If you are the proud owner of a long-backed dog, you may want to read through this guide. It contains a summary of all the information that is important to know about long-backed dogs, those that have a similar body type to Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Corgis, among others.
Many of these dogs have similar health risks, and for this reason, it is important for their owners to have specific information about how to care for them. Reading this guide will give you insight beyond the basic information on pet vaccinations and more information on how your dog’s weight, the health of their joints, and the effects of a breed-specific lifestyle can have profound effects upon their health.
After reading this, you should have a clear understanding of how to keep your long-backed dog healthy throughout its life.
Understanding the Long-Backed Body
Before diving into the prevention strategies themselves, it is first important to understand why these dog breeds are so prone to such issues. Breeds like Dachshunds, for example, are hunting dogs whose long bodies allow them to access the dens of the small animals that they would hunt; their long bodies is, therefore, a benefit to their ability to be effective hunting dogs.
This length of the dog’s thoracic and lumbar spine, however, also makes it more likely that they may develop back problems; every vertebra in that extended spine is a potential point of injury or degradation, and their elongated bodies places different pressures upon those vertebrae than the longer-legged alternative. This issue is further compounded by the fact that these breeds tend to exhibit a genetic predisposition towards chondrodystrophy, or abnormal development of cartilage and bone, which can lead to a condition like IVDD;
Dachshunds are significantly more at risk than most other breeds of dogs. With this information alone, then, it is easy to see that each is a foundation for understanding the importance of the strategies detailed throughout the rest of this guide.
Vaccination Planning for Long-Backed Breeds
Vaccinations remain one of the most powerful tools in preventive veterinary medicine, and long-backed breeds follow the same core immunization protocols as other dogs — with a few practical considerations worth noting.
Core Vaccinations
Vaccines focusing on distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies are among the vaccinations that every Dachshund should get. The vaccines against distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus will be given as a combination starting from the age of six to eight weeks. Furthermore, a booster would be required once the puppy hits ten to twelve weeks and then again at sixteen weeks. Vaccinations to prevent rabies will be given between twelve and sixteen weeks. All these vaccinations will have a booster between twelve to sixteen months and on a three-year cycle.
Non-Core Vaccines to Discuss with Your Vet
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and where you live, your veterinarian might suggest additional vaccinations. These could include vaccines for Bordetella (which causes kennel cough), Leptospirosis (which is often carried by wildlife), canine influenza, or Lyme disease.
Why Timing and Stress Matter More for Long-Backed Breeds
Additionally, dogs that have longer backs (such as Dachshunds) may be more sensitive to stress than other dogs. While this may not be related to the dog’s back in any way, the veterinary visit may stress the dog, creating a stronger inflammatory response to the vaccines. If your dog is experiencing or recovering from a back condition, your veterinarian will likely schedule vaccine appointments to avoid placing undue physiological stress on your dog. Be sure to communicate your dog’s health history before any vaccine visit.
Parasite Control — A Year-Round Commitment
Parasites don’t take seasons off, and neither should your prevention plan. For long-backed breeds, parasite control is especially important because many common parasites can trigger inflammatory responses or secondary infections that put additional strain on an already vulnerable musculoskeletal system.
Fleas and Ticks
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common causes of skin problems in dogs. Many of the muscle tensions these dogs experience along their back are the result of the dog’s constant scratching of an itchy skin condition.
Ticks transmit a range of diseases, including Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, which can cause joint pain and inflammation.
Choose a product appropriate for the size and weight of your Dachshund or similar breed, but most long-backed breeds will fall into the smaller weight categories. Year-round flea and tick prevention is recommended even if you live in an area with cold winters. Fleas can survive indoors during winter months.
Heartworm
Heartworm disease, which is caused by parasitic worms in the dog’s heart and lungs, can be fatal. As such, you should give your dog a monthly heartworm preventative medication, many of which also cover intestinal worms and fleas. It is important to ensure consistency in giving these medications as missing even a single dose can lead to infection.
Intestinal Parasites
Puppies are particularly susceptible to intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. A standard deworming protocol is typically part of the puppy wellness plan and should be followed as recommended by your veterinarian. Adult dogs benefit from annual fecal screenings to catch any parasites that might go unnoticed.
