Dachshund Health Risks — What Every Owner Should Know

Dachshunds are a small to medium breed with a distinctive elongated body and short legs, originally bred for hunting burrowing animals. Like all purebred dogs, Dachshunds carry a distinct set of inherited health risks. Research and registry data confirm predisposition to intervertebral disc disease, obesity-related complications, progressive retinal atrophy, and idiopathic epilepsy. All health data on this page is drawn from peer-reviewed veterinary research and reviewed by a licensed veterinarian.

Most Common Health Conditions in Dachshunds

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Discs between the back bones can bulge or slip and press on the spinal cord, causing pain or wobbliness. Some episodes are mild and rest helps; others need urgent care, so sudden back or neck problems should never wait until morning. (Predisposition confirmed — prevalence data being reviewed)

Obesity-related Complications

Extra weight quietly strains joints, the heart, and metabolism. The good news is that even a gentle, vet-guided weight-loss plan can dramatically improve energy, breathing, and comfort; small steps really do add up. (Predisposition confirmed — prevalence data being reviewed)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

The light-sensing layer at the back of the eye slowly thins, so night vision and then daytime vision fade over time. It is not painful, and dogs often adapt amazingly well at home with a consistent layout and your patience. (Predisposition confirmed — multiple genetic forms identified)

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When no other cause is found after testing, it is often called idiopathic epilepsy; many dogs live full lives with medication and a seizure plan you write down with your vet. (Predisposition confirmed — prevalence data being reviewed)

Health Risks by Age for Dachshunds

Based on confirmed prevalence data from peer-reviewed sources and veterinary registries.

Symptoms to Watch For

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following in your Dachshund.

• Crying or yelping when picked up or when moving the neck or back — may indicate intervertebral disc disease.
• Hunched posture, reluctance to jump, or walking with unusual care — may indicate intervertebral disc disease.
• Weakness or wobbling in the back legs, or dragging the toes — may indicate intervertebral disc disease.
• Not wanting to eat, especially with obvious spinal pain — may indicate intervertebral disc disease.
• Inability to stand or loss of bladder or bowel control — seek emergency care; may indicate intervertebral disc disease.
• Trouble rising, limping, or reluctance to use stairs — may indicate obesity-related complications.
• No visible waist when viewed from above — may indicate obesity-related complications.
• Fat pads over the ribs that are hard to feel with light pressure — may indicate obesity-related complications.
• Heavy panting after mild activity or in normal temperatures — may indicate obesity-related complications.
• Bumping into furniture in dim light or hesitating on stairs at night — may indicate progressive retinal atrophy.
• Shiny eye reflection that looks more pronounced in photos (advanced cases) — may indicate progressive retinal atrophy.
• Reluctance to go into dark rooms or new places — may indicate progressive retinal atrophy.
• Clumsiness that slowly worsens over months to years — may indicate progressive retinal atrophy.
• Sudden collapsing, stiffening, paddling, or loss of consciousness — may indicate idiopathic epilepsy.
• Confusion, pacing, or apparent blindness for minutes to hours after a seizure — may indicate idiopathic epilepsy.
• Subtle spacing-out episodes or repeated twitching (focal seizures) — may indicate idiopathic epilepsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written and reviewed by Dr. Paulo Morouço, DVM