Dachshund Hair Care
Spring is about ready to spring! If you live with a dog, then you know the hair is about to hit the fan. For now, here and there you may have noticed just a bit of extra hair around and on a lot of your stuff. Dogs should be brushed daily when Spring hits. Dachshunds are notorious for shedding a lot of hair. This may seem strange because they are so small, but the extreme shedding is no myth. Shedding affects all dogs with fur, but Dachshunds provide an added element of work because they are full of energy and like to be the boss of you. A cuter boss you could not have, but business is business, and these guys need a good brushing.
Taking care of your Dachshund’s hair will also work to take care of his or her skin, as well. The hair and skin are very important to their health and contentment. Your dog should be brushed each day. Use strokes going with the hair’s natural direction and do so gently. The brushing also works to release the natural oils in your dog’s skin. Dachshunds have skin that leans more toward the dry. By releasing natural oils in the skin, you can dramatically reduce the itchiness from which your dog can suffer. A healthy skin surface and its cells also help control the shedding. Healthy skin hangs on to hair longer than unhealthy skin.
Please choose a soft bristle brush. If you have a Wire-haired Dachshund, use the a brush made specifically for this hair type and if possible, this breed. Size is important, too. Dachshunds are born into a world of everything larger than they. Keep their world small. Buy a bed that fits their size, bowls their size, and use tools suiting their size. If you feel more comfortable, ask for suggestions from your vet before you purchase the brush. Dog supplies can be expensive and a brush can not be returned. To make the brushing easier, use a good dog shampoo and conditioner. Dry your dog as much as possible as wet hair is tougher to brush. If your dog can tolerate a dryer, use only a dryer meant for dogs.
Finally, make this time with your dog fun and happy. Do not chase your dog and only do it when you are calm. Getting frustrated and doing it when you are rushed or cranky will make the next time that much more miserable. Use treats, calming locations, and quiet places to brush your Dachshund. Never leave young children in charge of brushing the dog. Things that are stressful can make the most loving pet aggressive. Try to do it quickly, giving treat rewards as suggested above, and use lots and lots of affection. Play with your dog right after your finish. After time, it will become something which your dog looks forward to every day. You will notice softer hair, healthier skin, and less hair all over every single thing you own!