Keeping a Prevention Calendar
One of the simplest and most effective methods is to maintain a written or digital calendar that marks the date that each dose of parasite prevention product should be administered. This reminds pet owners of what products they need to give, and when, making sure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Weight Management — The Single Most Impactful Prevention Tool
If there is one area where long-backed breed owners can make the greatest difference in their dog’s long-term health, it is weight management. Excess weight is one of the biggest risk factors that cause intervertebral disc disease, joint degeneration, and reduced mobility — all conditions that can negatively affect dogs with elongated spines.
Why Weight Is So Critical for Long-Backed Breeds
Studies have shown that overweight dogs are significantly more likely to suffer from intervertebral disc problems. Every additional pound your dog carries puts more stress on their back, and Dachshunds are already prone to these types of issues.
If you care about your Doxie’s well-being (and you should!), keeping him at a healthy weight could prevent the early onset of back problems.
Determining a Healthy Weight
There is no straightforward answer to the question of what is the ideal weight for a Dachshund. The ideal weight for a Dachshund depends on factors. Various factors can affect your dog’s ideal weight. Instead of simply focusing on the actual weight, you should focus on what your dog can ideally weigh.
This figure may also be based on its size and breed variety, but that’s just another consideration for you. A Miniature Dachshund will weigh much less than a regular sized Dachshund. You should be able to feel the ribs of your Dachshund without seeing them. You want your dog’s waist to be visible, but they should have a tucked abdomen. You should feel comfortable assessing if your dog fits this condition. If not, they can see this from your veterinarian.
Feeding for a Long Back
Controlling portions will be key to managing the dog’s weight. Be sure to measure out your dog’s food rather than estimating how much you think your dog should eat. Taking your dog to a veterinarian and following their recommendation will be helpful.
Since long-backed breeds tend to be less active than many other dogs, both because of their nature and because their owners are more careful about their activity levels, they may need fewer calories than you expect.
Be sure that you feed your dog a high quality food for its appropriate life stage. The nutritional needs of puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs are different. If your dog is already overweight, feeding it a weight management formula can help your dog achieve slow and steady weight loss.
The Role of Exercise
In order to maintain muscle tone, mental health, and overall wellbeing, it is crucial that your Dachshund engages in regular exercise.
The exercises the dog performs should be appropriate for a long-backed animal. Some of the best exercises include short walks on flat surfaces without stairs or jumping onto or off of furniture, especially for long backed puppies with developing spinal discs. This exercise is low impact but still allows for physical movement.
Other options include swimming, which is excellent for long-backed breeds since it allows for exercise without any impact to the dog’s body. Relatedly, hydrotherapy is offered at some veterinary facilities.
Dental Care — An Often Overlooked Pillar of Health
Small- and medium-sized dogs like Dachshunds experience lots of dental problems because their teeth are usually crowded, making it easy for bacteria to accumulate. The resulting condition, known as periodontal disease, affects a dog’s teeth and gums. In extreme cases, it affects other organs, like the heart, kidneys and liver.
Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Take your time to acclimate your dog to the process by allowing them to lick the toothpaste and get used to the taste before introducing the brush. It’s good to aim for brushing several times per week at the very least. Give them dental chews and dental toys between brushes to prevent plaque buildup.
Monitoring for Warning Signs
Be on the lookout for signs of dental discomfort, such as reluctance to eat hard foods, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, bad breath, or visible swelling. Should you notice any of these signs in your dog, consider taking him to a veterinarian—early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.
Working with Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian is an important source of information. You should be upfront and honest about your dog’s lifestyle, diet, activity level, and any concerns that you may have. Be sure to mention any family history if known. Asking questions, particularly about why a certain recommendation has been made, will help you understand the plan.
If your dog is diagnosed with a spinal condition, talk to your veterinarian about a referral to a veterinary specialist in orthopedics or neurology. They can help you manage your dog’s condition and minimize further risk.
Prevention Is the Greatest Gift
Dachshunds provide owners with extraordinary companionship, personality, and joy. However, if that dog is to be provided with the best chance at a long, comfortable, and healthy life, then owners must understand and meet these dogs’ unique requirements.
Some of the vaccination, parasite control, weight management, and dental care requirements of Dachshunds are not complicated. However, each contributes toward creating that comprehensive shield that will protect Dachshunds from many of the illnesses and conditions that could otherwise shorten or diminish their quality of life.
