Houston Dachshund Rescue

Medical Care and Training

The Dachshund is generally long-lived and healthy but is subject to some genetic diseases, including slipped disc syndrome. Some owners are apt to pamper their Dachshunds in the hopes of preventing slipped discs. However, rather than being a condition of long-backed, low-slung dogs, the syndrome is probably genetic and pampering has no effect on its expression. Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Pekingese are also affected to some degree, while the Basset, another low-slung dog springing from the same stock as the Dachshund, does not appear to be. Eye abnormalities, urinary tract stones and mammary gland cancers can be problems in the breed and the dapple coat pattern ( merle in other breeds) is connected with eye and hearing difficulties. The Dachshund is a low maintenance breed. The smooths need little grooming but may need a sweater for cold winter days. The longhair needs brushing to prevent mats from forming, especially at the elbows and around the ears. Care for the wirehair falls in between; he'll not need a sweater but his coat does need some brushing, especially if it is soft. Mats and tangles must be eliminated from the coats before bathing. Attention must be paid to the Dachshund's droopy ears, for they can hold moisture, which is a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria and mites. Like all dogs, the Dachshund must be trained to obey family members. Although a mature standard Dachshund weighs less than 30 pounds, the dog is all muscle and is clever enough to get away with much mischief if not taught some manners. Furthermore, the temperament that allows them to defy a badger can cause them to resist instructions unless they are fully aware that the humans are in charge in the household. Training should be done by firm, consistent guidance, not punishment or harsh correction. We highly recommend that you and your new dog attend obiendence training. This can be extremely helpful.

Canine Vaccination Schedule

The following should be done yearly at the vets office:
DHLPP / CV
BORDETELLA
RABIES
HEARTWORM
TEST FECAL

The following is a description of the disease that the above listed vaccinations protect against

DHLPP / CV ..... Vaccination against the following diseases: DISTEMPER, HEPATITIS,.LEPTOSPIROSIS, PARAINFLUENZA, PARVOVIRUS and CORONACIRUS.

BORDETELLA: ..... Vaccination against CANINE COUGH. This disease is very contagious; therefore, we recommend a booster every 6 months.

HEARTWORM TEST: This test is a very accurate test run on a sample of blood serum. Once separated from the cellular part of blood, serum is tested by methods similar to home pregnancy kits.

CANINE PUPPY VACCINATION SCHEDULE * (6 WEEKS OR YOUNGER -- See Below)

8 WEEKS NEW PET EXAMINATION

DHPP (HI TITER)
DEWORMING
HEARTWORM TABLET

12 WEEKS:

DHLPP / CV
BORDETELLA
DEWORMING
HEARTWORM TABLET

16 WEEKS:

DHLPP / CV
HEARTWORM TABLET
RABIES
FECAL (FLOATATION TECHNIQUE)

*** For puppies weaned at 4 to 6 weeks whose mother has a current vaccination history, we recommend beginning vaccines at 8 weeks (this will apply almost all of the time). If the mother's vaccinations are unknown or overdue, vaccines for the puppy should begin at 6 weeks. ***

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