Do Dachshunds have a big appetite
12 of the Most Common Health Issues in Dachshunds
Dachshunds, as with every dog breed, have certain health issues that occur more frequently within their genetic pool.
Smart Dachshund owners will educate themselves so that they can recognize a health issue in its early stages.
Being aware of common health issues in Dachshunds can equip an owner with knowledge that could help prevent the issue from occurring or will minimize any issues that do occur.
This article lists the 12 most common health issues in Dachshunds.
Why are These Health Problems More Common in Dachshunds?
Dachshunds have a very unique body type when compared to most other breeds.
Their body is quite long and sits very low to the ground, on top of having very short legs.
This trait is called disproportional dwarfism, or chondrodysplasia.
Disproportionate dwarfism is when some parts of the body are small, and others are of average size or above-average size.
This distinct skeletal structure makes them prone to genetic problems specific to long-bodied dogs, as well as health problems related to their environment.
12 of the Most Common Health Issues in Dachshunds
Based on my research and experience, these 11 health issues cause the most problems for the Dachshund breed:
Back Disease
Back issues are the top health problem Dachshunds encounter; 25% will experience back issues in their lifetime.
According to the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory,
Chondrodysplasia [can] impact the health of animals through an abnormal process that causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
Back problems are very common in Dachshunds. In fact, approximately 25% of Dachshunds will experience back issues in their lifetime.
This predisposition of spinal disks to age early is referred to as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
It causes the vertebrae and disks to become brittle and can result in problems similar to a slipped or ruptured disks in humans.
IVDD-related spinal injuries (well, any really) can be extremely painful and long-lasting, sometimes leading to permanent damage to the spine and paralysis.
Common-sense ownership can help minimize back issues in your Doxie.
- Exercise your dog; it promotes strong muscles and healthy tissues.
- Discourage your Dachshund from jumping up on or down from furniture or other to difficult and high places (off the bed, into the car, etc.) as this causes shock on the disks.
- When you lift or carry your dog, support her weight in both the rear and front ends so their spine is not stressed.
Dental Issues
Dental issues are common in Dachshunds.
Dachshunds are also predisposed to dental issues.
One of the primary reasons is that the chondrodysplasia mentioned above can result in the crowding of teeth in the jaw.
Teeth affected by crowding have lowered defenses to periodontal disease due to their propensity to trap food, plaque, and calculus leading to infection and inflammation. (Source)
To protect your dogs teeth, its important to have them cleaned regularly by a professional and develop a home routine to help prevent tartar from building up.
If your Dachshund wont let you brush their teeth, you may want to consider getting your dog anesthesia-free teeth cleaning from a licenced professional.
Besides bad teeth, Dachshunds are prone to bad breath (here are some tips for dealing with it).
Skin Issues
While any dog can suffer from skin problems, Dachshunds are prone to developing a wide variety of skin-related issues ranging from allergies to color dilution alopecia.
Find out more here: The 6 most common skin issues in Dahcshunds and what to do about them.
Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushings Disease is caused when the adrenal glands produce too much of a steroid hormone called cortisone.
This hormone imbalance usually develops slowly so can be mistaken for aging symptoms.
The symptoms of Cushings Disease can be mistaken for signs of aging.
Symptoms include excessive drinking, urination accidents in the house, hair loss, increased appetite, and weight gain.
If you notice any of these symptoms its important to have your dog evaluated by your vet.
Fortunately, Cushings Treatment is treatable with oral medications that can help your dog lead a longer and more comfortable life.
In extreme cases the overactive adrenal glands can be surgically removed.
Obesity
The Dachshund is listed in the Banfield Pet Hospital as one of the top 10 breeds at highest risk of obesity.
Obesity can trigger a variety of other health issues.
One most obvious is the back disorders discussed above because extra belly weight puts stress on the spine.
Less obvious include arthritis (obese dogs have been shown to need medicine for osteoarthritis 3 years earlier than non-obese dogs) and higher anesthetic risk in surgery.
Do your homework to choose a healthy food for your dog, feed it appropriate quantities, and watch for these signs to make sure your Dachshund gets enough exercise.
Cancers/Tumors
Dachshunds have a higher than average risk of developing cancers of the skin, fat cells, and anal sacs.
This includes a particular risk of developing mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dachshunds have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Other cancers more common in Dachshunds than some in other breeds include anal sac cancer, liposarcoma, and mammary gland cancer.
Its important to check your dogs skin regularly for any abnormal lumps on or just under the skins surface and to have your vet check any lumps you find.
Cardiac Disorders
DMVD (degenerative mitral valve disease) is a leaky heart valve issue common in Dachshunds. It usually appears when the dog is between 8 and 10 years of age.
Regular checkups should catch this condition in the early stages; it can be controlled with medication.
Keeping your dogs weight down is important so the heart doesnt need to work harder than normal.
Seizures, Lafora Disease, and Other Non-spinal Neurologic Disorders
Dachshunds are prone to several neurologic disorders including Lafora disease, epilepsy, and narcolepsy.
If youre never heard of Lafora disease (LD) before, its an inherited, late onset, progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
It appears as brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles that usually only lasts a second or two.
Any Dachshund can have it but there is a high prevalence in the miniature Wirehaired Dachshund up to 20% of miniature wire hairs can be affected.
