Dachshund: everything you need to know to look after that long back

The Dachshund, sausage dog to its friends, was bred to go down burrows. That’s why it has short legs, a long body and a character that doesn’t back down from anything. That distinctive shape has a weak spot: the spine.

Why its back needs looking after

Dachshunds are at higher risk than other breeds of problems with the spinal discs, such as a slipped disc. It can’t be avoided completely, but you can cut down on what strains it.

• Don’t let it jump off the sofa or the bed. A ramp or some steps save it a lot of knocks.
• Avoid it going up and down stairs all the time. If you live in a flat without a lift, carry it.
• Pick it up properly: one hand under the chest and the other under its bottom, with the back straight. Never by the front legs like a baby.
• Keep it at its right weight. Every extra kilo is a load on the spine.

A harness rather than a collar

If it pulls, a harness spreads the effort across the chest instead of the neck. Look for one in its size that doesn’t rub the armpits, which is where they tend to fail on such a long body.

Walks and brain work

It’s small but it isn’t a sofa dog. It needs to go out, sniff and explore, and a bored Dachshund usually ends up barking or digging. Treat-finding games suit its hunter’s nose.

When to rush to the vet

If it suddenly doesn’t want to move, cries when you pick it up, arches its back, walks oddly or drags its back legs, call the vet that same day. With spine problems, time matters.