Why is my Dachshunds belly so big
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.
Whats Causing My Belly Bulge, and How Do I Treat It?
Stomach bulges can have many causes, including bloating or food intolerances.
Not all belly bulges are the result of excess fat or weight gain. Even if weight gain is the cause, theres no quick fix or way to lose weight from one specific part of your body.
Taking in too many calories can cause weight gain, but a protruding or pronounced belly can also be the result of hormones, bloating, or other factors.
Read on to learn about the possible causes of belly bulge and what you can do about it.
Bloating
Bloating is the feeling of pressure or swelling in the stomach. The most common causes are trapped gas or eating too much in a short time. The sensation of bloating can cause abdominal distention, which is a visible swelling or extension of your belly.
Distention happens when the sensation of being bloated triggers your brain to react by moving your diaphragm down and relaxing your abdominal wall muscles.
Along with gassiness and eating too much, other common causes of bloating include:
Adrenal stress fat
Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat. When youre faced with a threat, a combination of nerve and hormonal signals tells your adrenal glands to release adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones.
Stress is usually short-lived, and your body returns to normal. When faced with ongoing stress, your body remains in this state. There is
Post-pregnancy belly
Your body goes through a number of changes during pregnancy, and a growing belly is the most obvious one. Even though you lose about 13 pounds when you give birth, its likely that you gained more than that during your pregnancy.
Your belly bulge may also be the result of fluid retention or abdominal separation (diastasis recti).
Abdominal separation may occur during or after pregnancy. It happens when your growing uterus causes the two long muscles that run parallel in your abdomen to separate from each other.
Menopausal hormonal belly bulge
Weight gain is a common effect of menopause. The hormonal changes that contribute to weight gain actually begin during perimenopause, a few years before menopause.
Menopausal weight gain primarily affects the abdomen. Factors that contribute to belly fat at this stage of life include:
Beer belly
Though studies havent found a link between beer and belly girth, there are reasons why drinking beer might give you a big belly. The more you drink, the more calories you consume, which could contribute to weight gain.
Beer is made with hops, and hops contain phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that have similar effects to the female sex hormone estrogen. Though it hasnt been proven, there is speculation that the phytoestrogens in beer change the way your body stores belly fat.
Food intolerance
Food intolerance, which is not to be confused with food allergy, is difficulty in digesting certain foods. It is also called food sensitivity. Its become much more common in recent years and affects up to an estimated
Food intolerance can cause bloating after you eat certain foods. Along with the sensation of bloating and a distended abdomen, you might have other symptoms like gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Dairy, gluten, and caffeine are common food intolerances.
Common weight gain
Though weight gain can be spread throughout your body, some people are more prone to gaining belly weight than others. Weight gain is usually the result of consuming more calories than you burn through regular bodily functions and physical activity.
Sleep deprivation and stress have also been linked to overeating and weight gain.
You can get rid of a belly bulge, but how you do it depends on the cause.
Diet and exercise
Increasing your activity level and eating healthier foods and fewer calories can help you lose overall weight.
Its not possible to limit weight loss to a specific part of your body, but the following suggestions may help you make your belly smaller:
- Eat more fiber to keep your bowels regular and lose weight.
- Limit alcohol, which has been
linked to abdominal obesity. - Avoid foods high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbs, which can contribute to weight gain and bloating.
- Drink lots of water to help keep your appetite in check and prevent constipation.
- Lift weights and perform other resistance training, which has been
shown to decrease belly fat. - Do aerobic exercise, which is one of the most
effective exercises to get rid of visceral fat. - Do ab exercises that focus on your core, such as planks, bridges, and crunches.
Medications
Some medications may help with belly bulge, including:
Reduce stress
Finding ways to relieve stress can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
You can try:
- relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga
- spending time with loved ones or a pet
- listening to music
- taking a walk or bike ride
- doing something you enjoy
- taking a hot bath
Get more sleep
Getting enough sleep can help you keep your weight down and manage stress. Aim for seven to eight hours per night whenever possible.
Some ways to get better sleep:
- do something relaxing before bed
- avoid screen time for an hour or two before bedtime
- make your sleep environment as comfortable as possible
- see a doctor if you often wake up tired or have trouble sleeping
Surgery
Surgery may be used to correct abdominal separation caused by pregnancy or some other type of strain in the abdomen.
If youre troubled by your belly bulge, a cosmetic procedure, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, can reduce the amount of fat in your belly. Talk to a qualified cosmetic surgeon for advice on the right procedure for you.
You may be able to do something about the amount of fat on your body, but factors beyond your control determine how the fat is distributed.
Fat allocation is determined by:
- age
- sex
- genetics
- hormone levels
Whether your belly bulge is the result of too many burgers or beers, a medical condition, or your hormones, you have options. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medical and cosmetic treatments can all help you get rid of belly bulge, depending on the cause.
