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Daschunds are a distinct dog breed characterized by a longer back and shorter legs when compared to most dogs. This breed is originally German and was initially used for hunting. A Daschund has many special needs and is prone to several diseases like the intervertebral disc disease. As an owner, it is your responsibility to help your Daschund to gain and hold a healthy weight and grooming the animal. You must also teach it good habits.
IVDD
and how to hold the dog
Daschunds
are vulnerable yo intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The IVDD
involves the bulging out or bursting of the vertebrae, placing stress
on the structure. An IVDD afflicted dog will suffer immense pain and
bladder control problems. Paralysis may also occur as a worst-case
scenario. You must take a few precautions to stop this happening to
your dog. Try to recognize all the IVDD symptoms so that you can
refer the animal to the veterinarian immediately if you see them. The
first sign of IVDD trouble is when the dog does not walk or run as
much as it used to. A dog saddled with such a condition cannot stand
properly and will cry out in pain. There will also be a noticeable
change in behavior, like being nervous and acting strange. It will
eat less and lose control over its bowels or bladder or both.
It is good
practice to know how to hold the dachshund. It is important to keep
the dog in the correct way as to protect its back. If you want to
lift it up, place one hand under his belly and the other to support
the dog's rear. Do not carry your dog in one hand.
Maintaining
weight
It is
important that your Daschund must maintain its proper weight. There
will be a higher chance of IVDD if it gains more weight. It is
crucial that you feed the appropriate dog nutrition and assist it to
get Zadequate amount of exercise. The thumb rule of finding out
whether your Daschund is of proper weight is to stand over the dog
and look down. In case you can see the dog's ribs, the canine is
thin, and it needs more nutrition. Healthy weight is that when you
cannot see the ribs but can feel them just below the skin โ
overweight means you can neither see or feel the ribs. The Daschund
must have a tapered waist and not a hang-down belly. Talk to the
veterinarian if you are in doubt. The medical professional will tell
you the exact quantity of food to give to your dog. Do walk the
Daschund and try to play with it every day. Do not provide excess
treats to your dog. Do feed the dog weight maintenance food if it has
excess weight.