ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Do’s and Don’ts When Raising a Miniature Dachshund Puppy

Share this: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Email

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Whilst the Dachshund dog breed was developed to hunt down badgers, the miniature dachshunds were tasked to hunt European hare from small burrows. They were originally bred for hunting purposes but they are now one of the most popular canines to own as pets.

They are intelligent, devoted, and most importantly, one-of-a-kind furry companions. How much do you know about this breed? Let’s delve into the do’s and don’ts when rearing a miniature dachshund puppy.

miniature dachshund diet

Photo Credit: USA Today

✖Don’t overfeed your miniature dachshund puppy.
✔Do stick to his nutritional requirements.

Obesity is a common problem amongst dachshunds. It can be life-threatening for your sausage dog as it contributes to additional stress to their spines and joints.

How much should you feed a mini dachshund? In general, small dog breeds particularly belonging to the Toy Group have a higher metabolism than the larger ones. They can easily burn energy in their everyday activities.

However, the best way to identify how much food they need is to determine their size and activity level. The more active they are, the more food they need to refuel.

As a general guide, a 6 month to a year old miniature dachshund puppy should take up to 600 calories per day. As for those with an active lifestyle, they can consume 900 calories or more. However, older canines or those with a sedentary lifestyle are limited to 470 calories.

A healthy diet will help dachshunds combat potential health problems and make them live a healthy life. Seek advice from your vet on your dog’s specific requirements.

longhaired miniature dachshund

✖Don’t disregard any sudden cries of pain from your Daxie puppy.
✔Do be sensitive and investigate any reasons for discomfort.

It is common knowledge that the standard dachshunds are susceptible to back problems. How about the smaller variety? Do mini dachshunds have back problems, too?

The simple answer is yes, mini doxies are vulnerable to back problems just like their bigger counterparts. It is believed that they may be more likely to suffer from spinal issues than other breeds. That said, you should know what signs to watch out for when one has back problems:

  • Sudden squeals and cries with no apparent reason.
    Dogs will normally squeal to express pain when they are in an uncomfortable position. However, the ones we are referring to are unexplained noises. If he does this out of the blue, take it as a potential sign that warrants a visit to the vet. Look closely and see if he is dragging his rear legs or toes.
  • Hesitance during handling
    Mini doxies are affectionate towards their people. However, if he appears uncomfortable or in pain when being handled, he might be showing another sign of a back problem.
  • Decreased level of activity
    Pay attention to any sudden changes in behaviour. Impeded mobility may mean that they are suffering from an intervertebral disc or slipped disc disease. Just keep in mind that signs of back pain do not necessarily hurt on their backside.
black and tan miniature dachshund

Photo Credit: Megan Ellaby

✖Do not allow his legs to dangle or hang whilst holding your Daxie.
✔Do use your two hands to support his body whilst picking him up.

How do you hold a miniature dachshund puppy? It is important to know how to properly handle a mini dachshund considering its susceptibility to back problems.

Never lift him with only a hand or by his paws or head alone. Use your two hands as you pick up your miniature dachshund puppy. One hand should support his chest and front legs whilst the other should support his hind legs and loin under his rear. This completely assures that his back is well-supported as you lift him.

miniature dachshund family pet

Photo Credit: Flickr

✖Do not allow your miniature dachshund puppy to jump on high places.
✔Do keep a close eye on your mini dachshund especially when he’s in a playful mood.

What sets them apart from other canines are their short legs and stout long bodies which means there are certain limitations during strenuous activities. Know that extreme activities such as jumping high and dropping back down can affect his joints and spine that may lead to health issues. Discourage your daxie puppy from jumping on and off furniture without your supervision or assistance. Consider investing some furniture ramps where he can comfortably climb up and down instead of jumping.

So, is it bad for miniature dachshunds to jump? Yes! The consequence of jumping entails much more serious cases such as slipped or ruptured disks. To avoid these kinds of problems, it is best to make him understand that jumping is wrong early on.

mini dachshund

Photo Credit: Flickr

✖Do not leave your pup whilst going up and down the stairs.
✔Do assist your dachshund as he goes up and down the stairs.

Can a miniature dachshund puppy climb the stairs? Several times of climbing up and down the stairs can pose a threat to your mini dachshund especially when they are still a pup. It puts pressure on his back which can cause to develop Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

As it is impossible to watch your pup for 24 hours, there are certain things you can do to put your mind at ease. Consider having a baby gate posted near the stairs to prevent your miniature dachshund puppy from going up and down on his own. Install ramps for small staircases to assist him when going up and down every day.

Want to learn more about this wonderful breed, read the Miniature Dachshund breed information.

FREE E-BOOK

home-remedies-for-dog-health-issues
Get your FREE e-book on

Home Remedies for Most Common Dog Healthcare Issues

when you subscribe to your weekly dose of pet-infused newsletters

Packed with solutions and ideas for treating
common health issues for your dog at home.

Share this: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Email

Hannah Mitchell

Related Stories

What Owning a Pet Really Does to Our Health
What Owning a Pet Really Does to Our Health
What Does Dog Barking Noises Tell Us?
What Does Dog Barking Noises Tell Us?
Training Tips for Mini Dachshund Owners
Training Tips for Mini Dachshund Owners
Latest Stories
  • Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Breed Is Better for You?
  • Sings and Causes of Abnormal Dog Behaviour
  • Psychic Cat Comforts Over 100 Grieving Families
  • Weimaraner vs Vizsla: Differences and Similarities
  • Are Boston Terrier Good Pets?
  • Awful Dog Odour: Reasons Why Your Dog Smells and Ways to Prevent It
  • Japanese Cat Temple Café Hires Cat Priests
  • Featured Story

    Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Breed Is Better for You?
    Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Breed Is Better for You?

    Boston Terrier vs Pug—both flat-faced and bulky-bodied breeds may seem like brothers along with their other lookalike, the French Bulldog. But … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    8
    Whippet Online Ad
    Whippet pups

    Bristol

    1,200

    4
    Chow Chow
    Boy Chowchow 5 months old for sale

    Doncaster

    3,000

    5
    Miniature Dachshund For Sale in Great Britain
    Miniature dachshund puppies

    Saint Helens

    2,300

    3
    Mixed Breed Online Listings
    Mini Rex/Dutch crossbreed (recent vaccinations and neutering)

    Hull

    45

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Chihuahuas for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Persian Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2021 UKPets. All rights reserved.