All dog breeds seem to have their own set of health issues that can develop.

For Dachshund owners, the main concern is that they will develop back problems.

Since they are low to the ground and extremely long in the body compared to other breeds, their spine area is very susceptible to damage.

My Dachshund had a back problem that developed when she was jumping around the back seat of our car. She was unrestrained at that time and I feel that it was all my fault she got hurt. Because I felt so guilty, I began to research ways that I could keep her safer and still give her a quality life.

Here are 3 tips that I discovered that can make your life and that of your Dachshund more enjoyable.

Tip 1

Use a harness leash when taking your dog for a walk.

Those of us that own Dachshunds know that the most delicate and vulnerable parts of a Dachshund are the back and neck.

A leash that connects to your dogs' collar is putting a great deal of strain on the neck and back. My experience has been that most dogs will constantly pull when on a leash like this.

Using a harness that wraps around their front and legs places the strain on the chest area. Your dog will pull less and you will be protecting the vital neck area and reducing the possibility of injuring the back.

Tip 2

Use dog steps to help them get on the furniture.

Most dogs love to be on the furniture, either with or without their owners. The worst thing your dog can do, is jump up and especially jump down on furniture. The stress on the back is tremendous and your dog can really hurt itself.

I bought a unit that had 3 steps and started to train her to walk up and down them. I gave her small treats as bribes, when she used the steps. After about 3 weeks, she was using the steps all the time.

Tip 3

Use a dog stroller for walks

Perhaps your Dachshund has neck or back problems that prevents them from walking very far. The fun of a walk for your dog can still be there if they go in a dog stroller. There are many sizes and shapes so you have to do a little homework to get the correct one.

The greatest fear that all Dachshund owners have is that their dog will have a back or neck injury. In far too many cases, damage to the spine or neck will paralyze the dog or in worst cases, cause it to be put to sleep. Many of these dachshund back and neck issues can be avoided if the Dachshund owner uses some common sense and takes precautions.