Dachshund Age
Dachshunds are good at hiding their age. An aging Dachshund can betray his realities better than some breeds, but usually in short bursts. This agile dog is the breed that loves to please – even if it is hard for them to meet the challenge. As these little guys age, they can slow down, sleep deeper and for longer periods, lose enthusiasm for activities in which the family engages, and will not last too long on a walk.
From the moment you got your Dachshund, you knew that weight was going to be an issue and is more so as the dog ages. Keep your dog on his feeding regimen as long as he is not gaining weight. If you see even a slight change in weight, cut back the calorie intake by 25%. If this does not help, make a visit to the vet. Walk him or 20 minutes per day as exercise will help with joints, heart, and keeping diabetes at bay.
Dachshunds are small and this encourages a Napoleon complex. This breed is a loving and sweet breed, but can have an edge. This temper could flare as they age and a little pain sets into the body. Be cautious and take the hint. This can be compounded by vision and hearing problems. It is not unusual in dogs as they get older, but in a small dog, it can be overwhelming. They are small and feel threatened easily. Loss of vision and hearing makes them feel more vulnerable.
Increases in heat and drops to very cold weather can have quite an impact on Dachshunds. They are close the hot ground or the cold ground. They can over-heat or freeze in mere minutes. Keep them away from drafts and give them a warm place to hide. When it heats up, give them plenty of water and shelter. Dogs can perish in extreme weather without the proper shelter and for small dogs, death can occur within a matter of hours in extreme exposure. For an older dog, things can prove fatal in less than an hour.
Dachshunds do not have the strength to push everything out of their waste tract when they are going to the bathroom. They need to have their glands expressed. A build up of fecal matter in a dog’s intestines can cause them to rupture. In an older dog, their muscles are less able to express all the waste. it is even more important to have them expressed regularly in senior years. The same goes for dental care. Dachshunds have dental issues because they do not have the jaw strength to maximize cleaning chew treats and toys to their potential as dental care. Cleanings are expensive, so start saving when you get your dog. You will probably have to get them done every few years, but in the meantime, use a toothbrush and appropriate toothpaste.
