Last Updated on August 26, 2021
You’ve been looking for a new pup, and you’ve got your heart set on the long, lovable Dachshund. But, you want to make sure that you’re getting a dog you can spend more than just a few years with. How long do Dachshunds usually live? Do they live longer than bigger dogs?
The short answer about a Dachshund’s lifespan and how long they live is 12-16 years. However, many factors contribute to the life of a dog, just like humans. Exercise, food, medical care. All of these play a big role in how long Dachshunds usually live.
The first thing you have to remember is that no matter what the life expectancy of a dog breed is, it’s not a number that’s set-in stone. It’s up to you to give your Dachshund the happiest and healthiest life possible in order to live a long life.
After reading these tips, you’ll know exactly how to do that. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ensure a long and happy life for your fur baby!
Table of Contents
How Long Do Dachshunds Usually Live?
One of the longest living dog breeds in the world the wiener dog, also known as the Dachshund, has a whopping average life expectancy of 12-16. There have even been a few reported wiener dogs living to the ripe old age of 20!
It’s well known that smaller dogs breeds like the Dachshund tend to live longer than big dogs like the Great Dane. But don’t forget that responsible breeding and good health are the keys to ensuring that any dog lives a full life.
What Health Problems Can Dachshunds Have?
Similar to other breeds, Dachshunds are no stranger to their share of health problems. Here are some genetic conditions, diseases, and other health problems that could affect your Dachshund’s lifespan.
Obesity:
Without the proper motivation, these guys can be downright lazy little couch potatoes. What’s worse is that these guys gain weight quicker than a lot of other breeds. Because of this, it’s essential that you keep a close watch over your Doxie’s diet.
Hip Dysplasia:
Simply put, hip dysplasia is a condition where the joint between the hip and the leg doesn’t quite fit into the socket, which causes your Dachshund’s rear legs to go lame. This is also very common in other breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.
Going Blind:
As unfortunate as it is, Dachshunds are also well-known for going blind in their old age. They are susceptible to degenerative diseases like glaucoma and PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy. It’s usually because of this that an independent Dachshund might become more clingy in their senior years.
Allergies:
Not only can wiener dogs trigger your allergies, but they’re also very prone to having allergies of their own like food sensitivities and skin allergies. If your dog is having digestive issues, it will reflect in his poop, which is the biggest sign of a reaction to something that he’s eaten. For skin allergies, constant itching and hives around the scratched area are red flags of a skin issue.
Slipped Discs & Other Spinal Issues
Dachshunds are extremely likely to develop slipped discs and other spinal issues. This should come as no surprise, seeing how long their spine is, in proportion to the rest of their body. It’s common to get a ramp for older or injured dogs that can no longer climb stairs or onto the couch.
Dental Issues
Dachshunds are prone to dental problems and need regular dental care throughout their lives. Don’t wait until their senior years to start making sure their teeth are clean.
Talk to your vet about dental chews, regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, and gum disease.
Regular brushing can also help to ensure good dental health. Poor dental hygiene has the potential to shorten your Doxie’s lifespan by up to three years!
How To Ensure A Longer Lifespan For Your Dachshund:
A healthy and happy dog is absolutely more likely to live a longer life. To make sure your Dachshund live the longest and healthiest life possible, take these tips:
Watch Your Dachshund’s Health Closely:
Even though your Dachshund can’t exactly tell you what’s wrong, there are always warning signs. When you’re watching your dog’s health by monitoring their diet and making regular trips to the vet, you can keep an eye out for diseases that don’t have warning signs.
Particularly in their older years, you can discuss the use of supplements that may help with aging joints and muscles.
Feed Your Dachshund A Proper Diet:
You likely know that the key to keeping yourself healthy is to eat right. Well, it’s the same for your Dachshund. Again, Dachshunds are prone to quick weight gain, so it’s vital to make sure you’re giving your Dachshund food that’s actually made for Dachshunds!
Talk to your vet about the best recommended food for these breeds. And too many snacks from your table are probably best avoided.
It may take some trial and error if your pup is experiencing any food sensitivities.
Regularly Exercise Your Dachshund:
Even with those short wee legs, Dachshunds need a lot of exercise to be able to keep fit. Other than weight gain, regular exercise can prevent degenerative conditions like muscle tears and joint issues like hip dysplasia, as long as it’s not too strenuous.
Regular walks, training sessions, and playtime will ensure your pup is getting the right amount of exercise to prevent future problems.
Proper Dental Care
Make sure you make oral hygiene a priority for your pup. Regular cleanings and check ups and even dental chews can ensure good teeth health. Schedule an oral health check/cleaning at your annual vet visit.
For more Dachshund info:
Conclusion
The average lifespan of a dog is usually determined by size. As we said, larger dog breeds just aren’t as likely to live as long as smaller breeds.
While a normal lifespan for the dachshund is 12-16, many have surpassed that, with a small number even growing to see their 20th birthdays! That’s an incredible feat when you think the average expectancy for all dogs is around 13.
Of course, there are health issues that might get in the way of a healthy life. Dachshunds are prone to health problems including obesity, bone, and joint conditions, oral issues, spinal issues, and even blindness caused by degenerative eye diseases.
You can ensure that your dachshund lives a full and happy life by taking preventative measures like talking to your vet, feeding him the right foods, and giving him lots of exercise.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you have all the tools to need to help your wiener dog lives up to his life expectancy and maybe beyond!
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