Dachshunds are affectionate dogs; they are known for their loyalty to their owner and their full personality, attracting every pet owner’s attention. They are very different due to their unique body structure. Their unique body structure is attractive, but it also makes them prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IDVD). In this blog, we will discuss what not to do with a dachshund.
Dont let them jump from a height.
Letting them jump from a height like furniture is risky in terms of the dachshund. They have sensitive backs because of their unique body structure, which is not effective for absorbing a shock generated from jumping; that’s why we must avoid jumping from heights.
Letting them jump from a height can lead to serious back-related problems like IDVV, which can be hard to cure once your dog has this.
The best thing we can do for them to avoid jumping from a height is to remove furniture from their living area. They have a quirky nature, which leads them to jump from heights, so we must remove furniture like tables and chairs from their room.
Take care of their diet and do not overfeed them
A healthy and well nutritious diet is most important for their mental and physical growth and development. They need a diet that is high in protein, and essential vitamins and minerals that also help with their growth and development.
Most dachshund owner tend to overfeed their puppy, which reason for an overweight dachshund. They are prone to obesity. When they overfeed, they are likely to be overweight, which is dangerous for their joint and back health.
Dont skip daily exercise
Dachshunds are very active dogs; they need regular exercise to feel good. When we dont meet their daily exercise requirement. They may feel bored and stressed, which can increase the chance of having separation anxiety.
One of the main reasons dachshunds show destructive behaviour is skipping their exercise. When they have high energy, they may show destructive behaviour.
Socialize them from their childhood stage
Between 8 to 16 weeks of age dachshund is considered a golden learning time. At this time, they learn what we feed on their brain, and socializing them from this early stage is crucial for their cognitive development.
If we ignore their early socialization, they can have issues like separation anxiety, and destructive and aggressive behaviour in the future when they grow.
Dont let them alone for a long time
We all know dachshunds tend to form a strong bond with their owner; they are very attached to their owner and caretakers. So when they are left alone, they can have separation anxiety.
Train with patience, not being harsh
Dachshunds are stubborn by nature, which makes their training hard. We must be consistent and patient when we train our dogs. Being harsh in training doesn’t make the training process faster, but it makes the training process slower or even worse.
Dont forget regular grooming
Dachshunds need regular grooming not just for appearance but also for their comfort, health, and well-being. Their coat needs to be cleaned frequently to remove dead fur. When their coat is not cleaned, Matting and Tangles can develop.
Dont skip vet visits
Dachshunds need regular vet checkups, whether it’s for a vaccine or other checkups. Regular vet checkups help to recognize potential diseases before they become dangerous.
Dont allow kids to handle them roughly
This is most important because small children dont have the knowledge of their fragility, they can handle them roughly, which can strain their back. That’s why you must avoid them from playing with small children who don’t know about their fragile backs.
What not to feed a dachshund
Different types of food have different effects on your dog’s health. Some human-edible food is good for them, but some types of food can cause allergic reactions and toxicity in your dog. So we need to be aware of the food that is given to them. Here are some foods that can cause toxicity and allergic reactions in your dog.
Chocolate: contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in even small amounts.
Onion and garlic can cause anemia by damaging red blood cells.
Avocado: contains persin, which is toxic to dogs.
Xilitol (artificial sugar): can cause an insulin spike because of sugar content, found in human toothpaste, candies, and peanut butter.
Cooked bones can cause choking, internal injuries, or blockage.
Alcohol: Even a small amount can cause severe poisoning in dogs.
Caffeine: contains stimulants that can affect a dog’s heart and nervous system.
Salt or salty food: Too much salt can cause dehydration, sodium poisoning, and bloating.
dairy (if your dog is lactose intolerant): Most dachshunds are lactose intolerant, so giving them dairy products can cause diarrhea, gas, and an upset stomach.
Conclusion
As a dachshund owner, we need to avoid many things to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Dachshunds have a sensitive back, so we need to avoid them jumping from a height. They easily get overweight if enough exercise is not provided, which is why we need to provide enough exercise regularly. Early socialization is the most ignored thing in a dachshund puppy. They are social dogs; they need to socialize from their early stage. Early socialization helps them improve confidence in future social interactions and also helps to reduce behavioral problems like excessive barking, resource guarding, and even separation anxiety.
