Most Dachshunds today are family companion dogs. The average Dachshund owner has probably lost sight of the fact that these lovely little dogs are actually keen hunters. The name of the dog comes from the German words ‘dachs’ meaning badger, and ‘hund’ meaning, of course, dog. The short legs of the Dachshund were developed to make it easier to fit down into a badger’s sett or burrow. These elongated pups were also used for hunting foxes and rabbits, and were able to pursue them into their dens or warrens. It used to be the practice that when hunting with Dachshunds for burrowing prey, that a man with a shovel would also accompany the party: he would be there to dig the dog out if he or she became stuck underground.
The alert and winning personality of the Dachshund makes it one of America’s favorite dogs. A friend of mine has three Dachshunds, and I can tell you that they are friendly guys, none of them has ever given me even a hint of aggression when I’ve visited. Anyone who is familiar with Dachshunds will be aware that they tend to be barkers, and my friend’s dogs are no exception. However, this trait was probably very important when they were being used to dive into burrows after game – barking could alert their humans as to their position should they get into trouble. All that being said, Dachshunds make happy, loving companions. They get on well with children and seem to have an optimistic outlook. Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature.
The Importance of a Good Bed
It’s no secret that Dachshunds have trouble with their backs, and anyone who owns one of these dogs should always be conscious of the potential for problems. Dachshunds should not sleep on the floor for long periods of time, they need a comfy bed. To help your Dachshund get comfortable rest, his or her bed is of some importance. It’s inecessary to get a bed that is the correct size for your Dachshund. If you get a bed that is too big, your furry friend might not have the feeling of security that dogs love when sleeping. Conversely, a bed that is too small could cramp and restrict your dog. Having to curl up in a too-small bed will not be good for the dog’s back.
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A nice bed that even looks cuddly is the Fusion Memory Foam Dog Bed. This bed has an inviting super-soft appearance with bolsters to allow your favorite Sausage Dog to snuggle right in.
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Le Dog Company makes very nice and comfortable leather beds, Le Bed, that should help your dog get the rest they need. These orthopedic beds also provide a measure of support that is so important with Dachshunds. For traveling, consider the Le Mat, which can help any trip more comfortable for your Dachshund.
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A slightly larger bed might work out well for a standard size Dachshund, or if you have two that sleep together. A pair of these dogs might well like to cuddle up on a bed actually designed for large or giant dogs could easily allow several standard Dachshunds to snuggle up.
I deliberately avoided sofa beds because they are usually elevated above the floor, which might present problems when your dog tries to get up or jump down. Most Dachshunds will be allowed on your sofa or armchairs, and I’m sure quite a few sleep on their human’s bed. Once again, there is the problem of possible injury to the back. This can be prevented, for the most part, by the use of Petmate Pet Steps or the EveryYay Foam 4 Pet Step Ramp. These products will put less stress on your Dachshund’s back, making injury less likely.
Doggy Odor
There was one thing I noticed when visiting my friend with the Dachshunds – their strong doggy odor. I noticed this because our French Bulldogs had a very mild doggy odor. Even my friend acknowledged this, and she bathed her dogs regularly. The coats of these Dachshunds were always in good condition, so a skin problem was not the reason for the smell. Evidently this odor is just part of their charm.
Taking care to keep your Dachshund well groomed is the first step in reducing doggy odor. Doggy odor comes mostly from the oil that all dogs’ skin produces. Even though most Dachshunds have short coats that don’t require fussing, regular brushing can help remove some of those oils.
Be sure to check your dog’s ears, too, floppy ears can keep the inner ear too moist and contributes to yeast infections, which definitely smell awful. Some bad odors are caused by impacted anal glands. If you suspect the anal glands may be the problem, your vet can help empty them out. However, most Dachshund doggy odor just results from skin oils and can be kept managed.
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Sometimes, giving a water bath just isn’t practical – you may be away from home or you may not have time. Fortunately, Lil Luv Dog makes dry shampoos that lets you stretch out time between a water bath. The natural ingredients are not only gently on your Dachshund’s skin and coat, but they clean well and leave a nice scent..
Just a bit of extra care and time can help to keep your Sausage Dog smelling sweeter. A daily brushing will also help remove some extra oil from the skin and hair.
Keep ‘Em Mean ‘n’ Lean
Your Dachshund’s back is his or her Achilles’s Heel. A good percentage of Hot Dog Dogs develop back trouble during their lives. While you may not be able to prevent all back problems, there are things you can do that will make it less likely that your dog will suffer. I already mentioned the importance of a good bed, but there is another important element – food.
Like all dogs, Dachshunds love to eat. All of us have seen fat Dachshunds waddling around, looking like an overstuffed bratwurst. Obesity in these dogs can affect the back in a bad way, and also as regards their heart and joints. Being overweight can easily cause orthopedic issues with your dog, with damage to the vertebrae. Choosing the right food and sticking to proper portions can help to lessen the possibility of spinal damage. Fortunately, there are good foods available that will not only help keep your Dachshund in the correct weight range, but also peel off some pounds if needed.
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Unkibble might be a good place to get food for your Dachshund. They will help to personalize a diet plan to fit your dog’s health, weight, and how active he or she is. This will make it easier to choose the right food, and more importantly, how much to feed your dog.
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Nextrition provides a premium quality dry dog food prepared using the cold-pressed method. This helps to seal in nutrients while assuring that the food is safe to eat. Available as All Natural Beef, Chicken, Lamb, or Salmon, Nextrition dry dog food takes ‘kibble’ to the next step.
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Chi Dog also provides a way to get a meal plan for your dog. And if your Dachshund is already starting to look a little too chubby, this could be the perfect place to find the right food for your Dachshund.
- Some people like to make their dog’s food themselves. ChefPaw makes this fun and easy by providing the correct equipment, recipes, and supplements
It’s not impossible to keep your Dachshund well fed and healthy using a sensible plan of feeding. And remember, even if your pal has gotten too heavy, it’s never too late too help him or her get back in shape for a healthier life.
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