Dachshund care: Focus on nutrition and physical safety

Cute Dachshund puppies lick their faces. — When you’re thinking about what you need to do to give your new Dachshund the best care, focus on nutrition and physical safety.

Bringing home a furry bundle of joy is extremely exciting. When you’re thinking about what you’ll need to do to take fantastic care of a new Dachshund, don’t forget these three essential steps.

Feed your dog all-natural food

Not all dog food is created equal. Many of the mainstream brands on supermarket shelves are made with relatively poor quality ingredients. They’re made to be manufactured as inexpensively as possible and not to provide your dog with the best tasting food or optimal nutritional content.

Recently, there has been a surge in demand for dog foods that are made from all-natural or organic ingredients. As people are becoming conscientious about eating healthier and how the food that they eat is made, they’re also becoming conscientious about providing their pets with healthy and well-made food. Also, people who have noticed changes in their dog’s health or activity levels after switching to better-made food have raved about the results to other pet owners, which has also contributed to the growing popularity of all-natural foods.

Fresh foods that are kept refrigerated are among the most popular of healthy dog foods. Dog food that’s kept fresh maintains its nutritional value better than processed dry foods, and it offers dogs a far better tasting meal. In the life of any domesticated animal, eating is a huge deal, and they should love their mealtimes.

The Dachshund’s sense of smell and taste is incredibly acute, much more so than human’s taste and smell. Ollie’s and The Farmer’s Dog are two of the most well-known fresh dog food companies that are winning over dog owners. The Farmer’s Dog price varies based on your dog’s size and breed, but both companies offer a considerable promotional discount for new customers. You can start a subscription plan to have prepackaged meals delivered to your home.

Pick out the perfect harness for great walks

Dachshund wears a harness. — Using a harness, especially for a small dog like a Dachshund, gives you better control over your dog while he or she is still learning the ins and outs of being walked on a leash.

Most dogs benefit from using a harness instead of a leash attached to a collar for walk time, and this is particularly true for smaller dogs like the Dachshund. You can inadvertently injure your dog’s neck by merely trying to pull him or her out of harm’s way. Dogs can even injure themselves by pulling on a leash over-eagerly.

Harnesses are safer and more comfortable. Besides, they’ll give you better control over your dog while he or she is still learning the ins and outs of being walked on a leash. Choose a harness made of a soft and breathable material. A good option is a thick and stretchy mesh material with neoprene pads in the front.

The size has to be a good fit for a small animal. While it shouldn’t be too tight or binding, it needs to be small enough that your dog won’t accidentally slip out of it.

Ultimately, a harness is the ideal walking choice for covering any distance. Make it a point to take your Dachshund out for lots of exercise instead of just quick trips in and out of the house. He or she will need a good amount of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

When you go for walks, let your dog explore and take time to sniff out interesting discoveries and whatever curiosities capture his or her attention. Remember that his or her short legs won’t necessarily keep up with yours, so go at a moderate pace.

Help your shorty reach new heights

Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and short legs. They’re active and energetic small dogs, but their little legs and long frame may make it difficult for them to accomplish specific movements. Some dachshunds with particularly short legs may struggle with stairs.

While they are still puppies, they may need a lift-up to get up and down the stairs in your home. Also, certain jumps may be too high for a little guy or gal. The safest way to get your Dachshund in and out of the car is to pick him or her up; you certainly wouldn’t want your new furry family member to fall on a hard surface such as pavement.

Your dog also may have trouble getting up on furniture because it’s simply too high of a jump. Nevertheless, his or her favorite spot is going to be next to wherever you’re sitting, so you should try to make getting there a little easier. Get your Dachshund a pet ramp that will make it easy to get on and off of surfaces.

Give your Dachshund the best care

When you’re thinking about what you need to do to give your new Dachshund the best care possible, give extra consideration to nutrition and physical safety.

With outstanding care plus lots of love and attention, your Dachshund can be happy and healthy in his or her new home with you for years to come.

Emily Burton has loved dogs since she was young. She now enjoys adventuring in the Colorado Rockies with her Australian Shepherd and her two kids.