Why are Dachshunds prone to obesity
Preventing Dachshund Obesity: A Comprehensive Guide
Dachshunds have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts everywhere with their unique charm. However, a concerning issue plagues these adorable canines obesity. Dachshund obesity is a serious health condition that could lead to various problems. In this comprehensive guide, well delve into the reasons behind Dachshund obesity as well as how you could ensure your beloved pets stay happy and healthy.
Understanding Dachshund Obesity
Dachshund obesity occurs when the dog exceeds its healthy weight. This may result in an increase in body fat levels. Dachshunds are a small breed with distinctive characteristics like their long, low bodies. These characteristics, while endearing, also make them more susceptible to weight gain as well as the associated health issues.
Several factors contribute to Dachshund obesity. These include overfeeding, lack of physical activity, genetic predisposition, as well as even human behaviors like sharing table scraps. Medical conditions like Cushings disease may also play a role in obesity. Carrying excess weight can be detrimental to a Dachshunds health. This could potentially lead to spinal problems, respiratory difficulties, joint pain, mobility issues, diabetes, as well as heart disease.
The Rising Prevalence of Dachshund Obesity
Dachshund obesity has become increasingly common in recent years. It poses a growing concern for owners as well as veterinarians. Various Dachshund owners may not fully understand the health risks associated with obesity which lead to inadvertent weight gain in their pets.
The modern lifestyle of several Dachshunds also contributes to the problem. Sedentary routines, overfeeding, as well as unhealthy diets are prevalent issues. Additionally, misconceptions about Dachshunds needing to be chubby exacerbate the situation. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach.
Causes of Dachshund Obesity
Dachshund obesity has several primary causes, with overfeeding as well as poor dietary choices topping the list. Many owners inadvertently overfeed their pets due to their endearing nature and pleading eyes. Lack of knowledge about dietary requirements as well as proper meal sizes for Dachshunds might lead to overfeeding. Low-quality commercial pet foods that are calorie-rich and lack essential nutrients can also contribute to weight gain.
Moreover, indulging Dachshunds with high-calorie treats and table scraps could add significantly to their calorie intake. The lack of regular physical activity as well as exercise further compounds the issue, as Dachshunds burn fewer calories when leading a sedentary lifestyle. Their unique physical characteristics that involve a long body and short legs, make them prone to spinal disorders, which are worsened by excess weight.
Genetics can also play a role in Dachshund obesity. Some Dachshunds may have a genetic predisposition that affects their appetite regulation, metabolism, as well as fat storage. Nonetheless, these make them more susceptible to obesity even with proper diet and exercise.
Environmental factors like overfeeding as well as minimal exercise opportunities, may exacerbate genetic predisposition. Hormonal imbalances, age-related changes, as well as certain medical conditions might also impact a Dachshunds weight. Hence, this makes it a complex issue to address.
Consequences of Dachshund Obesity
A. Joint and Orthopedic ProblemsDachshunds long bodies as well as short legs make them vulnerable to joint and orthopedic issues, especially when carrying excess weight. Obesity places stress on their joints, bones, and ligaments. These could lead to illnesses like intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, as well as hip dysplasia. The added weight strains the spine, increasing the risk of ruptured discs, paralysis, as well as persistent pain, significantly limiting their mobility.
B. Cardiovascular IssuesObese Dachshunds are more prone to cardiovascular problems due to the strain that excess body fat places on their hearts. This could result in conditions like hypertension, cardiac disease, as well as a higher likelihood of heart failure. The hearts effort to pump blood effectively can lead to inadequate oxygen and nutrient delivery to vital organs, further complicating matters. Sedentary lifestyles associated with obesity increase cardiovascular risks as well as decrease physical activity.
C. Reduced LifespanOne of the most alarming consequences of Dachshund obesity is its impact on their lifespan. Obesity is linked to life-threatening conditions. These may include respiratory issues and some cancers. The combination of joint problems as well as cardiovascular complications could significantly reduce a Dachshunds quality of life, prematurely aging them and shortening their lifespan.
Preventing Dachshund Obesity
As responsible Dachshund owners, it is our duty to ensure our furry friends maintain a healthy weight as well as live a life free from obesity-related health problems. We must focus on three essential aspects:
A. Balanced Diet and Portion ControlA well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for preventing Dachshund obesity. Consult your veterinarian to decide the best diet for your dog depending on its age, size, and overall health. A good dog meal should have a variety of lipids, vitamins, minerals, carbs, and proteins. They provide vital nutrients for the health of your Dachshund.
Portion management is also essential. Dachshund stomachs are tiny. Overfeeding becomes a quick way to acquire weight as a result of this. Follow the feeding instructions on the dog food package or those advised by your veterinarian. Be wary of high-calorie foods and table leftovers. They may have a key role in weight gain. Consider utilizing interactive feeding toys or puzzles to reduce their eating as well as prevent overeating.
B. Regular ExerciseDespite their short legs, Dachshunds are lively dogs who require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Adjust for age and energy level, but aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day. Walking is a terrific low-impact workout, but avoid stairs and high jumps to avoid spinal issues.
Interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war are great for keeping Dachshunds cognitively and physically busy. Arrange playdates with other dogs to promote socialization and exercise.
C. Avoiding Excessive TreatsWhile treats can be useful for training and demonstrating affection, excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain. Maintain a healthy balance and avoid overindulging in treats. Choose healthful, low-calorie snacks or use chunks of their usual kibble as training rewards. Keep in mind that sweets should only account for a tiny fraction of their daily calorie intake. To avoid overfeeding, be aware of hidden calories in sweets and adapt their main meals accordingly.
Regular veterinary appointments are critical in preventing Dachshund obesity as well as other health issues. These examinations allow for the early diagnosis of possible issues as well as crucial advice on maintaining your pets ideal weight and overall health.
During these routine checkups, veterinarians may examine your Dachshunds physical condition, weight, and overall health. They provide guidance on feeding habits, correct nutrition, and exercise regimens that are suited to your dogs specific needs. Furthermore, they may be able to diagnose as well as treat underlying health problems that lead to weight gain.
Your Dachshunds food will be thoroughly examined during veterinarian visits. Its essential to feed your pet a balanced as well as appropriate diet that takes into consideration aspects such as age and activity level. Portion management is essential since even high-quality meals can contribute to overeating. Veterinarians may also offer particular weight management meals or nutritional supplements to enhance general health as well as weight control in your Dachshund.
Regular veterinarian check-ups cover other critical parts of Dachshund care. These could include dental health, vaccines, parasite control, as well as early sickness identification, in addition to weight management. By sticking to these periodic checkups, you can keep informed about your dogs health as well as give them the finest treatment possible throughout their life.
Final Thoughts
Obesity in dachshunds is a real issue that is becoming worse, therefore dog owners and vets need to pay attention. We can make sure that our Dachshunds have long, healthy, and happy lives by being aware of the causes and effects of obesity and taking proactive measures to prevent it. The solution to this urgent health problem is responsible pet ownership, which includes a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and portion control. Lets protect the health of our cherished Dachshunds and value the happiness they provide to our life. Discover more by connecting with our team.
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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.
