I've received many emails from Dachshund owners who are frustrated that their dog barks all day, or pees in the house, when they're gone. Most ask me if I think their pup does it because they are mad - or out of spite - and how to stop it. Since this topic doesn't only apply to Dachshunds, Chester used to have this issue, and it can be a problem when a dog is left alone in a car while traveling … [Read more...]

The kitchen is probably the most dangerous room in your house. It’s full of sharp objects, things your dog shouldn’t eat, hot liquids, etc. Your dog just wants to be part of the action but that can be risky for both you and your dog. It’s safest to keep your pet out of the kitchen while you are working in there. Why You Should Keep Your Dog Out of the Kitchen 1. So you don’t drop things on them … [Read more...]

When my Dachshund Gretel injured her back, and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), I wanted to get her on the road to healing as fast as I could. During our first visit with the rehab vet, I asked her about absolutely every treatment I knew existed to potentially help Dachshunds with back problems. I went armed with a list of about 10 things and made the vet explain … [Read more...]

I get a lot of questions about the Dachshund breed, and, because our blog is one centered around being active with your Dachshund, one of the common question I hear is “Do you think my Dachshund is fat?” I’m no veterinarian, but I’ve owned Dachshunds for 15 years, I've blogged about them for almost 8, I've organized the Dachshund club for over 6, and I was a Doxie walker and sitter (yes, I … [Read more...]

When Gretel injured her back, and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), I was determined that this would just be a blip in our journey together. I see people every day that overcame physical limitations and continue to be active in the outdoors. Although mild by comparison to some issues, I've deal with chronic injuries myself so I know it's possible. My goal with Gretel was to … [Read more...]

UPDATED: May 10, 2020 Whether you are looking for ways to help prevent, or minimize, your Dachshund's back injury, or are looking for exercises to help your dog recover from Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) , you have come to the right place. A big part of my Dachshund Gretel's active recovery from her back injury, caused by IVDD, were the strength-building, body awareness, and balance … [Read more...]

I got a big wake-up call a few months ago when Gretel hurt her back and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). The thought of never being able to hike with her again scared me so I resolved to do everything I could to help keep her active and reduce the chance of re-injury. This effort involves many components but supplements are a big part of it. Before Gretel's injury, I … [Read more...]

I've been dealing with a back problem for over 10 years. Since the injury, my life has been a series of active periods and recovery periods. That's the way it is with most active people. Some people are young and lucky (I was that person once too) and they can go full-out, all of the time, with no pain or in spite of the pain. Most are not so lucky though. Being active is a mindset - a … [Read more...]

I'm really trying to be nice and patient about this. I keep telling myself that people "educating" and "warning" me about Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) are doing so because they care about Gretel. They care about us. I should appreciate that. Honestly though, my blood is starting to boil. I don't expect everyone to know this but I am highly educated about IVDD. I've had over 5 years … [Read more...]

If your dog suffers from an injury to a joint or ligament, they will most likely be prescribed crate rest during the recovery process. Crate rest is THE #1 thing you need to do if your Dachshund is suddenly paralyzed or suffers a spinal injury related to Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). Our Experience with IVDD Crate Rest My Dachshund Gretel was diagnosed with IVDD in March of … [Read more...]

UPDATE: January 10, 2020 So you found out your dog has Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). At a minimum, you and your dog endured 6 weeks of crate rest. There were sad eyes, guilt, whining, patience, and frustration involved. Some of your dogs needed surgery too. Your dog may or may not have recovered to normal, or almost, normal again. You don't think your emotions, and your … [Read more...]

Gretel has led a very active life hiking, paddleboarding, and traveling. Last Tuesday she experienced pain after jumping off of the couch. I could tell because she was trembling, was walking hunched over, and had zero interest in the squeakier toy she is obsessed with. She was showing classic signs of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - a genetic disease that Dachshunds, and some other breeds, … [Read more...]

The most common cause of back problems in Dachshunds is a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). I previously wrote an article explaining what IVDD is, how to recognize symptoms of back problems, and what you can do to help prevent them. However, IVDD is a genetic disease and it's unlikely you can totally prevent your dog from having any back issues if they have the disease. If … [Read more...]

UPDATED: MARCH 18, 2020 I didn't always know a lot about Dachshunds. I was still pretty clueless even after owning my first Dachshund Chester for 8 years. It wasn't until I adopted my second Dachshund Gretel, and started this blog, that I started researching and learning as much as I could about the breed. Dachshunds are notorious for having back problems. Many Dachshunds end up fully or … [Read more...]

My Dachshund Gretel and I have a couple of big plans this summer. To help us prepare for a 72-mile multi-day hike, we started training for a dog friendly 5k near Seattle. However, a couple of weeks ago our plan came to a halt because she started skipping on one of her back legs while running. Then she started doing it when she was just walking. The skipping didn't seem to bother her, … [Read more...]

I was recently contacted by one of our readers, Cassandra, asking if I would share about Dachshund seizures since they are so common. In the 12 years I have owned Dachshunds, and walked and house-sat Dachshunds, I have never encountered a seizure. I have heard of Dachshunds having them before but didn't realize how common they were. Here is Cassandra's story: "I was fostering a sweet … [Read more...]

Dachshunds are notorious barkers. I knew this so when Chester was young I worked to teach him that constantly barking at everything was not necessary. That all fell apart about the time Gretel came to live with us. I am not sure if he just discovered that barking was a cool thing once he was around another dog on a daily basis or he felt the need to be "tough" and protect her. Nonetheless, … [Read more...]

I've said it before and I will say it again - I don't brush my dog's teeth. I know that brushing is the "gold standard" recommended by veterinarians to help avoid costly dental cleanings but I am also realistic. I know that brushing their teeth just isn't going to happen. However, just because I don't brush their teeth doesn't mean I don't care about their dental health. It's just that I … [Read more...]

The other day I came across a video about a woman named Linda in Tennessee who owns 5 disabled Dachshunds. One of her dogs, Jessie, developed a herniated disk and became paralyzed. Linda took him to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for surgery but he still couldn't walk. After rehabilitation, he now runs and plays with the other dogs again. Whether you are a Doxie … [Read more...]

My Dachshund Gretel has always eaten her dog food too fast. She practically inhales it. It’s "funny" to watch, and it’s something Dachshund owners often joke about because it's common in the breed, but a dog eating their food too quickly can actually have serious consequences. What Can Happen If Your Dog Eats Food Too Fast? If your dog eats their food too quickly, it can cause: Bloat (which … [Read more...]