Do you own a dachshund? If so, you may have wondered why their feet turn out when they walk. It’s actually a very common question, and the answer is quite surprising!
In this article, we will discuss why do dachshunds feet turn out and what it means for their health. We will also provide tips for keeping your dachshund’s feet healthy and looking good!
Common Reasons Why Dachshunds Feet Turn Out
There are multiple reasons why this happens but here are some of the main reasons why.
Being Overweight
A very common issue for dachshunds that can cause their feet to turn out is being overweight. When dogs are overweight, they tend to put more pressure on their front legs and paws than normal. This extra pressure can cause the feet to turn outward instead of staying straight.
Bad Posture
If your dog has bad posture, this can also lead to their feet turning out. Dogs that have poor posture tend to put more pressure on their front legs, which can cause the feet to rotate outwards.
Poor Muscular Strength
Another reason why dachshunds’ feet may turn out is that they lack muscular strength in their hindquarters. This means that they are not able to support their body weight properly, leading to the feet turning out.
Long Nails
For some dachshunds having long nails can be another reason why their feet turn out. When the nails are too long, they can cause the toes to spread apart and rotate outwards.
Antebrachial growth deformity
This is a congenital deformity that affects the front legs of some dachshunds. It can cause the feet to turn out and the elbows to bend inwards.
Leg Trauma
If your dog has suffered an injury to their leg, this can also lead to their feet turning out. The injury may cause the muscles and tendons in the leg to become weak, which will result in the feet rotating outwards.
Genetics
Some dachshunds are simply born with feet that turn out. This is due to their genetics and there is nothing that can be done about it.
It’s important that you do your research before buying or adopting a dachshund puppy to make sure that they don’t have this congenital defect.
How to Prevent Your Dachshund’s Feet from Turning Out
There are several things you can do to help prevent your dog’s feet from turning out.
Keep them at a Healthy Weight
If your dog is overweight, help them lose weight by feeding them a healthy diet and giving them plenty of exercises.
Correct their Posture
If your dog has poor posture, you can help correct it by training them to sit and stand with good alignment. You can also use physical therapy exercises to improve their muscular strength.
Provide them with Exercise
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, especially in their hindquarters. This will help to improve their muscular strength and prevent the feet from turning out.
Trim their Nails Regularly
If your dog’s nails are too long, trim them regularly using a clipper or nail file.
Take them for Regular Check-ups
Make sure you take your dachshund for regular check-ups with a veterinarian. They will be able to identify any potential problems with the feet and legs, and provide treatment if necessary.
How to Keep Your Dachshund’s Feet Healthy
Now that you know some of the reasons why dachshunds’ feet turn out, let’s discuss how you can keep them healthy!
Wash their Feet Regularly
You can wash your dog’s feet with soap and water to help keep them clean and free of bacteria.
Apply a Foot Cream
You can apply a foot cream or moisturizer to their feet to help keep them hydrated. This will also help protect the skin from dryness and cracking. Always check which creams you should use with your veterinarian.
Massage their Feet
You can massage your dog’s feet regularly to help improve their circulation and keep them healthy.
Check for Injuries
Make sure you check your dog’s feet for any injuries or sores, and seek veterinary treatment if necessary.
Avoid Standing Them on Hot Surfaces
In hot weather, avoid standing your dog on hot surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. This can cause their feet to become burned or blister.
How Much Should I Exercise My Dachshund?
It is advised to exercise dachshunds for 5 minutes per 1 month of their age. So a six-month-old dachshund should be exercised for 30 minutes per day. This applies up to the age of 1 year, at which point you should increase the amount of exercise to 60 minutes per day.
Dogs need at least one hour of exercise per day, so make sure to take your dog for walks, runs, and playtime in the park. This is essential for their physical and mental health!
How Common Is Turned Out Feet In Dachshunds?
Turned-out feet are fairly common in dachshunds, but they can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs may only have a mild case of the condition, while others may have more severe symptoms.
It’s important that if you’re considering buying a dachshund puppy you check their parents for signs of the condition. This will help you to gauge how severe it may be in the puppy.
If you are concerned that your dachshund’s feet are turning out, please consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed why do dachshunds’ feet turn out. We have also looked at the various causes of the condition and how you can prevent it from occurring. Finally, we have outlined some tips for keeping your dog’s feet healthy.
As always, if you have any major concerns about your dog’s health, please consult with a veterinarian.
