Dachshund Health Guide
Critical health information for Dachshund owners—back protection is essential for this breed.
12-16
Years Lifespan
11-32
Pounds (by size)
High
IVDD Risk
#9
AKC Popularity
Protect That Long Back
1 in 4 Dachshunds will experience back problems (IVDD). Their long spine and short legs create significant stress on intervertebral discs. Prevention through weight management, ramps, and proper handling is critical.
What Makes Dachshunds Unique
- Chondrodystrophic: Bred for dwarfism, which affects cartilage and disc development
- Long spine, short legs: Body shape puts extreme stress on intervertebral discs
- Premature disc degeneration: Discs calcify and become brittle at young ages
- Food-motivated: Prone to obesity, which dramatically worsens back problems
Major Health Conditions
1. IVDD (Back Problems)
1 in 4 affectedIntervertebral Disc Disease is the #1 health concern for Dachshunds. The discs between vertebrae degenerate prematurely and can herniate, pressing on the spinal cord. Can occur suddenly at any age.
Warning signs:
- • Reluctance to jump or climb
- • Hunched back, tense abdomen
- • Crying when picked up
- • Wobbly gait, knuckling paws
- • Dragging legs = emergency
Treatment:
- • Strict crate rest (mild cases)
- • Anti-inflammatories, pain meds
- • Surgery for severe cases
- • Physical therapy
- • Time is critical for paralysis
If your Dachshund suddenly can't walk or is dragging their back legs, this is a veterinary emergency. Seek care immediately—surgery within 24-48 hours of paralysis onset gives the best chance of recovery.
IVDD Prevention Strategies
While you can't prevent IVDD entirely, these steps significantly reduce injury risk:
Do:
- ✓ Keep weight lean (critical!)
- ✓ Use ramps for furniture/stairs
- ✓ Support back when lifting
- ✓ Keep them active but controlled
Avoid:
- ✗ Jumping on/off furniture
- ✗ Climbing stairs regularly
- ✗ Standing on hind legs
- ✗ Rough play, excessive running
2. Obesity
Worsens IVDDExtra weight dramatically increases stress on the spine and accelerates disc degeneration. Even a few extra pounds matter significantly for Dachshunds.
Why it matters:
- • Increases spinal stress
- • Accelerates disc degeneration
- • Worsens arthritis
- • Makes recovery harder
Prevention:
- • Measure food precisely
- • Limit treats strictly
- • Feel ribs easily = healthy
- • Visible waist from above
3. Dental Disease
Very commonSmall breeds like Dachshunds are prone to dental problems. Their small mouths lead to crowded teeth and increased tartar buildup.
Signs:
- • Bad breath
- • Yellow/brown teeth
- • Red, swollen gums
- • Difficulty eating
Prevention:
- • Daily tooth brushing
- • Dental chews
- • Annual dental cleanings
- • Start when young
4. Patellar Luxation
Common in minisThe kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or sudden lameness. More common in miniature Dachshunds.
Signs:
- • Skipping on one leg
- • Sudden lameness
- • Holding leg up
- • May resolve then recur
Treatment:
- • Grade 1-2: weight management
- • Joint supplements
- • Surgery for severe cases
- • Don't ignore—worsens
Daily Care for Dachshunds
- Provide ramps everywhere — couch, bed, car; no jumping allowed
- Support their back when lifting — one hand under chest, one under rear
- Keep weight lean — the single most important thing for spine health
- Daily teeth brushing — prevents dental disease common in small breeds
- Use a harness, not collar — reduces neck strain
Emergency Signs - Seek Immediate Care:
- Dragging back legs or inability to walk
- Sudden paralysis
- Screaming in pain when touched
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Complete inability to move back legs
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Upload Your Dog's Records FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is IVDD in Dachshunds?
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition where the discs between vertebrae degenerate and can herniate, pressing on the spinal cord. Dachshunds are the breed most affected, with 1 in 4 experiencing back problems. It can cause pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, paralysis.
How can I prevent back problems in my Dachshund?
Keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight (extra weight strains the spine), use ramps instead of stairs, support their back when picking them up, avoid letting them jump on/off furniture, and don't let them stand on hind legs. While you can't prevent IVDD entirely, these steps reduce injury risk.
What is the average lifespan of a Dachshund?
Dachshunds typically live 12-16 years, making them one of the longer-lived breeds. Miniature Dachshunds often live even longer than standards. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for longevity.
Why is weight management so important for Dachshunds?
Extra weight puts enormous strain on a Dachshund's elongated spine, dramatically increasing IVDD risk. Obesity also worsens joint problems like patellar luxation. A lean Dachshund is a healthier Dachshund—you should easily feel their ribs without excess fat covering.
What are the emergency signs of IVDD in Dachshunds?
Seek immediate veterinary care if your Dachshund shows: paralysis or dragging of back legs, loss of bladder/bowel control, inability to stand, severe pain when touched, or sudden weakness. IVDD can progress rapidly, and early treatment (within 24-48 hours) significantly improves outcomes.
Do Dachshunds have dental problems?
Yes, Dachshunds are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Periodontal disease is common if dental care is neglected. Regular tooth brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings help prevent painful dental issues and tooth loss.