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Posts Tagged ‘Doxie’

Dog owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.It gives the dog lots of energy and a willingness to try new things.  It also means that training them requires extra patience and skill.  The breed is more inclined than many to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is alpha may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 pounds.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 pounds and only 5 inches high.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.

They are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies.Serious problems can be caused by rough handling.

Screaming won’t do the trick because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Dachshunds may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties – Long-Hairs, Smooth-Coats, and Wire-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they sport.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as those with blue eyes and Double Dapples.These types tend to have more hearing and eye problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.But Doxie owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.People who live with them tend to return the favor.

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Dachshunds are an independent breed. Dachshunds are loving. Dachshunds are playful. Dachshunds are aggressive.

How can all this be true of one dog breed? Well it is. Dachshunds are among the most interesting and complex breeds because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany to chase vermin in the 1600s, bold and fearless characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be persisitent, strong-willed and resourceful. It does little good to have legs and feet that are excellent for digging if the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit.

Those attributes have continued down through the centuries. Most Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. But what is simple courage in one circumstance can be aggression in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.

Above all, Dachshunds are intelligent dogs. Doxies individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Keep in mind, too, that independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. They are filled with curiosity and want to take part in any adventure going on around them. Some breeds are satisfied to sit by quietly and observe. A Doxie wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.

There are variations within these broad outlines.

The Smooth-Coat exhibits all the classic behaviors – barking at the least invasion to its territory, leading the pack whenever possible and more. Dachshunds will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair breed looks and acts like a combination of Dachshund and terrier. Terriers, also, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair Doxie is more like the Irish Setter in miniature, though not to that extreme. Even though they enjoy a good romp, they are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn. Even though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

All are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, Doxies like getting into things. Doxies powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Getting out is not too much more difficult, thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head. As a result, if you want to keep the garden or lawn intact, don’t allow the Doxie to roam freely without supervision.

Having natural energy, Doxies do need at least moderate exercies in activities. A good idea for these “gophers” is an obstacle course with tunnels.

They are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Dachshund and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies enjoy interaction and want to be near people. As any Dachshund owner will be happy to tell you……..

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Like any breed, Doxies are at risk for an abundance of conditions and diseases.But because of their short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.  One of the most common forms is a condition called IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease), actually an umbrella term for a number of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They encircle the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a buffer between the bones.IVDD threatens their health in several different ways.

Excess jumping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually toward the rump.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to reduce its fluid level, making it less flexible.  That also increases the odds of herniation or rupture.Often the vertebrae become more fragile.

An abundance of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

As a fragment of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put at risk.If compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Impediment of spinal fluid can have comparable effect.  Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from needed nutrition.

Look for any instance of inability to elevate the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Other signs include weakness in the rear legs or loss of bladder control.

In these extreme occurrences, treatment – usually surgery – within 24 hours is critical.The outcome is commonly permanent disability if left untreated.

Even in less severe cases back pain is evident.  It can be difficult to detect when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Therapy with Prednisone (or corticosteroids) is occasionally recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Adequan injections can aid in promoting disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advisable to kennel your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Doxie’s confident and active nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Do not permit the dog to stand on its hind legs, which constricts the spine.Do not allow the dog to leap down stairs.Yard play should be restricted until the dog has thoroughly healed.Also, always support the entire length of the spine when picking up your Doxie.

With the right kind of care many Doxies recover completely to lead healthy, normal, active lives.  But proper diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

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Dachshunds are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and inventive.However that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the top dog.

Individual dogs will deviate in degree, of course.  There are submissive Doxies though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to insist on having their own way at all times like most terriers.  But training can modify their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive conduct, whether toward you, strange people, a family member and animals.Chewing the lead during training is one mild manifestation.

Discourage it by stepping on the leash close to the dog’s head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are prone to back problems.When they have let go of the lead, praise them lavishly.

To discourage biting or snapping or excess barking a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give him a little squirt against the muzzle when your dog shows this behavior.  Avoid the eyes.That scares your Dachshund and it is unpleasant besides.Avoid making it a contest of wills, but repeat when needed.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.Being consistently firm is preferred to counter-aggression.

If your Doxie persists, isolate your dog and be ready for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will occasionally try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.  Give your dog sturdy chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Be sure to follow this negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.  Look for instances of good behavior and praise it lavishly.  Use a moderate amount of treats if necessary.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own course of action in terms of your response.Doxies are intelligent.  With persistence, they will catch on.

For instance, one may become assertive during fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between authentic willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It is key to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or quiet dog will help.Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

A helper can be a big help here.Heave the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner gets the ball first when the Dachshund gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then let your Doxie win.

With patience and a little creativity, you can direct your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.

