Grooming a Dachshund - How to Properly Groom Your Pet?

Dachshunds belong to the hound family and they are characterized by their short legs and long body. The dachshund's name is of German origin and literally means ‘badger dog.' They were historically used for hunting down badgers and other burrowing animals. Due to their long body and short legs, they are perfect for digging. Dachshunds can be classified into three types based on their coats, short haired (smooth) Dachshunds, long haired Dachshunds and wire haired Dachshunds.

Dachshunds are known for their ferocity for chasing small animals, birds and objects. They are playful by nature, but are harder to train than other dogs due to their stubbornness. They are aggressive towards strangers (both humans & dogs) and have a tendency to bark loudly. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners, so much so that they will continue to whine until they find companionship if you happen to leave them alone. Dachshunds are also prone to separation anxiety, which they demonstrate by chewing objects.

Grooming Dachshund

Due to their short height and long body, Dachshunds are known to develop spinal problems. This happens due to their long spinal column and short rib cage which puts additional pressure on the spine. One of the most common diseases that they develop is intervertebral disc disease which can be caused due to rough handling, high jumping exercises, obesity, or anything that places increased pressure on their spine.

Due to their physical structure, Dachshunds are a little more delicate to handle, hence grooming for them can be a little bit different in comparison to other breeds. Correctly handling the Dachshund is important and since they are long, it is important to hold them by supporting their ends, similar to cradling a baby. Similarly, avoid holding them by their paws or head, as this can lead spinal problems. It is also important to take care of your pet's dental health by periodically brushing their teeth using toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs and which are available from many pet stores.

When grooming your pet, check for signs of infections or dirt in their ears. A healthy ear should look pink not red. You can clean the ear with a damp washcloth or cotton ball. Avoid cleaning too deep inside the ear as this may lead to damage. If you are not sure how to clean the ears safely, your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the correct steps to take. You should also bathe your pet regularly. Use a dog shampoo for bathing rather than a human shampoo and ensure that you rinse their fur properly, especially their underbelly, before finally rinsing with water. Brushing their fur is also important and this can keep their coat free from ticks and fleas.

Last but not the least, trim your pet's nails. Dachshunds normally have black nails which can make it difficult to determine how short to trim these. For this reason, cutting the nails gradually, a little at a time, is often the safest method to use. If you are not sure on how to carry out nail trimming, there are many professional groomers who are trained to carry out this procedure. Grooming your pet can also be a great time for bonding in addition to keeping them looking and staying healthy.