by admin | January 27th, 2010
I have two Miniature Dachshunds that came from Dachshund Rescue as adults. Both have problems. Skippy has messed up back legs, back problems, and really bad teeth. Bailey has seizures. I was not able to care for these dogs when they when they were puppies so prevention of some of these problems was not an option.
Good Dachshund care starts in the mouth. You can brush your dog’s teeth and mouth with a special doggie toothbrush and toothpaste. Some Dachshunds have a problem with bacteria buildup in their mouths and need a human’s help to keep their mouth clean. It can be a challenge to brush a dog’s teeth, so you can just use special toothpaste on your finger and rub it in the best you can. You should try to brush your dog’s teeth once a day if he has a plaque, tartar, or bacteria problem.
You can also find special dog biscuits and treats that help clean teeth and freshen breath. This is an easy way to deal with the problem – just give your Doxie a treat instead of wrestling with him to try to brush his teeth.
Another important part of Dachshund care is choosing the right food. Hard and crunchy dog food help clean the teeth better than soft or canned foods. Make sure your Doxie has at least some dry dog food in his diet.
If your dog’s teeth and gums are in really bad shape, you might want to take Dachshund care to the next level and take him in for a professional dental cleaning. Most veterinarians offer oral and dental care. Severe gum and mouth disease can lead to other problems because bacteria can enter the body through the gums and get into other systems – like the heart, kidneys, or lungs.
