Is Your Dachshund Overweight Signs to Watch For

Why Your Dachshund Is Overweight: 7 Causes & What To Do

If your Dachshund is getting fat its important to find out why and offer an appropriate solution. Weight gain in our canine friends can end up causing many health issues and a lower quality of life.

This article explains how much your dachshund should weigh, and how to help encourage weight loss. This article has been verified by one of our veterinarians.

7 Reasons Why Your Dachshund Is Overweight (& What To Do)

Eating too many additional calories in the form of treats or table scraps is the main reason why Dachshunds become fat or overweight. Other common reasons include a lack of exercise, age-related factors, or underlying health issues.

1. Table scraps
2. High-calorie treats
3. Lack of exercise
4. Age-related issues
5. Carbohydrates too high
6. Underlying health issues
7. Genetics

1. Table scraps

You would be surprised just how many calories are in our food. Simply licking the gravy with a few morsels could be an extra hundred calories or two. Even a small pork sausage can be upwards of 300 calories.

Once your Dachshund gets a taste for your food, hell start appearing under the dinner table more often, and without realizing, youll start giving him more and more table scraps.

These table scraps are high in calories and will contribute to easy weight gain quicker than you realize.

What To Do:

You guessed it! Stop table scraps completely. And this goes for everyone in your family, too. No more secret sausages under the table! If you know that your dachshund does consume table scraps, this may be the only change you need to make.

2. High-calorie treats

Dog treats come in all different varieties from dental chews, pig ears, jerky treats, bones, crunchy biscuits, soft biscuits, and more Some of these treats are considerably higher in calories than others, and too many of the wrong treats will pile on the pounds.

Depending on which brand you opt for, some jerky treats can be almost 100 calories each, and some popular biscuits can be around 70 calories each.

It only takes a few of these every day to really add a lot of calories overall. Fortunately, there are many great options out there you can try.

What To Do:

Switch to low-calorie dog treats only. Zukes Mini Naturals have something like 2 calories per treat! Thats unbelievable compared to a single biscuit which may contain 70 calories! Switch right away and remember to reserve treats for special moments.

3. Lack of exercise

This one causes a stir among dachshund owners, and theres a good reason for that. Dachshunds are prone to back and spinal injuries, and over-exercising them can lead to serious issues.

This is also the same reason why Dachshunds should avoid jumping up and down from the couch too much.

Despite this, theres still a balance that needs to be found. Although you shouldnt over-exercise your furry friend, she still needs to be exercised sufficiently.

45-60 minutes of dedicated walking/light running per day (aside from additional playtime) should be the goal. This will keep her body burning calories and her metabolism working properly.

What To Do:

Ensure youre giving your Dachshund at least 45-60 minutes of dedicated exercise per day. Discourage her from jumping and sprinting excessively, but its still important she receives moderate exercise. Incorporate additional playtime sessions into her daily routine too.

4. Age-related issues

As your Dachshund reaches her senior years (7 years +) weight gain becomes very normal. Elderly dogs have slower metabolisms and tend to exert themselves considerably less when out on walks. These two age-related changes will definitely contribute to some level of weight gain.

This doesnt mean to say that all elderly dogs become fat, but it does increase the chances. While there isnt much you can do about this one, you can try your best to keep your Dachshund fit with safe exercise routines, and perhaps an adjusted diet (consult your veterinarian).

What To Do:

Its hard to reverse the effects of aging, so all you can do is try your best to keep her as active as possible while preserving her joint health.

To remain on the safe side with seniors, if your Dachshund starts gaining additional weight and hes older than 7 years old, take him to your veterinarian for a complete health check-up to rule out underlying health issues.

5. Carbohydrates too high

The dog food world quickly gets complicated, so Ill try to keep this as simple as possible! Ideally, your Dachshund is consuming a premium kibble thats high in protein, medium fat, and low carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, many inferior kibbles out there use carbohydrates to literally pump up their food making it seem like youre getting more for your money. And while thats technically true, the quality is bad.

Carbs are cheap and provide little nutritional value for your Dachy. In fact, the National Research Council in the USA have officially stated that zero carbohydrates are needed to sustain a healthy canine diet

Protein and fat get utilized much more effectively by your Dachshunds body, after all, protein and fat are what dogs have been consuming in the wild for thousands of years. So its what their bodies know best.

What To Do:

Opt for a premium kibble from brands like Orijen, Acana, Wellness, and Taste of The Wild. Ensure the top ingredients are Whole ingredients, and only go for the kibbles with a low carbohydrate ratio compared to protein and fat.

If you are unsure, please consult your veterinarian before switching dog foods.

6. Underlying health issues

Underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism and bloat can contribute to weight gain or even just the appearance of weight gain. Lets explain these common health issues.

