How to Take Care of Dachshund Puppies

Dachshund Puppy

Dachshunds are lovable small pets that are great with both adults and children. Dachshunds are an easy-going, energetic and well-tempered breed. The key to having a long and loving relationship with your dachshund is proper care and handling when they are a puppy. Dachshund puppies are lots of fun, but they also require a lot of care and attention.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Take your dachshund puppy for an initial veterinarian visit. The vet will be able to decide which vaccines your puppy needs and when they should be given. Your vet will also be able to identify any potential health problems your puppy may have. A first appointment will also help your vet to track your puppy's growth.

2. Keep your handling and playtime with the puppy to a reasonable amount. Just like human babies, dachshund puppies need lots of rest. As your puppy gets older, it will be able to play for longer periods of time.

3. Feed your dachshund puppy small meals four times a day until it is 3 months old. From the age of 3 to 6 months, your puppy should be fed 3 meals a day. Once your dachshund is 6 months old, it can eat 2 meals a day for the rest of its life. Meals should be a nutritious dog food, and table scraps and treats should be kept to a minimum.

4. Place your dachshund puppy's food bowl in a quiet area of the house. It is important that your puppy be able to enjoy its food in peace without being startled or distracted. Distraction can keep your dachshund from getting the nutrition it needs to grow. A corner of a quiet room is a perfect place.

5. Provide your dachshund puppy with a soft place to sleep. When buying a bed, remember that puppies grow quickly and can be quite long when stretched out. Place the bed in a place where your puppy can be part of the family and learn the patterns of your household.

Tips & Warnings

• Dachshund puppies often chew their bedding. Providing chew toys can distract them from destroying their bed.

• Do not overfeed your dachshund puppy. Dachshunds are prone to back problems which are agitated by obesity.

Resources

• Dachshund Breed Standards