The Dachshund also called the “sausage dog” or “wiener dog,” is a lovable little dog known for its lively nature and intelligence. Their antics are adorable, and they make quite the entertainer. Dachshunds were bred for hunting badgers but are very affectionate and make great pets.
Let’s be realistic; all dogs shed, even the “hypoallergenic” ones. And while dachshunds aren’t considered a non-shedding breed, they shed much less than other breeds. The amount of fur a Dachshund sheds depends on factors such as coat type, diet, and underlying medical conditions. We will discuss these factors in extensive detail, so keep on reading.
Coat Types
Compared to other breeds, Dachshunds shed very little. You won’t find giant hairballs on your floor or carpet. If you groom your pet regularly, you probably won’t find much dog hair around your home. As the seasons change, all dogs shed fur to keep it the right thickness. Dogs shed more during summer to stay cooler, while a thicker coat is preferred in winter to maintain an ideal body temperature. Regular shedding is also necessary to maintain the health of their coat.
The amount your Dachshund will shed depends on his coat type. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are three main varieties of Dachshunds: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired. All coat types come in striking colors, such as black, brown, and blue, to name a few.
Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
The most common type of Dachshunds is smooth-haired Dachshunds, who have a soft, straight coat. Rather than shedding lots of fur in one go, they shed small amounts of fur daily. Their coat doesn’t need much grooming, and due to their small size, they don’t shed too much hair. Regular vacuuming should be enough to get rid of shed hair.
Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Wire-haired Dachshunds have a double coat with a soft, fluffy layer that sits under coarse, wiry fur. Their coat grows thick in winter and thinner in summer to maintain an ideal body temperature. Unlike smooth-haired Dachshunds, wire-haired Dachshunds only shed their fur twice a year. Your wire-haired Dachshund will probably lose his coat in spring or autumn to prepare for the next season. Having your Dachshund’s coat stripped by a professional groomer will reduce the amount of shedding in your house.
There are generally two types of wire-haired Dachshund coats, ones that have soft, fluffy hair and those with wiry, coarse hair. Dachshunds with fluffy coats tend to shed more and need their coat stripped twice a year. While those with shorter, coarser fur don’t shed as much and don’t need to see a professional groomer often.
These wire-haired Dachshunds have a coat with “pin wires” that are short and coarse. They are best for those with allergies since they rarely shed fur. They are easy to maintain and only need baths and brushing to remove loose hair.
Long-Haired Dachshunds
Long-haired Dachshunds shed the most out of all three varieties. They have a double coat that should be stripped by a professional groomer twice a year. Their elegant, soft, long coat gives them a striking appearance. Their long hair is more visible, so you can easily vacuum any loose hair.
How To Maintain A Healthy Coat
Keep in mind that you can’t stop your Dachshund from shedding. It is a natural process necessary to maintain the health of its coat. Similar to how we lose dead skin in winter, dogs need to shed their fur to grow a new, healthier coat. You can’t stop the shedding process, but you can lessen how much your Dachshund sheds with a well-balanced diet and regular grooming. Use the following tips to prevent your Dachshund from shedding too much around the house:
Nourishment
Feed your pet a well-balanced diet that nourishes all body parts, including his coat. Similar to how your hair breaks off when weak and brittle, the same applies to your pet. With a proper diet, your Dachshund’s fur will be healthy, strong, and less prone to falling out.
Feed your Dachshund a diet that contains ample animal protein and healthy fats. Raw food is an excellent option for boosting your pet’s overall health. When buying food for your Dachshund, look for ingredients such as fish oil, flaxseed, and coconut oil. These ingredients are rich sources of Omega-3 and 6 Fatty acids, which are essential for the health of your pet’s coat.
If you think your pet’s coat needs extra care, consult your veterinarian about using fish oil supplements as a part of your pet’s diet. Most pets that struggle with maintaining their coats show improvement soon after using fish oil.
Brushing
Brushing your Dachshund is essential to get rid of any dead fur. If you regularly brush your Dachshund, you can eliminate loose, dead hair before it sheds over your home. Brushing your Dachshund also stimulates the glands that secrete natural oils on your pet’s skin. Regular brushing is enough to remove loose hair if you have a Dachshund with a pin wire coat.
Professional Grooming
Having your pet groomed by a professional at least twice a year is essential. Long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds need their coat stripped by a professional groomer twice a year. The groomer will use specific brushes to remove any damaged or dead hair. The natural oils are evenly distributed throughout the coat with careful brushing, giving it a lustrous appearance. A professional groomer can also help detect any lumps, bumps, or skin problems your Dachshund might have. Have your Dachshund’s coat stripped by a professional groomer twice a year, and he will shed little to no hair.
Excessive Shedding
You probably understand by now that your Dachshund should not shed a lot. However, in some cases, you might find your Dachshund losing too much hair. If you see bald spots or find giant hairballs around your house, your pet could be suffering from a medical condition. The common reasons for your Dachshund’s excessive shedding are:
Parasites
A flea or mite infestation can cause dogs to shed more hair than usual. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, meaning a flea bite can trigger immune responses such as intense itching and inflamed skin. As a result, your dog will scratch and lick at its skin excessively, causing hair loss and sores.
Demodex and Sarcoptes mites can also cause similar symptoms. Demodectic and Sarcoptic mange causes extreme itchiness leading to sores, patchy hair loss, and lesions. If your dog appears to be licking or scratching continuously along with shedding excessively, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Allergies
Allergies are a common and chronic problem among dogs. Ingredients in their food and environmental factors are the most likely causes. Most dog allergies are skin-related, and allergens can cause excessive hair loss. If your dog is suffering from itchiness and losing too much hair, you should consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of his allergies.
Lack of Nutrition
There might not be a lack of food for your pet, but essential nutrients could be missing from his diet. Some commercial dog foods may lack the proper nutrients to promote overall body health. Two main ingredients necessary for the health of your pet’s coat are Omega-3 and 6 Fatty acids. When buying food for your pet, you should always look for ingredients such as fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and canola oil. While Omega-6 Fatty acids come from plant-based oils, fish and flaxseed are the primary sources of Omega-3 Fatty acids.
If your dog does not like the taste or smell of fish, you can opt for Omega-3 Fatty acid supplements.
Hormonal Imbalances
Many dogs often experience hair loss after giving birth. Since the hair follicles become dormant to reserve energy for the puppies, the coat can shed heavily, similar to seasonal shedding that occurs twice a year. If your female dog is older, it will likely shed a lot after giving birth. Male and female dogs can suffer from hormonal imbalances that cause excessive hair loss. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of your dog’s hair loss and suggest appropriate treatment options.
Stress-Related Hair Loss
If your pet has had multiple visits to the vet with no conclusive answer, his excessive hair loss could result from stress. Separation from family members, death of a family member, a new baby, loss of another pet, and moving houses can cause significant stress in dogs. The stress manifests as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and compulsive scratching. This behavior can cause bald patches and even lesions that can become infected. In this situation, you need to determine what could be causing your pet to feel stressed and anxious. Your veterinarian will collaborate with a professional behaviorist for treatment.