Dachshund Grooming: 11 Tips & Tricks to Make It Easy
Updated on
Dachshunds are a popular breed of dog because they are small and have a friendly personality. They also require a lot of grooming, which can be daunting for some pet owners. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips and tricks to make the grooming process easier for you and your Dachshund!
About The Dachshund Skin and Coat
The Dachshund’s skin is very sensitive and can be easily irritated. The coat is also dense and prone to tangles. This is why it is important to brush your dachshund regularly, at least once a week. Their skin is also susceptible to dryness, so it is important to use a hypoallergenic shampoo when bathing your dachshund.
Brushing Your Dachshund
Here are some tips to help make brushing stress-free and easy.
Top 11 Tips For Grooming Your Dachshund
1. Use the Right Tools
When brushing your dachshund, it is important to use the right tools. A slicker brush or a pin brush will work well for most dogs. However, if your dog has particularly sensitive skin, you may want to use a soft bristle brush instead. You should also have a comb on hand to help remove any tangles in the coat.
2. Start at the Head
When you start brushing your dachshund, it’s best to begin at the head and work your way down the body. This will help avoid any tangles in the coat. You should also be careful not to brush too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
3. Give Them a Treat
If your dachshund is resistant to being brushed, you may want to try giving them a treat while you brush them. This will help create a positive association with the activity and make it more enjoyable for both of you!
4. Take Your Time
Brushing your dachshund should be a relaxing experience for both of you. Take your time and make sure to get all of the knots out of their coat. If you are feeling rushed, it is best to put off the brushing until another day.
5. Be Gentle
As we mentioned before, the dachshund’s skin is very sensitive. This means that you need to be gentle when brushing them. Be especially careful around the ears, as they are particularly delicate. If you find that your dog is resistant to being brushed, it may be because they are in pain. In this case, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
6. Use a Leave-In Conditioner
After you have finished brushing your dachshund, you may want to consider using a leave-in conditioner. This will help detangle their coat and keep it looking healthy. You can find leave-in conditioners at most pet stores or online.
7. Give Them a Bath
It is important to bathe your dachshund regularly, about once every two weeks. This will help keep their coat clean and free of tangles. When you are ready to bathe your dog, make sure to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs. You should also avoid getting water in their ears, as this can cause an infection.
- Start by brushing your dachshund’s fur with a wire brush. This will help to remove any tangles or mats that may be present. Be sure to be gentle while brushing, as dachshunds have sensitive skin.
- Next, wet your dachshund’s fur with warm water. Be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes. Apply a generous amount of dog shampoo to their fur and massage it in well.
- Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with warm water. Apply conditioner to their fur and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the conditioner out completely.
- Remove any excess water from your dachshund’s fur with a towel. Be sure to blot their fur, rather than rub it, to avoid damaging their skin.
- Comb your dachshund’s fur while it is still damp. This will help to prevent tangles and mats from forming in their fur. Be sure to use a wide-toothed comb so as not to damage their skin.
- Let your dachshund air dry or use a blow dryer on the low setting to dry their fur. Be careful not to hold the blow dryer too close to their skin, as this can cause burns.
- Once your dachshund’s fur is completely dry, you can brush it out again. This will help to remove any loose hair and give their fur a shiny appearance.
- If you notice any mats or tangles in your dachshund’s fur, you can use a mat comb to remove them. Be sure to be gentle while combing, as dachshunds have sensitive skin.
- After you have finished grooming your dachshund, give them a treat to reward them for being such a good dog! This will help to create a positive association with the activity and make it more enjoyable for both of you.
Our Recommendations Adding a shampoo and conditioner duo to your pet's grooming routine could be the difference in creating a soft, fluffy coat and hydrated, nourished skin. Heppers Oatmeal Pet Shampoo gently lifts dander, dirt, and excess fur without scrubbing away the natural oils important to your cat's derma health. The Pet Conditioner restores any moisture that may have been washed away and will prevent tangles and static. Both are all natural and formulated to soothe irritated skin.Â
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Hepper Pet Conditioner
All-natural
Fresh, light scent
Cleans fur and skin
Combats tangles & static
8. Trim Your Dachshund’s Nails
It is important to keep your dachshund’s nails trimmed regularly. If you allow their nails to grow too long, it can cause pain and discomfort. It can also lead to infection if the nails become ingrown.
Start by holding your dachshund‘s paw in your hand. This will help to keep them from wiggling around while you trim their nails. Using a nail trimmer, carefully trim the tips of your dachshund’s nails. Be sure not to cut too close to the quick, as this can cause bleeding. If you are unsure of how much to trim off, it is better to err on the side of caution.
After you have finished trimming your dachshund’s nails, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. This will help to prevent their nails from snagging on things and causing pain. Give your dachshund a treat after you have finished trimming their nails. This will create a positive association with the activity and make it more enjoyable for both of you.
9. Anal Gland Expression
Your dachshund’s anal glands are located just inside their anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling substance that is used to mark their territory. If these glands become full, they can cause your dachshund discomfort and may even lead to infection.
- Place your dachshund in a standing position. This will make it easier for you to access their anal glands.
- Using a gloved hand, insert your finger into your dachshund’s anus and locate their anal glands. These are usually located just below the surface of the skin.
- Gently apply pressure to the gland until the substance is expressed. Be careful not to express too much, as this can cause irritation.
- If you notice that your dachshund’s anal glands are full on a regular basis, it is important to have them checked by a veterinarian. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
10. Dental Care for Your Dachshund
Just like humans, dachshunds need to have their teeth brushed on a regular basis. This will help to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
Start by getting your dachshund used to the idea of having their teeth brushed. You can do this by letting them sniff and lick the toothbrush before you start. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush and let your dachshund taste it. Many dog-specific toothpastes are flavored with chicken or beef, which will make them more likely to accept it.
Gently brush your dachshund’s teeth using circular motions. Be sure to reach all of their teeth, including the back molars. Give your dachshund a treat after you have finished brushing their teeth. This will create a positive association with the activity and make it more enjoyable for both of you.
Dental chews are also a great way to help keep your dachshund’s teeth clean. These chews are designed to remove plaque and tartar as they chew on them. Dental chews are available at most pet stores and can be given on a daily basis.
11. Caring for Your Dachshund’s Ears
Dachshunds are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. This is why it is important to check and clean their ears on a regular basis.
Start by checking your dachshund’s ears for any signs of infection. These include redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take them to the veterinarian. If your dachshund’s ears look healthy, you can proceed with cleaning them. Start by using a cotton ball soaked in dog-safe ear cleaner to remove any dirt or wax build-up.
Gently massage the base of your dachshund’s ear to help loosen any debris that may be caught in their ear canal. Use a clean cotton ball to remove any remaining ear cleaner or debris. Be sure to avoid using Q-tips, as these can cause damage to your dachshund’s ears.
High-quality wet wipes can help you keep your dog clean from head to tail. Our Hepper Wash Wipes are infused with natural, moisturizing ingredients that will soothe your dog's skin while effectively removing dirt and grime. These soft, hypoallergenic wipes are made in the USA and safe for dogs and puppies of all breeds.
Final Thoughts
Dachshund grooming is an important part of taking care of your pet. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and less stressful for both you and your dachshund. Regular grooming will help to keep your dachshund healthy and looking their best and save you money on grooming-related illnesses. Nobody wants an expensive vet bill, or a sad dachshund!
Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock
