What deadly health conditions are Dachshunds prone to developing?

Thank you for using PetCoach. Dachunds are genetically prone to IVDD or "slipped" disc due to their long backs and type of cartilage between the vertebra. Trying to limit jumping, walking on hind legs and making sure Oscar is trim and slim can all help reduce his risk of disc disease. Here are some articles that give more in depth information. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4953012 http://therehabvet.com/2017/09/what-is-ivdd/

Honestly, dachshunds are pretty hardy dogs. If they can survive without ever needing back surgery for herniated disks, I believe that most just die of old age. They are not particularly prone to any one kind of cancer, but they can get it, along with heart disease & other types of organ failure, just like anyone. I've probably seen more really elderly dachshunds than almost any other breed of dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Around 8 years old is average for most diseases to start showing up. Back problems are the #1 problem we see with these guys and that can happen at any age. Usually happens due to obesity so keep him lean! The other huge issue is their teeth. They have horrible teeth in general and all that tartar buildup can contribute to other health issues like heart and kidney disease. My recommendations: 1) Take him to your vet for yearly check-ups and senior blood testing 2) Keep him lean 3) Keep his teeth in good health That is all you have control over. The rest of diseases are luck of the draw. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

Some signs include a reluctance to jump, weakness in the rear legs, sudden urinary and/or bowel incontinence, reduced appetite, reduced activity, and muscle spasms down the back. If you see any of those signs, have Oscar seen by a vet right away. Best of luck.

Two main things i would be suspecting, the first being a uterine infection which is an emergency situation, if this will be diagnosed she will need to have an emergency surgery done in the next 48 hours. the other possibility is IVDD (vertebral disk disease) which will require intensive medical treatment for pain as well as cage rest. you must take her to the vet ASAP.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Being aware of IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) when you have a dachshund is very important. Pet insurance is also a very good idea. To decrease the risk of spinal injury/disease you should try to avoid jumping (up/down couches, into cars, etc.), however most times the injury occurs due to the formation of the spine, and this can only be prevented by not breeding dogs to be short and long. With Bow, this isn't an option for this life. Dogs often will become injured just walking, and cannot be prevented, so if he does get an injury don't feel bad, there likely was nothing you could have done to prevent it. You should be aware of the signs of spinal disease, and also be aware that early treatment carries a much better prognosis. Any signs of walking wobbly, dragging back feet, hunched back, reluctance to walk up/down stairs, or signs of paralysis, don't wait, and go to a vet right away. Some spinal disease can be treated just with pain medications and time and cage rest, but others need surgery and surgery has a much better prognosis to return of function if performed very soon after the injury occurs. These surgeries are expensive, therefore pet insurance is highly recommended. Best of luck with Bow, I hope his spine stays nice and happy!

You can ask all the questions you want! Bloat commonly occurs between the age of 7-12, but younger dogs can get it. You can prevent it by having a surgery done called a gastropexy, which is where the outer layer of the stomach is stitched onto the rib cage, preventing it from ever rotating. Check out this article from PetCoach on bloat for information on how to prevent it: https://www.petcoach.co/article/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs/