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Dachshunds - known by some as the wiener or sausage dog - are ideal if you want an intelligent, affectionate pet. They're small dogs with bold personalities.
They were initially bred as hunting dogs, meaning these pint-sized pups are full of energy and vigour. They’re also known for their surprisingly loud bark.
Like most breeds, Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues. Despite there being so many things to like about Dachshunds, you do need to be aware of the potential pitfalls too.
Below, we list the most common Dachshund health problems and the steps you can take to lower the risk.
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At a glance: common Dachshund health conditions
| Condition | Primary symptoms | Action and/or prevention |
|---|---|---|
| IVDD (Slipped Disc) | Shaking, hunched back, loss of coordination, dragging back legs, reluctance to move, loss of bladder or bowel function. | Maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding neutering too early, reducing high impact activities, and using a harness instead of a collar. Treatment is strict crate rest or surgery. |
| Luxating patella | "Skipping" gait, holding a hind leg up, sudden lameness. | Weight management, physiotherapy, or surgical correction for higher grades. |
| Obesity | Loss of visible waist, inability to feel ribs, lethargy. | Strict portion control, low-impact daily exercise, regular weight checks, and calorie-tracking. |
| Cushing’s disease | Excessive thirst/urination, pot-bellied appearance, hair loss. | Requires vet-prescribed blood tests and lifelong medication/management. |
| Dental disease | Bad breath (halitosis), tartar accumulation, red gums, difficulty chewing. | Daily teeth brushing, dental chews, and professional descaling as advised by your vet. |
| Diabetes | Extreme thirst, weight loss despite eating more, cloudy eyes. | Insulin therapy, consistent diet, and regular blood glucose monitoring. |
| PRA (Eye Disease) | Night blindness, dilated pupils, bumping into furniture. | Genetic testing before breeding; purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder can reduce the risk of this genetic disease. |
| Epilepsy / Lafora | Seizures, "fly-catching" snapping, muscle twitching. | Genetic screening; prescription anti-seizure medication. |
Most common Dachshund health conditions, explained
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Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
Back problems in Dachshunds are common. Their short legs and long back, as well as a genetic predisposition, is why spinal problems are such an issue. The dog's frame stresses their spinal discs more than other breeds.
A major consequence is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). This is where a bulging or slipped disc puts pressure on the spinal cord. It can affect dogs to varying degrees, but may even lead to complete, permanent paralysis of all four legs. Treatment depends on how severely it impacts your dog.
Vets recommend medical and surgical treatments. Surgery is often needed to help Dachshunds regain use of their legs, bladder and other areas, especially if they are severely affected or don’t respond to medical management.
Early neutering is no longer recommended for Dachshunds as it can increase their risk of IVDD. Speak to your vet to discuss the ideal time to spay or castrate your Dachshund.
Luxating patella (LP)
Luxating patella is where a dog's kneecap in their hind leg slides in and out of its normal position. Symptoms include a skipping gait or trouble walking.
Vets grade LP on a scale of one to four, with higher grades for severely affected dogs. For the higher grades, symptoms are severe, and the kneecap stays out of its normal position most of the time.
Half of LP cases affect both hind legs. Treatment includes physiotherapy, medication and surgical intervention. Higher grades are more likely to need surgery.
Obesity
Dachshunds are very prone to obesity. Their short frame and legs make exercise difficult. Conditions like IVDD in Dachshunds, arthritis and other orthopaedic disorders can impact mobility, leading to weight gain.
Obesity is a big issue in dogs, particularly Dachshunds. It can lead to further health problems like:
Organ issues
Orthopaedic disease
Spinal disorders
We recommend carefully monitoring your Dachshund's weight and diet.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited eye disease that slowly progresses. It can cause blindness. The condition refers to degeneration of the cells in the back of the eye, known as the retina. The retina helps the eye form images.
The condition leads to loss of sight as the image can't form for the brain to interpret. Although PRA is not treatable it's not a painful condition. Your dog will likely adjust very well to limited or no vision with your help.
To reduce the risk of your dog developing this condition, get your Dachshund puppy from a reputable breeder that has screened their dogs for this condition before mating them. This will reduce the risk of their offspring suffering from PRA.
Epilepsy and Lafora disease
There are inherited conditions, like epilepsy and Lafora disease, that can result in seizures in Dachshunds. It can cause your dog to experience fits and seizures due to overactivity in the brain.