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesnt produce enough of the thyroid hormone. And its this hormone that is responsible for keeping the metabolism working properly. A slow metabolism practically always leads to weight gain, even if you were to reduce the calories your dachshund consumes!

Bloat is another common issue usually seen in larger dogs, but it can, unfortunately, affect small dogs too. Bloat doesnt cause weight gain, but it does suddenly bring on the appearance of being fat. Bloat can be a life-threatening condition whereby the stomach fills with gas-causing gastric dilation or quite literally a bloat.

Sometimes, the condition doesnt progress to get worse than a simple bloat. Other times, its a veterinary emergency.

Bloat usually happens quickly, so if one minute your Dachshund looks normal, and the next he looks enlarged then this could be bloat. If you suspect your Dachshund has bloat, you should always contact your veterinarian right away.

What To Do:

Weight gain is just one of many symptoms of a range of health issues. If you think your Dachshund looks under-the-weather, lazy, tired, weak, or is experiencing nausea, sickness, diarrhea, or a change in temperament, be sure to contact your veterinarian for a general health check-up.

7. Genetics

Although genetics is not a common reason for your Dachshund being overweight, theres still a slight possibility.

If your Dachshund is from a blood lineage where there have been a lot of overweight Dachshunds, it could impact the ease at which he gains weight compared to other Dachshunds.

This is quite unlikely, but theres still the odd chance this is the cause. And as you already knew, you cant change your Dachshunds genetic makeup!

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How Much Should Dachshunds Weigh?

So whats the correct weight for a Dachshund?

Its important to weigh your furry friend before making any drastic changes. You may discover that shes significantly overweight, or that shes actually a lot closer to a healthy weight range than you thought.

Please also note that these are just averages too, so even if your Dachshund falls slightly outside of them, its likely nothing to worry about!

Miniature Dachshund:Ideal weight is around 4.5kg (10lbs) Maximum weight for miniature Dachshunds is 11lbs

Standard Dachshund:Ideal weight is between 16-32 lbs. Females being on the lighter end of the scale compared to the males.

How To Know If Your Dachshund Is Overweight?

Aside from using the scales, you can also go by how your Dachshund looks. Use this chart to see how your Dachshund measures up. Source of image

Is It Bad For Your Dachshund To Be Overweight?

If your Dachshund gains a few extra pounds for a short period, its not going to cause any real issues. But weight gain over a longer period of time is nearly always going to lead to further health issues and even a shorter life.

So to keep the answer simple, yes its bad for your Dachshund to be overweight and if your little sausage dog has had too many sausages, its time to reduce her weight!

You must be proactive to find the root cause and address the issue. I personally know many owners who have acknowledged that their dogs are overweight but assumed that with time it will solve itself This is not the way to fix the issue.

In the canine world, its healthier to be slightly underweight than it is overweight. And it has been proven that slimmer dogs tend to live longer than overweight dogs.

When To Seek Veterinary Help

Identifying the cause can be quite tricky, so dont be hesitant in seeking advice from your veterinarian. If youve identified that your Dachshund is getting fat, but you cant think of any obvious reasons as to why then waste no time calling your veterinarian.

If you have a senior Dachshund that has started gaining weight, its best to schedule an appointment to rule out underlying health issues.

If youve suddenly noticed your Dachshund appear drastically fat, then it may be bloat or gastric torsion, so you should seek immediate veterinary help.

Additionally, if youve already been trying various methods to reduce your Dachshunds weight without any success, contact your veterinarian for further assistance. They will provide further insight and suggestions tailored specifically for your furry friend.

Thank you for reading!

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5 Simple Weight Loss Tips for Dachshunds

5 Simple Weight Loss Tips for Dachshunds

Updated 04/19/2024 by

Ever find yourself tempted to share a little nibble here, a lick of a leftover plate there with your sweet, puppy-eyed Dachshund? That Im starving look they give can tug at the heartstrings, but as much as it feels like showing them love, its actually quite the opposite.

Those occasional small shares can quickly add up, leading to extra pounds your doxie really shouldnt carry and putting their health at risk!

Keep reading to discover 5 Simple Weight Loss Tips for Dachshunds.

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Table Of Contents

How Much Should a Dachshund Weigh?

This chart provides estimated healthy weights tailored to each type of Dachshund standard, mini, tweenie, and toy.

Use this chart as a baseline to help ensure your doxie maintains a healthy weight suitable for their size. Making sure your pup stays within these ranges can promote their overall health and longevity.

• Standard: Full grown standard dachshunds can weigh between 16-32 pounds.

• Miniature: Adult mini dachshunds on average are 11 pounds or less.

