Obesity in Dachshunds and How to Overcome It

Dachshunds like all other dogs love to eat their favorite food and treats. However, their unique body structure stubby legs and elongated body along with their voracious appetite is what makes them very prone to obesity. Obesity in dachshunds is not an issue of looks, it can result in severe health conditions and will compromise their life quality. In this blog, we will discuss what are the main causes of obesity in dachshunds their risks, and how to prevent this issue. 

Obesity in Dachshunds

Obesity in dachshunds means when your pup consumes more calories than what he can expend which will lead to fat accumulation in the body. While all dogs can suffer from obesity these little sausages are more prone to this problem because of their body structure and genetic predisposition.  

Why Dachshunds Are Prone to Obesity

1. Dachshunds have short legs and long spines, which makes their body not capable of bearing excess weight as compared to other dogs. 
2. Dachshunds are infamous for their foodie nature and they are prone to overeating if their portion is not controlled. 
3. These pups love to sit still on the couch and if not given any exercise this results in them becoming couch potatoes.
4. Some of these pups have genetic issues and they have slow metabolism and are prone to weight gain. 

Risks Associated with Obesity in Dachshunds

Obesity is not just about getting overweight, there are many health complications related to it including:

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): 

Dachs are prone to IVDD and this is because of their long spine. If they gain excess weight it will put pressure on their spine and increase the chances of disc herniation. 

Joint Problems: 

Extra weight means a lot of stress on the joints which will lead to arthritis and other problems related to mobility. 

Heart Disease: 

Obesity increases the chances of cardiac issues and the result is a low life span. 

Diabetes: 

If your pup is overweight he will be more prone to suffering from diabetes. 

Reduced Quality of Life: 

Overweight dogs are less playful, they lack energy, and may suffer in everyday activities like playing or climbing stairs. 

Identifying Obesity in Your Dachshund

It is very important to recognize obesity to treat it effectively. It is very important to check that just run your hand along the sides of their body and if you don’t feel any ribs then they are overweight. You can also keep their weight in check by measuring usually their weight lies between 16 to 32 pounds. A vet can also help you by doing a body condition score to check whether you are overweight or not. 

How to Overcome Obesity in Dachshunds

To prevent obesity you are going to need a multifaceted approach. Some strategies that can help you maintain a healthy weight of your dachshund are:

1. Balanced Diet

• One of the major causes of obesity is overfeeding. Always use a measuring cup to make sure that you are feeding them the right portions that are according to their age, weight, and activity level. 
• Never select low-quality food, choose a food that has the right balance of fats, protein, and carbohydrates. 
• Treats are full of calories, so they should not account for more than 10% of their daily diet. Always use low-calorie treats like veggies and beans as a reward. 
• Make sure that you are not feeding any human food to your dachshund as it is full of fats and calories.

2. Regular Exercise

• Take your pup for a 20–30 minutes’ walk every day. Always know the limit of your dachshund if he is older or has joint issues. 
• Dachshund loves to play fetch and chase so keep them engaged in such games so they keep moving. 
• If it's too cold or too hot outside then arrange an obstacle course inside the house to encourage the movement. 
• Swimming is a great exercise to manage the weight of dachshunds it also does not affect their joints. 

3. Monitor Progress

• Weigh your pup every few weeks to monitor progress. 
• Check their body condition score regularly to make sure they are losing weight. 
• If your dachshund is not losing weight consult your vet and change their diet and exercise plan. 

4. Consult a Veterinarian

• There can be some underlying issues like hypothyroidism that can cause weight gain. Your vet will help in identifying any underlying issue that is contributing to obesity. 
• Your vet can prescribe a weight loss diet and formulas to help your obese dogs. 

5. Mental Stimulation

• Boredom is another major cause of overeating in dachshunds. It's best to keep your dachshund mentally stimulated so they don’t feel any boredom. 
• Puzzle feeders can help in slow feeding and also make the feeding time more engaging. PawRoll dachshund slow feeder is one of the great innovative things that will slow down your pup's feeding and also provide mental stimulation. It is made of durable ABS material so it can withstand their bite. It is designed in such a way that when your dachshund stirs it, the treat will come out so it can easily keep your pup engaged for a long time. 
• Indulge your dachshund in training sessions and reward them with treats for good behavior. 
• Use interactive toys in which your pup has to solve problems to get treats, this will keep them occupied and active. 

6. Create a Healthy Environment

• The environment of your dachshund plays a major role in maintaining their weight. Teach all the family members to understand the importance of portion control and try not to feed any table scraps to them. 
• Feed them at their regular schedule to prevent over-feeding. 
• Keep all the food out of reach of your dog to avoid snacking and overfeeding. 

 

Conclusion

Obesity is a serious problem in dachshunds and it can cause many health issues. However, if you provide them with regular exercise, a proper diet, and a good environment this problem is completely manageable. Being a dachshund owner it is your duty that your furry friend live a happy and healthy life.