Family-raised miniature dachshunds in Mount Vernon, IllinoisMount Vernon, Illinois

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Dachshund care guide

How to care for your dachshund

Simple, practical guidance for daily routines, safe activity, preventive care, and helping your dachshund feel at home.

Start with Everyday Care Protect Their Back

Use this as a starting point. Your veterinarian should guide decisions for your dog’s age, health, diet, vaccines, and symptoms.

Heartland Dachshunds spending time together at home

Everyday essentials

Build a steady, healthy routine

Consistency helps a dachshund understand what to expect and makes it easier to notice when something changes.

Food & water

Feeding and nutrition

Choose a food labeled complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage. Measure meals and adjust portions with your veterinarian so your dachshund stays trim.

  • Puppies often need smaller, more frequent meals than adults.
  • Keep fresh, clean water available.
  • Limit table scraps and check that treats and human foods are safe.

Routine & patience

Potty training

Use a predictable schedule and take your puppy to the same safe area after waking, eating, active play, and before bedtime.

  • Praise the right choice as soon as it happens.
  • Keep accidents calm and clean them thoroughly.
  • Make crate training gradual, comfortable, and positive.

Coat & comfort

Grooming

Long coats benefit from regular brushing to prevent tangles. Smooth coats also benefit from gentle brushing to remove loose hair.

  • Check nails often and trim before they become overgrown.
  • Look at the ears regularly and ask your veterinarian how to clean them safely.
  • Include teeth and dental care in the regular routine.

Dachshund-specific care

Protect their back while keeping them active

Dachshunds are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease. A healthy weight, sensible daily activity, and fewer hard jumps can reduce avoidable strain.

  • Use secure ramps or block access to high furniture.
  • Minimize repeated jumping and unnecessary stair use.
  • Choose regular walks and controlled play over high-impact activity.
  • Support the chest and hindquarters when lifting.

Preventive care

Make your veterinarian part of the routine

Health plans should reflect the dog’s age, lifestyle, location, and medical history.

1

Establish care

Schedule an initial exam and bring the health and vaccination records provided with your dog.

2

Personalize prevention

Ask about vaccines, parasite prevention, dental care, weight, and the exam schedule recommended for your dog.

3

Notice changes early

Contact your veterinarian about pain, appetite changes, unusual tiredness, vomiting, breathing trouble, or changes in movement and behavior.

Confidence through good experiences

Socialization should feel safe

Introduce people, friendly animals, sounds, surfaces, handling, and new places through short, positive experiences. Let the puppy move at a comfortable pace and avoid forcing interaction when they show fear.

Ask your veterinarian how to balance early socialization with infectious-disease risks in your area and your puppy’s vaccination status.

Keep it shortEnd while the experience is still going well.
Reward calm behaviorUse praise, play, or small appropriate treats.
Respect fearCreate distance and try again more gently later.

Trusted references

Read more from veterinary and animal-health experts

These resources provide more detail and should be used alongside advice from your veterinarian.

Complete and balanced pet foodU.S. Food and Drug Administration People foods to avoidASPCA Animal Poison Control Intervertebral disc diseaseCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Canine vaccination guidanceAmerican Animal Hospital Association Bringing home a new puppyAmerican Animal Hospital Association

We’re here for you

Questions after your puppy goes home?

Heartland families are welcome to reach out with questions. For medical concerns, contact your veterinarian first.

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