• Tweenie: Dachshunds that appear to be more between the standard and miniature dachshund size can be between 10-15 pounds.

• Toy or Rabbit Size: Adult average size under 8 lbs.

Is My Dachshund Overweight?

You can generally tell if your Dachshund is overweight by just looking at them. If the shape of their body is more of a barrel instead of an hourglass, they may be overweight.

This is something my vet taught me. Its a quick way of telling if your doxie is starting to put on the pounds. Check the following

1. View from Above: Look for a visible waist. The rib cage and pelvic area should be wider than the belly area.

2. View from the Side: When looking at your doxie from the side, see if their belly has an upward curve (see pic below).

A healthy weight will show a slight tuck, with the abdomen higher than the chest. If your dogs stomach hangs down or forms a straight line with their back legs, they could be overweight.

3. Feel the Ribs: Run your hands along your Dachshunds rib cage. You should be able to feel, but not see, their ribs beneath a thin layer of fat and skin. If you have to press firmly to feel their ribs, they may be overweight.

4. Check with your Vet: When my Dachshunds, Eko and Bastian, visit the vet, she always lets me know if they are starting to put on extra weight.

Why is it so Risky for Dachshunds to Put on the Pounds?

• Being overweight opens the door to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, kidney disease, liver issues, diabetes, and heart failure.

  And lets not overlook the one that hits closest to home for many doxie parents the dreaded IVDD! The debilitating spinal condition that can significantly impact your long dogs mobility and quality of life.

  Post You Should Read: How to Avoid IVDD in Dachshunds

An Overweight Dachshund!

My childhood Dachshund, Heidi, (pictured below) was a labeled as a Miniature Dachshund.

From what I can remember, she shared a cup of coffee with my dad every morning. She also enjoyed her own piece of Birthday Cake at everyones birthday party and helped lick everyones dishes clean after mealtime.

Heidi was given a lot of table scraps for many years and she was dangerously overweight.

5 Weight Loss Tips for Dachshunds

As a loving doxie parent, its crucial to learn about portion control and how to put healthy habits into place it really can make a world of difference to your little long dogs health. Heres how!

1. Quality Dog Food

Check the Ingredients: It is important to feed your Dachshund a vet recommendedhealthy diet. Always read the list of ingredients on the back of your dogs food.

The Meat of choice (fish, chicken, beef, etc..) should be listed within the first couple of ingredients.

Avoid Grain-Free Dog Foods: Avoid giving your dog Grain-Free Dog Foods, they have a risk of giving your dog heart disease. If your doxie has food allergies, try a homemade dog food recipe instead of grain free. More on that below.

What Should I Feed My Dachshund?

My veterinarian recommends Science Diet or Royal Canin dog food for Dachshunds. She likes the quality ingredients in their food, and they are not Grain-Free.

My Dachshund, Eko, is built like a tank (piebald doxie pictured below). He is registered as a mini-Dachshund but has the build and weight of a tweenie (in between a mini and a standard).

When Eko starts to put on some extra pounds, especially in the cold winter months, I switch him over to Science Diet Perfect Weight. This dog food helps him maintain a healthy weight, along with our daily walks.

Real chicken is listed as the first ingredient, and it also includes salmon oil. Great for healthy joint and bone support.

Homemade Dog Food

Some Dachshund owners prefer to make their dogs food at home especially if they suffer from itchy food allergies. By using your own natural ingredients, you know exactly what your dog is consuming.

Talk to your vet for recommendations on a well-balanced meal plan and amount per serving for your dog if you are interested in creating your dogs food at home.

Related Post: Homemade Dog Food Your Dachshund Will Love!

Improve their Gut Health

Gut health matters for you and your little long dog too!

If your Dachshund tends to have a sensitive stomach with their dog food or doggie treats, try adding in some dog probiotics.

My Dachshund, Reno, had a very sensitive stomach. His tummy couldnt tolerate different foods and dog treats without getting sick.

I took him to Petco for his Birthday to pick out a toy and the lady at the checkout gave him a special doggie cookie for free. I thought it was so nice, but poor Reno was sick for the rest of the evening.

My vet recommended that I add some probiotics to his diet to help him with his digestive issues and they really did help.

2. Feeding Schedules by Age

Dachshunds have a large appetite compared to other dog breeds. It is important to have a strict feeding schedule for your Doxie instead of allowing them to graze all day long.

Maintain a healthy feeding schedule to reduce obesity and prevent IVDD in your Dachshund.

Dachshund Puppy Feeding Schedule:

For Dachshunds under the age of one, look for a dry dog food formulated just for puppies. High quality puppy food usually includes more protein and fatty acids to help build strong muscles and maintain healthy energy levels.

Puppies under 6 months of age should have 3 small meals per day.

