Just for Dachshund Lovers
Who could resist these cute Salt & Pepper shakers! This collectible set makes a really great gift for any dog lover. Made of ceramic with little magnets in their noses to keep them together when they’re not being used. Dishwasher safe. Size: Approx 2″ high
All dogs require regluar grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Exactly which technique to use for your Doxie 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. Requiring little more than a regular brushing and bath, their coats are easy to care for. “Regular” varies with the dog’s environment and age.
Grooming Supplies for dogs can be found at LuvUrDog.com
Younger dogs might require baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes. If they live in rougher circumstances, be sure to keep their coats clean and brushed regurlarly. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as necessary.Remove plant material when they are done playing.
A wire slicker is fine for grooming, but exercise care. Even though all dogs are durable, it is important not to scrape the skin. Which can lead 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 necessisty 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.
The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they look like.Get the undercoat with a slicker and use a regular brush for the topcoat. Be aware, too, that they will shed more.That may call for a shampoo that helps control shedding. Be prepared for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.
Shorten any excess hair off the muxxle to avoid it dragging on the ground. Cutting behind the rear legs will be needed once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Regular brushing up to twice a week is good enough.
Long-Hair
As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since they are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be necessary, along with more frequent bathing.Mattig is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying close attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim them gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enough to work out the mat with fingers and brush.
A combination shampoo and conditioner works well with this type.Be sure not to over-bathe them, though, which can lead to dried, scaly skin. Regular, gentle 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. Get a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, searching for the quick. Cut away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because of their feisty nature.
Only-Dachshunds has gifts and more for the Doxie Lover
What better way to show the world you love your DACHSHUND? Get this I heart Dachshunds design on any of our dog gifts for any dog lover in your life.
Just Miniature Dachshunds Wall Calendar: Little and lovable: those are the traits of the Mini-Dachshund. It’s hard not to love them and the photos in this color calendar. Large format displays the candid images of some of the world’s finest nature photographers. Grids provide plenty of space to record appointments, birthdays, and reminders.
100 percent Polyester face, permanently dye printed & fade resistant, non-skid rubber backing, durable polypropylene web trim. Dimensions (H x W x L) : 0 x 18 x 27
This Dachshund flag is the ideal small size to use on your window, garden or porch. Double sided so you can see the Dachshund picture from both sides. Made from 100% polyester, the Dachshund flag is soft and silky to the touch, yet fade resistant and water proof. A charming addition to your home or makes a nice Dachshund gift item. Approximately 12.5 x 18 inches in size. Flag holder sold separately, see item listed below.
These darling dachshunds will win your heart! Handcrafted of sterling silver and cloisonne in charming detail, they dangle gently from sterling French hooks. Gift boxed. 3/4 wide.
Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Dachshund healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.Knowing which are optional and which are vital 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 normally 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 revised as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.See your veterinarian for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.
Serious side effects from the vaccination are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.
Distemper shots used to be routine. Today they are still common, but schedules have lengthened.Current research shows that puppies given a series of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccine, the agenda can deviate 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 source of any issue 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 normally happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.Watch your Doxie carefully.Have Benadryl in stock and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.
- Hepatitis
This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Once again, the disease is not common and the shot carries a small risk of allergic reaction.Moreover, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to review the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.Being as modified live virus is used, kidney infections are possible following the vaccination.
- Lepto
Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.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 vaccination 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 disease, but does necessitate treatment when it arises.
If your Doxie does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not needed.Exceptions are in areas where the disease has gone unchecked, or when you intend to go on vacation and board your Dachshund.
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.
Apprehension about vaccines is unfounded.Nevertheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful contemplation of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.
Dachshunds For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides owners with the latest advice, tips and information they need to raise a healthy, happy pet, including:Choosing a healthy puppy or adult dogFeeding and grooming Housing and suppli
That is a little misleading since no disease is truly common in Dachshunds Most Dachshunds are born healthy and live long, relatively disease-free lives.Almost every dog can develop minor health issues even if they receive vaccinations and excellent life-long care. Even dogs that receive their vaccinations and excellent life-long care can develop some minor health issues in their lifetime.
Nevertheless, there are some conditions that tend to occur more frequently in Dachshunds that in other breeds.
Adrenal Gland Malfunction
Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease, is one common disease of the adrenal gland. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the hormone cortisol is produced, either by the adrenal gland or by a primary tumor, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in hair loss, excessive drinking and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions and occasionally diabetes. Specific laboratory tests can be used to diagnose Cushing’s disease and treatment depends on the results. There are several different drugs that can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. If adrenal cancer is present, surgical excision of the gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease is also found in other breeds of dogs.
The opposite condition is called Addison’s disease or low cortisol (hypoadrenocorticism). Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, but Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to too low of glucose (blood sugar) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian for fluid therapy and cortisone injections to correct the imbalances. Being as the sudden collapse resembles many disorders, Addison’s is the most difficult disease to diagnose. Specialized blood tests are needed to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Life long treatment with prednisone and electrolyte supplements will be needed to treat Addison’s disease.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a degeneration of the retina, the lining in the back of the eye. This results in slow vision loss and eventual blindness. PRA is a genetic trait and because it often does not show up until the dog is older, the dog may have already been bred and passed the condition to the puppies. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure or treatment for PRA. Other eye diseases that can affect Dachshunds are glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help detect these eye-disorders early.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc is normally gelatinous and provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine). In Dachshunds, this material some times calcifies, or hardens, and sometimes ruptures. The herniated disc causes swelling and pain around the spinal cord and the nerves coming out from the spinal canal. Early signs of a herniated disc are pain, a reluctance to jump up, partial paralysis and sometimes total paralysis or the rear legs,. The majority of them with disc disease can be managed medically with pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. Some owners have tried holistic medicine, such as acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation to help with the pain. With a complete rupture resulting in total paralysis, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restore full function in the legs. The sooner the surgery is preformed, the greater the chances of full recovery.
Researchers are using lasers to fuse or burn the discs in order to prevent future herniation. Because this is such a common problem, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. A few of my patients, which were partially paralyzed, did recover some function of their legs over time. There is no way to predict which dogs will recover without the surgery.
Vaccination Reactions
Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. The reaction is usually minor, resulting in swelling of the face and muzzle and occasional hives. Occasional vaccine reactions can occur with any dog so it is always a good idea to observe your pet for a few hours after their shots. With the advances in vaccines, fewer side effects do occur and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
With good health care, Dachshunds can lead a long and healthy life. Proper diets, preventive health checks, vaccinations, heartworm and parasite prevention, and good dental care can help your Doxie live longer. You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.
