Top 5 Health Concerns for Dachshunds

Dachshunds may have short legs and long bodies, but they’re packed with personality, courage, and loyalty. Our team adores caring for these clever, spirited pups and understands just how cherished they are by their families. Like all breeds, Dachshunds have unique health considerations that are important to keep in mind. Here are the top five concerns we frequently see in our practice and how we help catch them early: 

1. Back and Spine Problems (IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease) 

Dachshunds are prone to a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine begin to bulge or rupture. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and can cause pain, weakness, or even paralysis. If you notice your dog hesitating to jump, walking with a hunched back, trembling, or even dragging their hind legs, it’s time to get them checked out quickly. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We gently examine your Dachshund’s spine and limbs, checking for signs of pain, weakness, or neurologic changes. 
• Imaging – X-rays help us rule out other causes of back pain and may indicate the need for advanced imaging (like MRI or CT) for a more detailed diagnosis. 
• Treatment planning – Based on the severity, we may recommend strict crate rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or refer for surgery to protect long-term mobility and comfort. 
• Reducing the risk – We can help by monitoring your Doxie’s weight, recommending safe exercise options or supplements, and offering guidance on lifestyle adjustments tailored to your dog’s specific needs. 

2. Obesity 

Dachshunds may be small, but they have big appetites, which can become problematic. These lovable pups are prone to weight gain, which puts them at serious risk for health issues. Extra pounds can strain their long spines, increasing the likelihood of painful back problems like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), as well as joint issues and arthritis. 

While overfeeding and too little exercise are common culprits, underlying medical conditions such as thyroid or hormonal imbalances can also lead to weight gain. That’s why regular vet checkups, spine-friendly exercise, and careful portion control are essential to keeping your dachshund healthy and mobile for years to come. 

How we can help:

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your Dachshund’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention. 
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Doxie is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your Doxie to an ideal weight safely. 
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Doxie receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments. 

3. Dental Disease 

Doxies are especially vulnerable to dental disease. Their small mouths combined with relatively large teeth can lead to crowding, which makes it easy for food and bacteria to get trapped. This quickly causes plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and, if not treated, tooth loss. 

Bad breath is often the first warning sign, but more advanced disease can lead to pain, trouble eating, and even infections that impact the heart or kidneys. Consistent preventive care is key to keeping your Doxie’s mouth, and overall health, in top condition. 

How we can help: 

• Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth 
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the veterinarian determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment 
• Professional cleaning – Just like people, Dachshunds need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your Dachshund’s teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, protect their airway, and allow the vet to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the vet identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam 
• Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits. 

4. Luxating Patella (Knee Problems)

Dachshunds are prone to a condition called luxating patella, where the kneecap slips in and out of place. This can cause your dog to suddenly hop, skip a step, or hold one leg up while walking. Some dogs may not show discomfort, but others may limp or seem reluctant to run or jump. 

In mild cases, this condition may be managed with monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. More severe or painful cases can lead to long-term joint problems and may require surgery to correct. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We carefully assess your dog’s knees, feeling for looseness or abnormal movement of the kneecap. 
• X-rays – Imaging helps us evaluate the severity of the condition and check for signs of arthritis or bone changes. 
• Treatment planning – Depending on the grade of the luxation, we may recommend joint supplements, weight management, or surgical correction for long-term relief and mobility. 

5. Heart Disease 

As Dachshunds age, they can be prone to heart problems, particularly chronic valve disease where the heart valves weaken and leak, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. Over time, this can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, fatigue, and more serious complications if not treated. Early signs can be subtle like a mild cough, slowing down during walks, or heavier breathing after play. Spotting these changes early allows for better management to keep your dachshund happy and healthy for longer. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We listen closely for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or breathing changes during your Doxie’s check-up to determine if additional testing should be done.
• Diagnostic Imaging – Chest X-rays and ultrasound (echocardiogram) allow us to visualize the heart and lungs in detail. These tools are essential for diagnosing heart disease and determining whether long-term medication or ongoing monitoring is needed.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – We use this test to detect irregular heart rhythms and monitor electrical activity, which can guide treatment and prevent potentially fatal events.
• Ongoing management – If heart disease is diagnosed, we’ll create a tailored care plan with medication, diet changes, and regular monitoring to keep your Doxie as healthy and active as possible. 

We’re here to care for your Doxie like one of our own. Schedule a visit today so we can work together to keep your loyal, energetic companion happy, healthy, and thriving. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!