Disclaimer: We do not give out health information and any link found here is for educational purposes only. All health related concerns you have about your own dog or dogs should be referred to your veterinarian.
When considering any dog
you need to
thoroughly research and understand the health issues related to that
breed, and no breed is free from health issues. Some of the same health
issues can be found in more than one breed, and some more common in one
than another. Some conditions are benign and won't affect the quality
of
life of your dachshund but are only aesthetic. Some conditions will not
only affect the quality of a dachshund's life but your wallet as
well.
What should never be overlooked with dachshunds is IVDD, or Invertrebal Disc Disease. PRA is another consideration. PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic, inherited disease of the retina which occurs in both eyes simultaneously.
Dachshunds should be kept at healthy weight. An overweight dachshund is at risk for some of the same problems as humans,heart disease, thyroid problems and adds an additional risk to problems with their backs.
Dachshunds are a breed susceptible to canine epilepsy. Inherited, genetic or head trauma.
No breed is free of all health problems and pointing out what is common in dachshunds doesn't mean that most dachshunds will suffer one or more of the health concerns associated with the breed. However, it is far better to know, understand and be prepared. Even the best breeder can not control mother nature. Using all of the information they have from pedigree research, health testing, screening and excellent care of sire and dam will not guarantee that every puppy produced will be free of medical problems its entire life.
A good breeder will know the health issues, what testing is available and what studies are being done to help breed healthier dachshunds. A good breeder will also take advantage of testing their own dogs and will understand how the results will affect their breeding program and make breeding choices accordingly.