Grooming With Your Dachshund
It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can’t resist commenting on the cuteness of a Weiner Dog! Those cute little short legs, those flopping ears, and that bark much bigger than their size makes the Dachshund irresistible!
Though cute, the Dachshund comes with a lot of responsibility. They are hunters and runners, so must be leashed when outside. They are infamous for racing off to chase something in the trees. Although very attached to their owners, they do have a mind of their own and tend to get lost in the moment when their is a prey attracting their attention.
Dachshunds also need to be groomed regularly. As they are small, they often can’t get enough friction outside when running and walking, so they need to have their nails clipped. If they are allowed to get too long there is risk of damage to the inner nails which can cause bleeding when they are finally clipped.
These little guys need to have their anal glands expressed at a minimum every two months. If allowed to become too full, the Dachshund will have trouble moving his or her bowels, and worse, the glands can become dangerously full and leak bacteria into the dog’s system. This can lead to a major health crisis. It is a simple and inexpensive procedure. Just make sure whomever is grooming your dog knows what they are doing, or go to the vet.
Now, those of us whom love the Dachshund know they aren’t the biggest fans of sitting still for a brushing! It is important, however, to keep their coats healthy with regular brushing. Use the soft side of a brush and give him or her a treat when he or she manages to sit still. Then the brush becomes a good thing!
At your next visit with the vet, be sure ask which vitamins and supplements are right for your Dachshund and remember, they are small, so most pills have to cut into smaller pieces so as not to overdose your dog. Only your vet should recommend what is right for your dog from a medical perspective.
Remember, (as hard as it is sometimes,) no matter what your Dachshund says, no matter how cute your baby looks in the moment, you are the boos! It is hard to be strong, but consistency and discipline are very important when raising a Dachshund.
