The last thing you want to think about when you bring home your Miniature Dachshund puppy is them becoming ill. Luckily, most health issues affecting Dachshund puppies are mild and quickly improve with the right care. Many problems can be prevented completely with good parasite control, vaccination and a safe home environment.

Understanding common health challenges and risks will help you keep that long, low, little person happy, healthy and up for their next adventure (or nap).

This guide is written by our team of vets to help you spot common issues early, prevent avoidable problems and understand when it’s time to seek veterinary advice. 

1. Parasites

Miniature Dachshunds may be small, but they’re hugely inquisitive. Whether it's sniffing through hedgerows or investigating rabbit holes, they can easily pick up parasites inside or outside the home.

Common parasites include:

• Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. May cause diarrhoea, vomiting or a pot-bellied appearance.

• Fleas: Itchy pests that trigger skin irritation, particularly in Dachshunds with sensitive skin.

• Ticks: Attach to the skin and can spread serious infections.

• Ear mites: Tiny critters that cause itchy, inflamed ears; common in puppies of all breeds.

Treatment
Your vet can advise on safe parasite protection based on your puppy’s environment and habits. Regular prevention is especially important for Dachshunds who enjoy hunting scents - or real rabbits - on walks. Keep bedding clean and check their skin and ears regularly.

2. Ear infections

Miniature Dachshunds don’t have the largest ears in the doggy world, but their floppy shape means they trap moisture and warmth in ear canals, making infections surprisingly common.

Symptoms:

• Scratching or shaking their head

• Red or smelly ears

• Lots of wax or discharge

• Painful ears

Treatment

Most infections clear up with vet-prescribed ear drops. You can reduce the risk of recurrence by keeping their ears dry and, if your vet recommends, cleaning them regularly.

3. Tummy upsets

Dachshund puppies explore the world nose-first… and often also mouth-first. Whether they’ve been sampling rabbit droppings, chewing up their bed, or stealing a snack, tummy troubles can (and will!) happen.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Not eating

• Discomfort: restlessness or a hunched posture

Treatment
Most mild tummy upsets settle with small, bland meals for a few days. Avoid sudden changes in diet and supervise your puppy with toys or outdoors. Miniature Dachshunds are surprisingly good escape artists, scavengers and natural hunters!

Seek help from a vet if your puppy keeps vomiting, seems in pain, or has any blood in their vomit or stools. Their small size means they can rapidly become dehydrated. Call a vet immediately if your puppy swallows something toxic, harmful or likely to cause a blockage.

4. Parvovirus

Parvo is a serious, life-threatening virus that can affect puppies of any breed, including Miniature Dachshunds. Young pups are vulnerable until they’re fully vaccinated.

Symptoms:

• Severe, often bloody diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Not eating

• Lethargy, collapse

Treatment
Puppies with Parvovirus need urgent and intensive veterinary care. Protect your puppy with vaccination and follow your vet’s advice about when to start socialising with other dogs.

5. Respiratory infections (Kennel Cough)

Dachshund puppies love meeting new dogs, whether they’re invited to or not(!). This sociability means they’re more likely to pick up coughs and ‘colds’.

Symptoms:

• A persistent hacking cough

• Nasal discharge

• Eating less

• Lethargy, sleeping more

Treatment
Mild cases usually get better with rest and supportive care. More serious cases may need prescription medication. Vaccination reduces the likelihood and severity of Kennel Cough.

6. Skin issues and allergies

Miniature Dachshunds can have sensitive skin. Some develop allergies as they grow. Their short coats make any redness or irritation easy to spot.

Warning signs:

• Red, itchy patches of skin

• Hair loss or bald spots

• Flaky or scabby skin

Treatment
Depending on the cause, treatment may include creams, tablets, medicated washes or parasite control. Early intervention helps keep your pup comfortable and stops things from getting worse.

7. Injuries (including back problems)

Dachshunds are bold and bouncy, with a zest for life. But their iconic long backs also make them more prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), even as puppies.

Early warning signs:

• Limping or not wanting to move

• Sudden yelping if they're touched or picked up

• Having difficulty jumping or climbing steps

• A hunched posture

• Dragging a foot, weakness in one or more legs

Treatment
Minor sprains and strains often resolve with rest, but any sign of back pain must be taken seriously. Dachshunds are significantly more vulnerable to spinal problems than most breeds, and early treatment gives the best chance of recovery.

Prevention tips:

• Avoid letting your puppy jump on/off sofas and beds: start as you mean to go on

• Use ramps where possible

• Support their chest and bottom when lifting: ask your vet for advice

• Keep them slim: extra weight = extra strain on back and joints

Q&A: Common Puppy Concerns

Q: How often should my puppy see the vet?
A: After their vaccinations (8–16 weeks), a 6-month check will help check their development. Regular weight checks are especially helpful for Dachshunds to help keep them slim and reduce the risk of back problems.

Q: When should I seek emergency care?
A: Seek urgent help if your puppy has severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, is collapsed or develops sudden back pain or paralysis.

Tips for Success

• Monitor daily: Watch for any changes in appetite, toileting, energy, or mobility,  especially signs of back discomfort.

• Preventive care: Vaccinations, parasite treatment, and dental care (Dachshunds often have overcrowded teeth) make a huge difference to comfort, safety and general well-being.

• Protect their environment: Use stair gates, train your puppy not to jump off furniture, and puppy-proof the garden and home. Dachshunds are experts at finding trouble!

• Develop a routine: Regular, gentle walks, consistent toilet breaks and reward-based training help manage their famously stubborn (or “independent-thinker”) streak.

• Trust your vet: Early advice can prevent small issues from becoming big ones, especially when it comes to their back, teeth, or tummy.

Join us next month as we explore how much exercise and sleep your growing Miniature Dachshund really needs. From zoomies to burrowing under blankets, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect daily routine for your giant companion in a tiny body.