Once in the morning, one time in the afternoon, and in the evening for dinner. Pretty much, the same time that you eat your meals.

Set the puppys dog food bowl down for 20 minutes at a time. Then, take the bowl up until the next feeding.

Check the dog food bag to make sure you are giving them the correct amount.

Training Tip: Your puppy should eat their evening meal before 6 pm. This will help reduce the number of overnight accidents.

Adult Dachshund Feeding Schedule:

*Diet by Age: At 12-14 months of age, your Dachshund is considered an adult and their dog food changes. Some dog food brands split their foods up by age which really helps tailor the ingredients to their health needs.

A Dog food that is high in fat or has too many calories will lead to weight gain and lower energy levels.

Note: If you stick with Science Diet dog food, they have the age printed on the cover. My Dachshund, Eko is 4 years old, so he eats the Adult 1-6 dog food.

*Feed two times per day: Your adult Dachshund should eat two times per day now. Once in the morning and once at night is ideal.

Spreading out the meals allows the dog to digest smaller amounts and reduce any digestive issues.

*No Grazing! Dont leave your dogs food bowl on the ground all day. Allowing them to graze on their food will promote weight gain.

*Slow Feeder Bowls: Dachshunds tend to gulp and choke on their food, especially if they love the flavor. This unfortunately can lead to vomiting, digestive issues, and a dangerous condition called Bloat. Feeding your dog their meal in a slow feeder dog bowl promotes a healthy weight and drastically improves their digestion!

Adult Dachshunds require less fat, protein, and calories in their diet than they did as puppies.

Senior Dog Feeding Schedule:

Dachshunds are considered senior dogs around age 8. Senior dogs can continue the adult feeding schedule, 2 times per day, as long as they are in good health.

*They Eat Less: Senior dogs will do a lot more napping around the house, so they may eat smaller amounts of food than they used to.

*Switch to Senior Dog Food: There are senior dog food options that can help with digestion and joint health as they grow older.

Most senior dog foods include more fiber, which promotes healthier digestion.

Portion Control

How Much Should I Feed My Dachshund?

On the back or side panel of your dog food bag, there is a chart that will help you determine how much food your dog should be eating.

It usually goes by your dogs weight or age. If you need some extra help with portion control, consult your vet.

Always Measure Out Your Dogs Food: Using a dog food measuring scoop is a must when trying to get your Dachshunds weight under control. It ensures you are feeding your doxie the right amount and not just guessing.

3. Healthy Habits

*No Table Scraps! I know, this is a tough one. Leftovers from the table are not good for your Dachshunds health and can actually make them finicky eaters they wont want to eat their dog food anymore.

It becomes a dangerous routine, every meal, every day. Unfortunately, Dachshunds are one of many small breeds that are more Prone to Obesity.

Training Tip: Dachshunds dont naturally crave people food. They develop the taste once they are exposed to the food. Table Scraps are like fast food for dogs (fatty and addicting).

*Clean Drinking Water: Always keep your long dog well hydrated. Make sure to give them clean drinking water daily. Filtered water bowls are even better at keeping your dogs water clean. Make sure to wash your dogs water dish a couple times per week.

4. Mind and Body Exercises

A consistent exercise routine for your Dachshund is very important to your pups physical and mental health.

Dachshunds love to eat and nap, so it is super easy for them to become overweight when not properly walked or played with.

How Do You Exercise a Dachshund?

*Exercise their Body: Plan to walk 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Keep it at their pace, remember, they have shorter legs and need to put in more of an effort to keep up with you especially if they are overweight.

Dont plan on a sweaty workout kind of walk. A dachshund walk will be more of a walk, stop, and sniff stroll. Your dachshund will love it and look forward to it daily.

Tip: Wait at least 45 minutes to an hour after your dog finishes their mealfor any vigorous exercise to prevent bloating.

*Exercise their Mind: Challenging your Dachshunds brain with fun puzzles (aka Mental Stimulation) is just as important as physical exercise when it comes to the Dachshund dog breed.

Dachshunds need to stay busy to stay out of trouble!

Doggie IQ Games: Searching for hidden treats or solving dog puzzles will give your doxie so much joy and reduce any destructive behavior in the process. Dog IQ puzzles help reduce boredom and separation anxiety issues.

Heres a cute video of my Dachshund, Eko, playing with his favorite Bob-A-Lot Toy (on YouTube).

5. Underlying Illness

Why is My Dachshund Gaining Weight? Your dog may have an underlying illness that is causing the weight gain. Chronic illnesses like Cushings Disease and Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain in dogs.

What Helps Your Dachshund Lose Weight? Let us know in the Comments.

Reduce Dachshund Obesity, Fat Dachshunds, Dachshund Weight Loss plan.