Although robustly built, your Dachshund is still prone to certain illnesses. A dog, like any other animal, has clear warning signs that he’s about to get sick.
Contents
Symptoms of illness
Causes of illness
Dachshund care
Symptoms of illness
Of course, it’s easier to pay attention if you own your Dachshund.
The more you live with him, the quicker you’ll spot the warning signs and be able to take the necessary action before the smoldering illness becomes serious or even chronic.
If you notice a change in his play habits, if he changes his mood or his behaviour at mealtimes is different, if he lets himself be dragged out for a walk, or if he’s simply sad, give him a thorough check-up: prevention is better than cure.
Your dog can’t talk, but he’ll replace speech with other signs.
He’ll start by losing interest in his food and games, he’ll stop seeking the company of others and prefer to be left alone, he’ll refuse to go for a walk and look indifferent.
Don’t lose your temper when you notice these symptoms in your Dachshund, and above all don’t force him to eat or obey you.
As the disease develops, you’ll notice a warming up of the nose, which will also become dry and rough.
Take your dog’s temperature with a medical thermometer inserted in the anus. Your dog’s normal, healthy temperature should not exceed 39° C (102.2° F).
Also check his pulse by pressing your finger against the vein on the inside of his thigh; it should normally be between 70 and 120 beats per minute.
This 50-beat margin is due to the large difference in pulse rates between resting and overexcited or active moments.
Learn to diagnose the various diseases as quickly as possible, so that your Dachshund receives the appropriate care as soon as possible, to halt the progression of the disease.
Rabies, for example, is characterized by certain symptoms: the dog’s mouth is always open, he no longer barks in the same way and he still wants to bite.
On the other hand, the main symptoms of strangles are the formation of small pustules on the skin of the belly, cramps, diarrhea and coughing.
In short, you should always watch for changes in your dog’s behavior, lack of appetite and need for solitude, as these are the first symptoms of any illness.
Causes of illness
You don’t need to worry particularly about your Dachshund contracting any illnesses; your companion is particularly hardy and therefore doesn’t usually have serious health problems.
If you keep your Dachshund in your apartment, he may be prone to eczema; combat this by giving him plenty of outdoor exercise.
Female Dachshunds have a strong tendency towards nervous pregnancies.
You should also be aware that some dogs are predestined for illness; despite the care they receive, they will always have health problems.
Our Dachshund is predisposed to a form of paralysis known as Dachshund Palsy. Although it’s called Dachshund’s Palsy, it’s not exclusive to your companion: other Terriers can suffer from it, like Cockers and Spaniels, for example.
Many explanations have been given as to why our Dachshund is the most affected.
Genetics have been mentioned, and it has been suggested that the Dachshund’s body conformation with its small, twisted legs and long spine could be the cause, but it is more likely that this paralysis is the result of the Dachshund’s conversion from hunting dog to companion.
He’ll be living in an apartment most of the time, doing less exercise and going for walks, which will lead to a reduction in his dorsolumbar muscles.
He’ll eat too much and have a big belly and a flabby back, leading to paralysis.
Once again: exercise and walk your favorite companion, but don’t force-feed him; you’ll make him and yourself miserable.
Dachshunds are most prone to strangles between 6 months and 1 year of age. Avoid sudden temperature changes and a damp atmosphere.
But don’t let this tendency worry you too much: it’s controllable and can be neutralized by strict hygiene rules and constant monitoring of your dog’s physical condition.
Dachshund care
Dogs are usually cared for in the same way as humans.
He has to take medication and receive injections; just like humans, he has to undergo surgery.
The big problem is that he can’t talk. He can’t explain to you why he hates certain drugs, even though he would take them if he could.