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vaccines

Vaccines are an essential tool in keeping your Dachshund healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.  While the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are typically given every year to puppies and every two to three years thereafter.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being re-evaluated as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.  See your vet for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the shot are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.Today they are still common, although schedules have lengthened.Modern research shows that puppies given a sequence of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First vaccinations should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccination, the program can vary from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.See your veterinarian.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.Keep in mind that “combo” vaccinations represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the foundation of any problem more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces facial swelling, redness of the gums and other symptoms.If a problem occurs, it commonly happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s office after any vaccination.Observe your Doxie carefully.Have Benadryl available and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Here again, the disease is not common and the vaccine carries a small risk of allergic reaction.But the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion prior to deciding.  Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination, since modified live virus is used.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.  But this is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Since the disease itself is uncommon, this vaccine is considered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.The name originates from the fact that the organism can be airborne and can spread when dogs are housed close together.It is not a serious condition, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.

This vaccine is probably not needed if your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs.Exceptions are when you plan on going on vacation and kennel your Dachshund, or in areas where the disease has gone unchecked.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” doesn’t mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Paranoia about vaccinations is unsupported.Nonetheless, the risk of disease isn’t zero, either.However, careful contemplation of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

Dogs require regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Exactly which technique to use for your Dachshund depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular brushing and bathing. “Regular” varies with the dog’s age and environment.

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Younger dogs can require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.Be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly if they live in rougher circumstances. “Regularly” means at least twice per week, and as necessary.When they are done playing, remove plant material.

A wire slicker brush is fine for grooming, but exercise care. Even though all dogs are durable, it’s important not to scrape the skin. That leads to hot spots that the dog will make worse by licking and chewing. Since Dachshunds are an assertive, high-energy breed, extra caution is needed.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a need for extra grooming care.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.

Like the terriers they look like, the stiff coat is actually in two layers. Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the upper layer. Remember, too, that they will shed more.A shed control shampoo may be necessary. Be ready for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Trim any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. Cutting behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to mats. Otherwise, regular brushing of once or twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Doxies are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Brushing every other day, especially behind the ears, will help to avoid matting with this variety.When mats arise, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the tangle with a brush and fingers.

A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with these Doxies.Take care not to over-bathe them, though, which can lead to dried, scaly skin. Gentle, regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils under the coat and over the skin.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The normal technique is okay. Obtain a good pair of nail trimmers and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because they have a feisty nature.

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Pet food

Despite the sometimes frantic comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are fine for your Dachshund.  Some of those concerns are well placed, though.A diet that is not too rich and not too lean,(balanced) full of healthy ingredients is best.But that advise is fairly vague.  What does it really mean?

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble food will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage listed first.  Ensure that the ingredient listed first is some kind of animal protein.Beef, chicken and lamb are the most common.The proteins in vegetables are harder to break down into useful components and contain smaller amounts of the needed amino acids.

Like other dogs, Doxies are by nature meat eaters.But raw meat is not required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Any protein consumed is broken down to those basic products and then “re-constructed” again by the dog.

Besides amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals required for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but dogs, too.In most cases, those compounds help improve joint and skin health.

Antioxidants perform a role similar in a Doxie’s life that they do in their owners.  Vitamin E, beta-carotene and others help protect the immune system by reducing something called “free radicals”.  These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can harm cells when they exist in too-high concentrations.

Fat, far from being the villain it is sometiems (incorrectly) painted in discussions of human diet, is necessary for proper functioning.  Fats provide compounds vital for good nerve function.They are broken down to form the hormones and enzymes.  They also provide a source of calories that Dachshunds need to pwer all those activities, just as people do.

- Amounts

Puppies that have been weaned should eat 3-4 meals per day.Smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time, even though it may be inconvenient for the owner.The routine is best for puppies 8-12 weeks old.

When your puppy reaches 3-6 months, you can reduce the feeding frequency to 3 or even two meals a day.Even puppies can get fat, so keep a watchful eye on the waistline behind the rib cage.  It should have a slight curve.If your Doxie is perfectly straight (no waist line) you may be feeding too much.

That advice is a little more difficult to follow in the case of Dachshunds than some other breeds, since they are a bit more tubular by nature.  Even so, the curve can be seen if you observe closely.  Aid your eye by feeling the puppy in front of the rear legs.Become familiar with your dogs shape and it will be easier to see small changes.

By the time they’ve reached a year old, one meal per day is fine.  If they seem eager to eat more often two meals is fine, but divide the portions in half.

Feed your Dachshund a premium brand food.  Those contain a more appropriate quantity of calories and less “junk food” than cheaper brands.  For fussy dogs, or just for extra flavor, mixing a spoonful or two of wet food with dry is fine.

Never give your pup chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, macadamian nuts or xylitol which are toxic to dogs.

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