Dachshund care a guide for
new dog owners

Vet Visit
Start your dachshund care as you mean to go on, when you first get your dachshund, have him checked by your vet, and any vaccinations required given.

How best to choose a vet for your dog

• One recommended to you is preferable.
• Choose a vet that you like and trust.
• You don’t particularly want the cheapest or the nearest.
• Ask you friends or the breeder.
• Ask some questions – what do they like about him. You are looking for a vet that gives good service, takes a genuine interest in your dachshund, and is only too happy to offer advice.

Dog Worming
Intestinal Parasites – common types, roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm and hookworm live in dog’s intestines. Dogs can become infected from eating untreated offal, from infected faecal matter and from other dogs also members of your family can be infected.

Puppies can be infected with roundworm before they are born as the larvae are passed through the placenta with in the mother. Worms can cause serious illness especially in puppies, if not treated. As part of your general dachshund care,it is adviseable when your puppy is about 6 weeks old to examine the dog’s stools for signs of worm infestation.

Signs of worm infestation are:

Diarrhoea or vomiting (you may find roundworms – look like spaghetti or tapeworms- look like grains of rice) in the vomit or faeces.
Change of appetite
Weight loss
Dull coat
Weakness

Regular treatment should be part of your dachshund care program using an effective worming drug suitable for your dachshund, some heartworm treatments are also effective against the main intestinal parasites consult your vet for the most suitable, for the age of your dachshund. Ensure you keep your dachshund’s toilet area clear of faeces.

Dog Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important part of your dachshund care, ensuring your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and annual boosters received.

Vaccinations usually start at 6-8 weeks your need to consult your vet and insure up to date records are kept.Some of the diseases covered by vaccinations are: canine distemper, kennel cough, lyme disease, hepatitis, rabies, measles and parvovirus. The vaccinations required for your dachshund may depend on where you live and the dachshund’s lifestyle.

Spaying/Neutering
You need to be aware that it is your responsibility to organise, before your dachshund puppy is 6 months old to have him/her spayed or neutered unless you intend making the considerable commitment to under take Dachshund breeding.

Some health advantages to spaying/neutering – decreased incidence of breast cancer, prevents males roaming and curbs territorial behaviour and can make a calmer personality.

Home Hazards
Check list for potental hazards for young dogs in you home also suggested equipment for your new puppy.
see dachshund puppy care

Registration/licensing of Dogs
Every owner of a dog 3 months of age or older, shall require registration and licensing in accordance with local bylaws for the area you reside in.

There is a fee to pay and a dog tag is issued, this is usually an annual fee.
Owners name and contact details are required.
Your dogs details are recorded.
Often a valid rabies certificate is required to prove vaccination is current.
Other health certifications may be required depending on where you reside.

Microchipping your dog
More dog owners and breeders are taking advantage, of the new microchip technology for dogs.The microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice and is usually inserted into the area of the dogs shoulder.

This microchip contains a number which is revealed when scanned,the chip number is registered with the dogs details and must appear on all veterinary and vaccination certificates.If the dog is travelling internationally you must ensure that you have the correct type of microchip.

These are just some of the issues your dachshund care should cover, others are diet, dental health, eye care, flea control, ear care, grooming, health issues, information on dachshund puppy care

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