Your mini Dachshund needs help brushing their teeth. Like any dog, they can get cavities, periodontal disease, and they build up plaque and tartar on their teeth just like us. Your Dachshund should have his teeth brushed everyday — this will also help to keep your Dachshund’s breath fresh!

Get your Dachshund used to touching their teeth and gums: some owners start by rubbing their teeth with meat, helping them to get more comfortable with your hands in their mouth. Use canine toothpaste that you can get at any pet food store — start this at a young age, when your Dachshund is a puppy. Canine toothpastes are designed to taste yummy to dogs and they are edible (OK to swallow, which they usually do!) — never use human toothpaste! Most toothpastes made for dogs come in flavors such as chicken, beef or peanut butte — your dog will enjoy the taste and may even think of it as a treat. Once your mini Dachshund is comfortable with having his teeth touched it’s time for the actual teeth-brushing.

Brushing your Dachshund’s teeth

Place some more toothpaste on your finger and gently rub it on the dog's teeth and gums. If the dog doesn't struggle, work your way from the front to the back teeth. Repeat this process on a daily basis until the dog seems to be comfortable with it. Each time the dog allows you to clean its teeth with your finger, lavish it with praise and give it a treat or play reward.

Get out the toothbrush and sit or kneel beside the dog. Avoid holding the dog down, which can be a negative experience for your Dachshund. Put a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush and then gently place your hand over the top of the dog's muzzle and lift its lips on one side, revealing the teeth.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use small, circular strokes over the teeth and gums, brushing both the top and bottom teeth. A small amount of gum bleeding is normal, but if there is a large amount of blood, contact your veterinarian.

When you're finished, give a treat or go outside to play. Doing so will help the dog to view this as a positive experience. Increase the frequency of brushing as your dog becomes more comfortable with it — you will want to brush your dog's teeth on a daily basis to keep its teeth and gums healthy.

For your Dachshund Puppies:

Feeding is most important to ensure healthy Miniature Dachshund development; it begins early when the puppy is weaned and continues throughout its life. Food plays an integral part of its muscle and bone development. When purchasing a puppy, it is important to know what type of food the puppy was eating; any sudden changes in diet can cause digestive problems. 

To change its food to another well-balanced diet, do so gradually and begin by mixing small portions of the new food with the one being replaced, until it is completely switched over. Remember to do this gradually, over a period of seven to ten days.

The amount of food that a dog eats and the number of times per day that a dog is fed changes as it matures, for puppies, they should be fed small portions more frequently — usually four times a day until it reaches three months of age. Between the ages of three to six months, give the puppy three meals a day, the portions being slightly larger than before. After six months, there should be two meals a day; and at one year of age, there should be only one meal.

For your Adult Dachshunds:

It's important to keep in mind that it does not need to be given as much food; obesity can be a problem if not monitored closely. When your dog is a year old, you may decide to feed it in the evenings when your family has its meal. The dog's meal can also be divided into two smaller portions, one given in the morning and one at night. Never over-feed your dog; since it will not turn down food, it's up to you to monitor its eating habits and provide a reasonable amount. Remember to keep a bowl of fresh clean water near your dog's food bowl at all times.

In order to develop good eating habits, allow your dog its own dining area. Feeding times should be at the same time and in the same place everyday. Your dog's food and water should be served at room temperature so that the food is neither too hot nor too cold. Snack foods such as cake, chocolate, and other junk foods are not for dogs and should never be given to them. Other unhealthy foods include spicy, fried, starchy or fatty foods. Chicken, pork, and fish bones are very dangerous to a dog if eaten since they can cause intestinal damage and tear the stomach lining.

If your Miniature Dachshund becomes pregnant or sick, the nutritional needs will change. Consult with your veterinarian to make the proper dietary adjustments; vitamin and mineral supplements can also be given. It is very important to keep your dog's feeding and watering dishes clean on a daily basis. Once the dog has finished it meal, throw away any uneaten food and clean the dishes. They should be washed using hot water and soap, and then rinsed and dried, just like us, they should be eating on clean, bacteria free dishes and drinking fresh water.

Consider commercial brands. After your discussion with your veterinarian, when you decide to get a commercial brand of food, choose carefully. Of the many brands out there, some are very good, and others are very bad.

Buyer Beware: Brands of dog food at grocery stores usually have a high fat content, high sodium content, preservatives and artificial flavors. You might consider purchasing your dog food online from a trusted website or from your local pet supply and specialty store.

Which brand to choose? Ask your veterinarian, select a high-quality brand, and make sure it has no animal byproducts or artificial flavoring — steer clear of foods with corn and soy. Look at the nutrition label, if the first and main ingredient isn't meat, keep looking.

Some brands for your consideration:

• Fromm
  
• Blue Buffalo
  
• Organix
  
• The Honest Kitchen
  
• Dick Van Pattern's Natural Balance
  
• Eukanuba Dachshund Formula

Know of any other great brands? Let us know and we'll post it!