Whether you have purchased your first miniature dachshund puppy from the breeder or kennel or have been raising a dog for the past five years, the possibility that you may face your dog’s first illness is always present. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog remains happy and healthy at all times.
To do that, you need to know exactly what actions you are taking now that could lead to or prevent the common health problems miniature dachshunds face each year.
Here’s a list of the 7 most common health problems miniature dachshunds are prone to. Read carefully, and make sure your miniature dachshund dog is never a victim of any of these health problems.
Remember that your dog cannot tell you when he is not feeling well. The only way to properly treat these health problems is through prevention and early warning signs.
Not all miniature dachshund dogs will get any of these diseases, however, it is imperative to know about them in case you are considering this breed.
1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Miniature Dachshunds are particularly prone to back issues. This can be due to hereditary qualities, moving incorrect way, or falling, or getting on or off furniture. The side effects of a problem are reminiscent of being unable to get up on the back legs, loss of motion, and occasionally loss of bowel and bladder control.
It is essential to constantly support your Miniature Dachshund’s back when holding it. Treatment can comprise anything from the incarceration of the case with soothing medications to a medical procedure to remove the plates that are causing the problem, or in any case, keeping the dog in a dog wheelchair.
Some owners have found that they can help avoid problems by taking their Miniature Dachshunds to alignment specialists, acupuncturists, or restoration consultants who have experience working with dogs.
2. Epilepsy
Miniature Dachshunds tend to have epileptic seizures. In dogs that are influenced, it is an idea that the condition is hereditary or results from a fall or a hard hit to the head.
In the event that your Miniature Dachshund has seizures, take him to your vet to find out what treatment is appropriate. Most of the time, epilepsy can be controlled with medicine.
3. Dynamic Retinal Decay (PRA)
This is a degenerative eye problem that in the long run causes visual impairment due to the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye.
PRA is recognizable years before the dog shows signs of visual impairment. Fortunately, dogs can use their different abilities to compensate for visual impairment, and a visually impaired dog can lead a full and optimistic life.
Just don’t become a propensity to move furniture. Legitimate breeders have their dogs’ eyes confirmed annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist and do not breed dogs with this disease. A DNA test for PRA is accessible for smaller than expected long-haired miniature dachshunds.
4. Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV)
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) also called bloating or torsion is a dangerous condition that frequently affects huge dogs, but due to their deep chests, it can also affect miniature dachshunds.
VGD occurs when the stomach is stretched with gas or air and then turned (twisted). The dog cannot burp or regurgitate to rid itself of the abundance of air in its stomach and the typical return of blood to the heart is hindered.
Circulatory tension decreases and the dog is stunned. This is a health-related crisis. Without immediate clinical consideration, the dog may kick the bucket.
Suspect bloat if your dog has a widened midsection, is salivating for no reason, and panting without hurling. Also, he may be anxious, discouraged, torpid and fragile with a rapid pulse.
It is essential to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. There is some sign that a propensity for GDV is acquired.
5. Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
This condition occurs when the body creates an exaggerated hormone called cortisol. Very well, it can be due to an irregularity in the pituitary organ or the adrenal organ, or it can occur when a dog has an excessive amount of cortisol from different conditions.
The most recognized signs are excessive urination and excessive alcohol consumption. In case your Miniature Dachshund shows these signs, take him to the vet. There are medications to help with this disease, from the evacuation of an organ to medications.
6. Dog Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Diabetes is sometimes found in miniature dachshunds, especially if they are overweight. Diabetes can be treated with diet and daily infusions of insulin. The signs incorporate exorbitant urination and thirst and weight loss, regardless of insatiable hunger.
7. Deafness
Hearing problem is not a staple in the breed, however, it can occur in two-spotted miniature dachshunds. Ask if the puppy and her parents were subjected to BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) prosecution for a hearing problem.
This is not accessible in all regions but is accessible in most high force practices and emergency clinics in veterinary schools. It is usually done when the puppy is five weeks old.
In case you are buying a miniature dachshund puppy, find a decent breeder who will give you health permits for both of your puppy’s folks. Health clearances show that a dog has been tried and released from a specific condition.
In miniature dachshunds, you should expect to see a Dog Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) health freedom, ensuring the eyes are typical.
Health clearances are not granted to dogs older than 2 years. That’s because some medical problems don’t appear until a dog is fully developed.