What is obese for a dachshund

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Dachshund Obesity Is a Real Thing, But You Can Change That

How Can YouHelp Your Doxie Lose Weight?

Dachshunds can be so cute with their low-lying flappy ears and long bodies. They can even become more adorable when they become fat. They look more comical, cuddly, and huggable.

However, theres nothing cute about your overweight doxie developing serious health problems. As you know, being overweight and obese poses great health risks. It may lead to heart diseases, metabolic disorders, and maladies related to the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems.

So, if your doxie is overweight, you need to intervene as soon as you can. To get you started, here are some of the best tips you can use to help your Dachshund lose those unwanted pounds.

Diet

Obviously, you cant lose weight without talking about diet. Here are some dietary tips to start off your dogs weight loss journey.

More protein, fewer carbohydrates dogs thrive in a high-protein diet. This helps them build lean muscles and quickly use up excess energy, which may be stored as fats.
Avoid high-fiber food contrary to popular beliefs, high-fiber food does not help in weight loss. Your doxie wont feel satisfied and will eat more as a result. Not only that but high-fiber food may interfere with nutrient absorption.
Dont give food scrap while it is tempting to give your adorable doxie leftovers or crumbs from the table, you need to control yourself. It doesnt just encourage bad behavior, but it can contribute to weight gain.
Feed smaller portions of food instead of giving three large meals, your dog will lose weight faster if you give him frequently, but smaller portions of food. For example, you can divide three big meals into six small meals. Dont give in to the temptation to offer your dog a bowl full of food whenever you leave your home.

Reduce your dogs food portion sometimes, the easiest way to lose weight is simply reducing the amount of food you feed your buddy. Now, remember not to drastically lessen your dogs food. As a general rule, reduce your dogs food by five percent for a week or two. After that, if he still doesnt lose weight, then subtract another five percent.
Schedule your dogs eating habits dont feed your wiener dog at any time of the day. Having a scheduled mealtime will help you monitor your dogs diet. Not only that, but it reinforces discipline too.
Track everything your dog eats while this may take more work, you will see that it produces results. Write down what you feed your dachshund as well as the amount. Weigh your dogs food and check if it conforms to your weight loss plan.

Exercise

When it comes to losing weight, diet is best coupled with exercise. It doesnt simply help your dog achieve an ideal weight, but it can help your dog become healthier and happier.

There are a lot of great forms of exercise available for your pooch. Walking your dog every morning, jogging with him, hiking, swimming, fetching, and bringing him in the park would surely burn those extra calories. Just be creative to make exercise fun and interesting. With a doxie as your dog, its easier to bring him anywhere since he is relatively small.

Make exercise a habit and schedule it as much as possible. Your dog also thrives in routine. If he routinely gets to exercise at a certain time of the day, it becomes a habit that he can continually do even after achieving his target weight.

Remember that exercise does not have to be done outside. It can be done inside your home. Just keep your pup moving and avoid being inactive. Every calorie burned counts.

Talk To Your Vet

Being overweight, or worse, obese dachshund comes with great health risks. Its a serious problem that you should not ignore. For example, an overweight doxie may easily develop back problems.

If you have an issue with the weight of your pet, it wont hurt calling your vet. He can help you create a weight loss plan, give you advice, and improve your dogs health condition.

Most importantly, read more about weight loss for dogs. The more knowledge and information you gather, the better informed you are in helping your four-legged best friend live a healthier and fuller life.

Obese dachshund's weight loss journey

Obie is a dachshund from Washington state who at his heaviest weighed 77 pounds in August, 2012. His original owners were elderly, and showered him with treats until he became obese.Keep clicking to find out more about Obie's weight loss journey...

Nora Vanatta from Portland, Ore. decided to take in Obie and help him lose weight. Vanatta had studied animal science at Colorado State University. She documented the dachshund's progress on the Biggest Loser, Doxie Edition Facebook page.

Vanatta had studied nutrition and animal behavior, so she thought she was up for the challenge of getting Obie healthy.

Vanatta was expecting to see an overweight basset hound. She couldn't believe that a dachshund had reached more than 70 pounds.

Obie gets powder on his stomach to prevent infections and rubbing.

Obie was put on a special diet to help him shed the excess weight.

Eventually, Obie started an exercise routine including swim therapy and treadmill work.

Because his stomach skin rubbed on so many different things, Obie needed baths every few days to prevent infection.

Obie's other family includes dachshund named Noggin (pictured here) and a black lab named Hunter (not pictured), both who live active lifestyles.

Obie (left) and Noggin take in some sun.

Obie rests on the bed.

Obie relaxes with his fellow dog friends.

(Left to right) Obie, Hunter and Noggin pose for a family picture.

Dr. Alon Kramer -- who later would perform surgery on Obie's excess skin -- examines the dog. In December 2012, Obie weighed 49 pounds.

Obie's shows off his sleeker body shape during his bath.

Obie gives his godmother Peggy Scearce some kisses on his seventh birthday.

Daily walks are necessary to maintain Obie's health, but sometimes he needs to take a break.

Obie takes a rest during his daily walk.

After a short rest, Obie resumes his walk.

Obie attends a symposium in Seattle, Wash.

Obie visits the veterinary technicians at Sanford-Brown College to teach them about pet obesity.

Obie's rib cage is slightly visible in this picture, but the excess skin as a result of his weight loss remains.

Obie goes on his first hike.

Obie weighed in at 37 pounds and 4 ounces on the day of his surgery in April, 2013. He lost a remarkable 44 pounds in eight months.

Because Obie had so much excess skin after losing 44 pounds, the skin folds were putting him at constant risk of infection.

He needed a bath every few days to ward of infection between the skin folds. Obie also had to use a special medicated shampoo to help heal any wounds.

Obie is sedated and ready for his procedure.

Obie is prepped for surgery. The skin removal procedure was medically necessary, and not done for cosmetic purposes.

Warning: The following four pictures of Obie's surgery may contain graphic imagery that some viewers may not want to look at.

Doctors pull on the excess skin during Obie's surgery.

Doctors work to remove the excess skin that appeared after Obie's incredible weight loss.

Doctors at Oregon Expert Vets stitch Obie up. The dog's procedure is complete.

In total, 2.5 pounds of excess skin was removed from the dachshund.

Doctors at Oregon Expert Vets who completed the procedure show off Obie's skinner physique.

Obie gets some well-deserved rest at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin after the excess skin from his stomach was removed.

Obie opens his eyes after his procedure.

Obie stretches his paws after his tummy tuck procedure.

Post-operative Obie is in a playful mood.

Owner Nora Vanatta snaps a picture of Obie's first post-op pee. He's wearing a little plastic ball called a Jackson Pratt drain to collect all the extra fluid from the surgery site.

Obie catches up with Noggin.

Post-surgery Obie goes on a scouting mission with his friend Noggin.

Michelle Castillo

Michelle Castillo is an associate editor for CBSNews.com.

5 Simple Weight Loss Tips for Dachshunds

Updated 04/19/2024 by

Ava Jaine

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.

This page contains affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.