Symptoms of non-spinal neurologic disorders can include seizures, jerking motions, tremors, imbalance, excessive sleeping, or weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms its important to have your Doxie checked out by a vet right away.
Eye Problems
Dachshunds are prone to several different eye problems. Some are extremely painful; others can cause blindness if not treated right away.
Cataracts and
Glaucoma is a very painful disease that can lead to blindness if not treated.
Cataracts are common in older Dachshunds and can cause blindness, but surgery can restore sight in some cases.
Dry eye (known as KCS, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) results in itchy, sore eyes, and eye infections. It is treated with an ointment that you apply daily.
Liver Disease
Dachshunds are more likely than most breeds to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS).
This is a hereditary condition in which the liver cant effectively remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Surgery is sometimes needed, but many times you can treat it with medication and a special diet.
Dachshund Stomach Issues
Its not uncommon for Dachshunds to experience stomach issues.
Some are merely sensitive to certain foods or abrupt food changes.
Others can suffer from gastroenteritis, a term referring to stomach issues resulting in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastroenteritis has an underlying cause such as parasites, dietary issues, etc.
Dachshunds tend to be more prone to developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Dachshunds are one of the breeds at higher risk of developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE).
HGE can have similar symptoms as gastroenteritis but has a severe onset and no underlying cause can be found.
Dachshund stomach issues must be addressed immediately; HGE can be life-threatening if untreated.
The main symptoms are bloody diarrhea and sudden onset.
Immune System Disorders
An autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the bodys own tissues and cells.
Dachshunds are predisposed to a disease called Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia, in which the body attacks its own platelets and clotting function is impaired.
30% of dogs with this condition die from it, many others respond to medical treatment but have recurrent bouts throughout their life.
Raising a Healthy Dachshund
Any of these health problems can shorten a Dachshunds lifespan.
Although we wish we could control all factors that cause common health issues in Dachshunds, certain environmental and hereditary factors are beyond our control.
While you cant control all factors, you can take preventative measures to keep your Dachshund healthy.
What IS in your control is doing everything in your power to make your Doxie as healthy as possible.
Healthy Dachshunds are more resistant to health issues and many times can avoid or minimize symptoms.
Close to the Ground, Closer to Your Heart
Our Dachshunds unique structure does make them prone to certain health issues, but it also makes us love them even more.
About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.
What You Should Know About an Increased Appetite
Overview
If you want to eat more often or in larger quantities than youre used to, your appetite has increased. But if you eat more than your body requires, it can lead to weight gain.
Its normal to have an increased appetite after physical exertion or some other activities. But if your appetite is significantly increased over a prolonged period of time, it could be a symptom of a serious illness, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
Mental health conditions, such as depression and stress, can also lead to appetite changes and overeating. If youre experiencing excessive ongoing hunger, make an appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor may refer to your increased appetite as hyperphagia or polyphagia. Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your condition.
You may have an increased appetite after engaging in sports or other exercise. This is normal. If it persists, it might be a symptom of an underlying health condition or other issue.
For example, an increased appetite can result from:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- premenstrual syndrome, the physical and emotional symptoms that precede menstruation
- reactions to certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and tricyclic antidepressants
- pregnancy
- bulimia, an eating disorder in which you binge eat and then induce vomiting or use laxatives to avoid gaining weight
- hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland
- Graves disease, an autoimmune disease in which your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormones
- hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
- diabetes, a chronic condition in which your body has trouble regulating blood sugar levels
If your appetite has significantly and persistently increased, contact your doctor. Its particularly important to contact them if changes in your appetite are accompanied by other symptoms.
Your doctor will probably want to perform a thorough physical examination and note your current weight. Theyll likely ask you a series of questions, such as:
- Are you trying to diet?
- Have you gained or lost a substantial amount of weight?
- Did your eating habits change prior to your increased appetite?
- Whats your typical daily diet like?
- Whats your typical exercise routine like?
- Have you previously been diagnosed with any chronic diseases?
- What prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements do you take?
- Does your pattern of excessive hunger coincide with your menstrual cycle?
- Have you also noticed increased urination?
- Have you felt more thirsty than normal?
- Have you been regularly vomiting, either intentionally or unintentionally?
- Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed?
- Do you use alcohol or drugs?
- Do you have any other physical symptoms?
- Have you recently been ill?
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests. For example, they may order blood tests and thyroid function testing to measure the level of thyroid hormones in your body.
If they cant find a physical cause for your increased appetite, your doctor may recommend a psychological evaluation with a mental health professional.
Dont attempt to treat changes in your appetite using over-the-counter appetite suppressants without talking to your doctor first.
Their recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of your increased appetite. If they diagnose you with an underlying medical condition, they can help you learn how to treat and manage it.
If youre diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor or dietitian can help you learn how to manage your blood sugar levels. They can also instruct you how to recognize the early warning signs of low blood sugar, and how to take steps to correct the problem quickly.
Low blood sugar is also known as hypoglycemia and can be considered a medical emergency. If not properly treated, it can lead to loss of consciousness or even death.
If your appetite problems are caused by medications, your doctor may recommend alternative drugs or adjust your dosage. Never stop taking prescription medication or change your dosage without talking to your doctor first.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend psychological counseling. For example, an eating disorder, depression, or other mental health condition usually includes psychological counseling as part of the treatment.
