As an owner you have the power to protect them from obesity. Obesity can and will negatively affect every aspect of the dog’s health. The most common issue with dachshunds is back problems which obesity impacts. Due to their elongated spines they don’t need to carry a lot of extra weight. Teaching them at an early age to use ramps and not jump off high furniture is essential. Due to their playful spirit this is a challenge. After an injury you need to seek medical attention with any signs of pain, paralysis in any of their limbs, or inability to control their bladder or bowels. They could have a pinched, slipped, herniated or ruptured disk. Another issue with dachshund can be bloat, which is gastric torsion, this can be fatal because it happens quickly to them. The signs to watch for is restlessness, drooling, vomiting without producing any emesis, pain, and pale gums. If caught early enough the dog will require surgery known as “stomach tacking” because once they have bloat they will have it again. Dachshunds can become diabetic, have epilepsy, skin disorders, eye disorders, and the dapples (swirls of different colors) can even be deaf. They look to us as their owners to keep close eyes on their health and have them vet checked regularly.