back problems.
To avoid this, it’s important to keep an eye on what toys your dachshund is playing with. Make sure they’re not playing with things that are too big or could easily injure them.
Take them to the vet for regular checkups and screenings
It’s important to take your dachshund to the vet for regular checkups, even if they don’t seem to have any back problems. Vet screenings can help catch potential issues early on and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Your vet can also give you advice on how to keep your dog healthy and avoid back injuries.
Carry your dachshund the right way
Often overlooked but picking up and carrying your dachshund the right way can help prevent back problems.
When picking up your Dachshund it’s advised you follow the “scoop” method. This means putting your hand under their chest from behind and scooping them up, as opposed to trying to lift them by their back.
This will help make sure you don’t put any unnecessary strain on their backs.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are a unique breed of dog and require special attention when it comes to their health. Owners need to be especially careful in preventing back problems, which can often be debilitating for the animal.
There are many things owners can do to help prevent back injuries, such as providing soft bedding, monitoring what toys they play with, and exercising them correctly. It’s also important to take them to the vet for regular checkups so any potential issues can be caught early on.
By following these tips, owners can help ensure their dachshund stays healthy and has a long, happy life.
