HEALTH AND CARE
This dog breed is prone to spinal problems due to its long spine and short ribcage.
These spinal injuries can be worse if the dog is obese or has intense exercises that put more pressure on the spine.
Severe cases may require surgery to remove the problematic disc contents. A dog may need the help of a cart to get around if paralysis occurs.
In addition to back problems, the breed is prone to patellar luxation. Dachshunds can also suffer from osteogenesis imperfecta, which means their bones are brittle. This condition seems to be mostly limited to wire-haired Dachshunds.
In Double Spotted Dachshunds, there are varying degrees of vision and hearing loss, including reduced or absent eyes. Not all Double Spotted have problems with their eyes or ears.
Other health problems suffered by dachshunds include:
- Hereditary epilepsy
- Granulomatous meningoencephalitis
- Dental problems
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Thyroid and autoimmune problems
- Allergies
- Eye conditions: cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, nonulcerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, and cherry eye.
Dachshunds are also more likely than other dog breeds to develop congenital heart problems.
Dilute-colored dogs (Blue, Isabella, and Cream) are highly susceptible to alopecia, which can lead to hair loss and extreme sensitivity to the sun.