All dogs shed hair (dachshunds included) although it is more of a problem for some breeds than others.
While it may be frustrating continually finding your carpet/couch/clothes covered in dog hair, we put up with the necessary cleaning because of the value that these beloved creatures add to our lives.
The good news is that there are ways to reduce your dachshund’s shedding!
That’s right – there are things you can do to reduce the hours spent picking hair off your clothing, allowing you to live a little more harmoniously with your four-legged friend.
Types of Dachshund
Before we take a look at ways to address shedding, we must first understand the various types of dachshunds and the different grooming needs associated with each of these.
Dachshunds are generally categorized into three categories according to their coat: smooth-coated, long-haired and wire-haired.
Smooth-coated
Requiring the least maintenance of all Dachshund varieties, the smooth-coated dog is recognizable by its short, shiny coat.
While these Dachshunds still shed hair, their undercoats are not as thick, and this means they don’t shed as often or as noticeably as the other types.
They will still however benefit from regular grooming to ensure their hair shedding does not become a problem in your home.
Long-haired
Boasting a thick undercoat, the long-haired Dachshund benefits from daily grooming.
Their outer coats are often wavy and sleek, giving the appearance of a low-maintenance coat, however the fleecy hair underneath means they are regular shedders.
This type of Dachshund needs thorough brushing to remove loose hair from the undercoat before it reaches your home.
Wire-haired
Wire-haired dachshunds shed the most hair of all three types, possessing a thick undercoat and a long outer coat.
They also have hair growth around their beards and eyebrows that require regular grooming to keep them in good condition.
Like long-haired Dachshunds, wire-haired dogs need to be brushed properly every day to keep their coat in good condition and reduce the amount they shed.
As you can see, the amount of hair a Dachshund sheds all depends on the type of coat that they have. That being said, every
Dachshund can benefit from the following actions to ensure their coats remain in good condition and you can keep the shedding under control.
Ways to Reduce Your Dachshund’s Shedding
Brush your Dachshund Regularly
The easiest way to control your Dachshund’s shedding is to brush them regularly. This will remove all of the loose hair before it has a chance to drop around your house.
Make it a part of your regular routine as frequent brushing will display the best results.
If your Dachshund is an excessive shedder, you should brush them every day. Try committing to a particular time so that the task won’t get forgotten or pushed aside.
You might start your day with a quick bonding and brushing session with your doxie, or maybe it’s something that you can attend to after dinner as you settle down to watch television.
It doesn’t matter when you do it, as long as it occurs regularly as this will be most effective in controlling shedding.
You should invest in the right tools so that you are prepared to look after your dog’s coat in the best possible way.
A de-shedding tool is the best for controlling shedding, although you should also have a soft bristled brush, wire brush and comb in your collection.
The bristled brush can be used on all types of hair and is good for getting a soft coat, however you will need a wire brush to remove tangles, especially if your Dachshund has a longer coat.
Combs are helpful if you have a long-haired or wire-haired Dachshund and will help you to remove knots, although always remember to be gentle.
Bathe your Dachshund Regularly
Another simple way to effectively control shedding is to give your Dachshund regular baths. Again, the best way to ensure this happens is to set a day and stick to it.
This way, it will become a habit and ensure the shedding remains under control. You might opt for a specific weeknight or a Saturday morning, just make sure that it is a realistic time in your weekly routine.
Give your dog a thorough wash with shampoo once a week to clean their skin and dislodge any loose hair.
Brush your Dachshund after a Bath
Anybody who has owned a serial shedder knows just how much hair comes loose during a bath. Who else has finished bathing their dog only to find hair all through the bath and on the floor?
This demonstrates just how important it is to brush your dog after their bath. The washing process loosens a lot of hair and if you don’t remember to brush it, it will soon be covering your floor and furniture.
Dry your Dachshund after a Bath
You should also remember to dry your Dachshund thoroughly after a bath. Not only is this necessary if you live in colder climates, but it is an important step in controlling shedding.
A high-quality pet dryer can help to shake out loose hair so that it doesn’t get trampled through your house.
Get your Dachshund Clipped Where Appropriate
If you live in a place that is warm enough for clipping, it is an option worth considering. A good groomer can get rid of excess hair to help stop it dropping on your carpet and belongings.
Your dachshund will also appreciate it if you are in summer or a hot environment as they are likely to be much more comfortable.
Feed your Dachshund High-quality Food
High-quality dog food can do wonders for the condition of your dachshund’s coat, but did you know it can also help to reduce shedding?
Sometimes dogs shed more when they are not in optimum condition so improving their diet is a good way to reduce the amount of hair they drop.
Add Supplements to Your Dachshund’s Diet
Supplements can also be a great way to improve your dog’s coat and ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need to maintain good condition.
Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly good for keeping your dachshund’s coat shiny and reducing the amount of hair that gets dropped.
You can buy supplements from your local pet store, but it’s always worth having a chat to your vet first to find the best supplement for your dog.
Treat for Fleas and Worms Regularly
This is something that all responsible pet owners should be doing regularly to ensure the good health of your canine friend.
Flea and worm treatments also play a critical role in managing shedding as they help to keep your Dachshund in top condition.
The better their immune system, the more likely they are to maintain good condition, and this decreases the amount of hair that they shed.
Make Sure Your Dachshund is Drinking Plenty of Water
It can be difficult to monitor a dog’s drinking habits let alone force them to drink, however if a dog is not getting enough water this can cause them to shed more than usual.
This is because hair drops more easily from dehydrated skin. If you’ve noticed that your dachshund’s shedding has increased, try taking note of their water bowl to ensure they are getting enough liquid.
Visit the Vet
If you’ve tried some of these approaches and shedding is still a major problem, it is worth taking a trip to your vet to discuss your dog’s health.
They will be able to provide advice on things you can do to manage the issue but will also give your dog a check-up to ensure there aren’t any underlying health factors that may be affecting their level of shedding.
You should also take your dachshund straight to the vet if the shedding ever becomes so excessive that they end up with hairless patches on their body.
This will definitely be happening due to another cause, even if your dog is an excessive shedder to begin with.
As dog owners, we all understand the chore that is cleaning up dog hair. It somehow manages to stick to every surface and is painstakingly difficult to remove completely.
These steps will go a long way in helping you to manage this problem, resulting in a healthy pup and a happy owner. We should also be grateful that dachshunds are not the worst shedders in the dog world!