How to Care for a Mini Dachshund

This article provides some tips on caring for your mini dachshund.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fish oil capsules
• very small dog treats
• standard dog accessories

1. First you should know that because of their extra long spines, mini dachshunds (and regular ones, too) are prone to spine and disk injuries, which can lead to paralysis, pain, and death. So, try to keep you mini doxy from jumping up on furniture, people, and anything else. You may need to either buy some small dog stairs (available starting around $40 at pet stores) or make your own. This is a lot cheaper than a vet bill.

2. Second, supplement your mini doxy's diet with fish oil by drizzling the contents of one fish oil capsule (puncture it with a fork or tooth pick) over their food every day to every other day, or talk to your vet. Not only do they absolutely love it (my Happy literally dances around my feet for her breakfast with fish oil), but it is good for all of their joints, back included.

3. Third, keep your mini doxy thin. Any extra weight on that long spine of theirs increases both pain and the risk of back injury. I do this by giving her 2 smaller meals a day and snacks throughout the day (rewards for going potty outside or other commands). I find it is easiest to adjust her snacks to her weight and activity levels and she thinks it's great to get treats all the time.

4. 
   Happy

   Finally, walk your mini doxy, they really do need the exercise, but it seems to be the stimulation of leaving the house and going out and about that is the greatest benefit of walks. You would go nuts and perhaps become a destructive little doxy if no one ever let you leave the house or yard.

Tips & Warnings

• Mini dachshunds do not grow winter coats, as such, if you live in a climate that gets cold they may need a coat/sweater (they have different dimensions than other dogs, so you may need special doxy ones) and watch their calorie intake to make sure it's enough to keep them warm.
• A small amount of creamy peanut butter is also a nice treat, full of good fats, it also provides energy for the colder times of the year.
• Mini doxies are by nature unstoppable (they have to be to chase badgers and the like down their holes) once they start chasing/hunting things, so be ready to run after them if you let them escape.
• They also tend to have sensitive stomach skin since they are so low to the ground. If they develop any rashes, call your vet to see if you can dab a little cortisone cream on them.

Resources

• Dachshund Rescue of North America
• Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society (AHDRS)
• American Kennel Club--Dachshunds

[augustmoonchild]

on 8/23/2009 thank you for this article