How long do Dachshunds live?
Dachshunds have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. They are generally healthy, but can still suffer from certain medical conditions, these include:
Back Problems
The Dachshund breed is quite prone to back diseases. Study shows that 25% of Dachshunds will develop this condition in their lifetime. One prevalent health issue in the breed is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), which causes the spinal discs to become brittle.
The treatment for IVDD for Dachshunds includes oral anti-inflammatory medications and rest for mild cases. If the disease continues to progress, surgery may be recommended.
Dachshunds must have regular exercise to prevent the development of IVDD. Other preventive measures include proper handling of the Dachshund and restricting it from jumping up and down high places.
Cushing’s Disease
Dachshunds may also develop Cushing’s Disease. It is clinically known as hyperadrenocorticism, a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in the adrenal glands.
In Dachshunds with Cushing’s Disease, there is an overproduction of steroid hormone called cortisone, which causes hair loss, weight gain, urinary accidents, and increased hunger and drinking.
Cushing’s Disease in Dachshunds is curable through oral medications. Serious cases of the disease may require the surgical removal of the adrenal glands.
Dental Problems
The Dachshund is also prone to developing dental problems. Periodontal diseases are often linked to chondrodysplasia, a genetic abnormality in the cartilage. It pushes the teeth to the crowd in the jaw.
Dachshunds with chondrodysplasia suffer from inflammation and infection as a result of food and plaque trapped in the crevices of the teeth.
To prevent dental issues, have the Dachshunds teeth brushed regularly at home and occasional cleaning by a professional groomer.
Eye Disorders
The Dachshund is predisposed to several ocular diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These diseases can slowly deteriorate your dog’s eyesight, which can lead to blindness.
There is no known treatment for cataracts, but supplements can hinder its progression. For glaucoma, medical therapy and in some cases, surgery can get rid of this disease. PRA is uncurable, but gene therapy offers a slither of hope that it can be reversed.
It is advised that you buy a Dachshund puppy from a reputable breeder who carries out health screening for the list of health issues prone to the breed. This lessens the likelihood of your puppy inheriting health problems from its parents. The suggested health tests are eye and knee evaluation.
This Sausage dog has medium energy levels. So, it should have at least thirty to forty minutes of exercise daily. It needs to let off steam to prevent it from getting bored and developing undesirable behaviours. You can walk it around the neighbourhood or play games in the park.
This small hound dog also loves to dig. Prevent it from making holes in your home by providing its own digging space in your garden. Do not forget to give the Dachshund brain-challenging games as well to keep its mind sharp. These can be in the form of puzzle toys, home-made obstacle courses, or hide-and-seek.
Although the Dachshund needs adequate exercise, avoid activities that put pressure on the bones and muscles. These include jumping up and down from furniture or stairs. Having a long back makes the breed highly susceptible to serious back or spine injuries.
Swimming is another activity that should be done with utmost caution. Since the Dachshund is a small dog with a long body and short legs, it isn’t a natural swimmer. Provide your dog with a well-fitted doggy life jacket to keep it safe and afloat on water. Always check that the jacket isn’t loose to avoid it from slipping off and putting your dog at risk of drowning.
Not being a natural swimmer, it is also extremely important to accompany the sausage dog whilst in water. This way, you can provide immediate assistance if any accident occurs.