The frequency and severity vary. Treatment depends on how badly it affects your Dachshund. Your veterinary surgeon will work with you to treat your pup and help control symptoms if they develop.
Again, choosing your dog from a reputable breeder (that has genetically screened their dogs) will help to reduce the risk of your Dachshund developing this condition.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease is common in senior Dachshunds. It happens when the adrenal gland produces too much cortisol, leading to excessive drinking, urination, hair loss and an increased appetite.
The most common cause is a pituitary tumour, but an adrenal tumour can cause it, too. Treatment will require lifelong maintenance and tests, or, in some cases, surgical removal of the tumour.
Dental disease
Dental problems are very common in Dachshunds. As smaller dogs, they’re prone to their teeth overcrowding, tartar buildup and gum infections.
Regular brushing and check-ups are critical for protecting your Dachshund from conditions like tooth loss and gingivitis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is fairly common in Dachshunds, especially as they reach middle-age or if they’re overweight. This is one of the reasons that it is important to keep on top of their weight and preventing obesity is very important.
Symptoms of diabetes include excessive drinking, frequent urination, increased appetite and cloudy eyes. Please see your vet if you notice these.
How to care for a Dachshund
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Genetic testing
Some conditions that Dachshunds struggle with are inherited. This means screening of potential breeding adults is essential to prevent these conditions from being passed on. Genetic testing is available for common health issues in Dachshunds like PRA and Lafora disease.
Breeders shouldn’t breed from dogs that test positive for PRA or Lafora disease.
Weight management
As mentioned, obesity is an issue in Dachshunds, which can be made worse if your dog has mobility problems such as IVDD or arthritis.
You should visually track your dog's weight. A good way to do this is by looking from above to check they have a waist; you should see a little tuck just behind the ribs. You should be able to feel their ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. If you can't, they're likely overweight.
Other tips involve getting a good grasp of pet nutrition, feeding them the right amount of food and getting advice from your veterinary clinic. A clinic can advise on the optimal weight for your pet and help with things like switching pet food.
Preventative veterinary exams
You can often prevent Dachshund problems with veterinary exams. Preventative care includes vaccines and routine exams, which can prevent and spot common illnesses. Always trust your vet, and don't be afraid to ask them questions.
Regular grooming
Grooming helps maintain your Dachshund's coat and should be an essential part of any dog's health routine.
They're pretty low-maintenance dogs. Long and wire-haired Dachshunds will need brushing two to three times a week. Short-haired Dachshunds still need grooming but not as frequently. But make sure you do it, as grooming makes them healthier and happier.
Staying vigilant
Observing your dog goes a long way. You can analyse behaviour changes and potentially catch health issues early. If you see anything out of the ordinary then contact your vet for advice.
Supplementation
Supplementation can help. We recommend things like joint protection supplements in addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
How dog insurance can help
Dachshund insurance can help with common Dachshund health issues.
Our dog insurance may help with up to £20,000 vet fee cover, access to 24/7 video vet call support as standard and a host of ManyPets Perks.
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Common questions about Dachshunds and their health
How long do Dachshunds live?
Dachshunds can live between 12 and 16 years with the right care.
How can I tell if my Dachshund has a slipped disc?
Symptoms of a slipped disc in Dachshunds include:
Dragging back legs
Hunched posture
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Reduced appetite
Reluctance to move
Shaking
Signs of severe pain
Wobbliness
Can a Dachshund recover from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) without surgery?
Yes. It’s possible for mild cases. Treatment includes strict rest, pain management, and physiotherapy. But for severe cases, they’ll need surgery.
Can Dachshunds use stairs?
They can, but some may struggle with them if they have back and IVDD issues. Moderate use of stairs is ok for Dachshunds, and may even help to strengthen their muscles. However, use of a ramp is recommended to stop your dog jumping on and off of furniture by themselves. This type of jarring, high impact motion should be avoided.
How much exercise does a Dachshund actually need?
Generally, Dachshunds need around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. But a lot depends on the dog, their age and overall health.
What is the ideal weight for a Miniature vs. Standard Dachshund?
Miniature Dachshunds should weigh around 11 pounds (5kg), while Standard Dachshunds should weigh between 16 and 32 pounds (7.5-14.5kg). Body condition scoring your dog is best though, so ask your vet how to assess this if you aren’t sure.
Does my Dachshund need a back brace?
They’re only needed if they have a severe spinal condition like high-grade IVDD.
At what age do Dachshunds start having back problems?
Usually between three and seven.
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