Puppy Dental Care: Looking After Your Miniature Dachshund Puppy’s Teeth from Day One
Why dental care matters (even for puppies)
Getting your puppy used to mouth handling
Teething: what’s normal and how to help
Should I brush my puppy’s teeth?
The puppy dental timeline
What about chews, food and supplements?
Q&A: Miniature Dachshund Dental Care
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Puppy Dental Care: Looking After Your Miniature Dachshund Puppy’s Teeth from Day One
When you bring home your Miniature Dachshund puppy, dental care probably isn’t top of your to-do list. You’re busy with toilet training, sleep deprivation and protecting your fingers and ankles from those surprisingly sharp little teeth. But looking after your puppy’s mouth early on can make a huge difference to their comfort, behaviour and long-term health.
As vets, we see dental disease - and the misery it causes - every single day. Most of it is preventable. Puppy dental care doesn’t need to be complicated, costly or stressful. It’s about starting gently, building positive routines as your puppy grows, and knowing when to seek professional care. For strong-willed, but vulnerable little dogs, like Miniature Dachshunds, those early routines are especially important.
Why dental care matters (even for puppies)
Dental disease causes pain, abscesses, and tooth loss. It can also affect your dog’s vital organs, including their heart and kidneys. Research suggests that over 80% of dogs over two years old have some form of dental disease.
When bacteria and food particles build up on the teeth, plaque starts to form.
If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
Over time, this progresses to periodontal disease, where infection and swelling affect the tissues that support the teeth.
Once tartar (scale) is present, brushing alone won’t remove it. Your dog’s teeth will need a professional clean under general anaesthesia.
Miniature Dachshunds are among the breeds most frequently affected by periodontal disease. Their smaller jaws mean their teeth are crowded closely together. This makes it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up, especially below the gumline.
Another common issue in Miniature Dachshunds is retained baby (deciduous) teeth. When baby teeth don’t fall out as they should, adult teeth erupt alongside them. This worsens overcrowding, as well as trapping food and debris in the narrow space between deciduous and adult teeth. The risk of tooth damage and gum disease increases dramatically if the problem isn’t addressed early.
Prevention is far easier, safer and more affordable than treatment. Starting dental care from day one really does pay off.
Getting your puppy used to mouth handling
Most dogs don’t naturally enjoy having their mouths handled, so it’s important to start slowly and gently.
When your puppy is calm, begin by lifting their lips for a few seconds, then offer praise or a small treat. Gradually progress to touching their gums and teeth. Keep sessions short (just a minute or two) and always finish on a positive note. This stage is about teaching your puppy that mouth handling is normal and nothing to worry about.
Miniature Dachshunds are intelligent, determined little dogs who can be more than a little stubborn! They’re more likely to resist if they feel threatened or restrained – and a cross Dachshund soon turns into a grumpy Dachshund! Gentle, consistent handling from an early age helps to prevent anxiety and makes dental care much easier and safer than trying to introduce it later on in life.
Teething: what’s normal and how to help
Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth between 3 and 5 months old. Adult teeth are normally fully erupted by around 7 months. Many puppies experience discomfort as new teeth push through the gums.
Common signs of puppy teething include:
Increased chewing or nipping
Drooling
Swollen or red gums
Smelly breath (halitosis)
Changes in appetite
Safe, appropriate teething toys are very helpful at this stage. Look for puppy-safe rubber toys that are firm but slightly flexible. Avoid very hard items such as stones, antlers or hard nylon chews. Broken teeth are painful and a particular risk for Miniature Dachshunds who’re keen on chewing inappropriate objects.
Many puppies enjoy cooled treats or vet-approved teething gels, which can help soothe sore gums. Talk to a vet if your puppy seems painful, stops eating, or if their gums look very red and swollen.
Should I brush my puppy’s teeth?
Yes – absolutely!
Toothbrushing is the most effective way to prevent dental disease. Plaque starts forming within 24 hours, so daily brushing is ideal. If that isn’t realistic, brushing a few times a week is still far better than not brushing at all.
Tooth brushing: what you need
A soft toothbrush, finger brush, or a small piece of microfibre cloth wrapped around your finger
A vet-approved dog toothpaste
Never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Dog toothpaste usually comes in flavours puppies enjoy and is specially made to gently clean teeth, often using enzymes to help break down plaque.
How to brush your puppy’s teeth (without drama!)
Choose a quiet time when your puppy is relaxed.
Let them taste the toothpaste first, like a treat.
Gently lift the lips and brush a few teeth at a time.
Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, especially the canine teeth and the back teeth, where plaque builds up most quickly.
Don’t force the mouth open or try to brush inside surfaces if your puppy isn’t happy. Be patient and try again later.
Aim for around a minute, then praise, reward and stop before they’ve had enough.
Establish consistency in these early days, and keep the experience positive.
With Miniature Dachshunds, keeping things calm and predictable helps avoid battles later on. Early success makes a big difference with this clever but opinionated breed.
The puppy dental timeline
8–12 weeks: Start by lifting your puppy’s lips and touching their gums with your finger to build trust.
12–16 weeks: Introduce a finger brush or soft cloth, with dog-safe toothpaste.
Around 6 months: Most adult teeth are present. Daily brushing becomes important.
7+: Your puppy should have all 42 permanent teeth. Brushing should now be a regular habit (daily or at least three times a week).
What about chews, food and supplements?
Dental chews and toys can help, but they’re not a replacement for brushing.
Vet-recommended options include:
Soft-to-medium rubber chews designed for small breeds
Edible dental chews for older puppies: Remember, these count as food (calories), and treats shouldn't total more than 10% of daily intake
Prescription dental diets with specially designed kibble to reduce plaque and tartar
Selecting chews of an appropriate type and size for your Miniature Dachshund reduces the risk of broken teeth and choking. Always supervise chewing.
Q&A: Miniature Dachshund Dental Care
Q: How early should I start brushing my puppy’s teeth?
A: As soon as they’re happy with you touching their mouth. Start gently and build very gradually.
Q: What if my Dachshund hates brushing?
A: Slow down and go back a step. Short, positive sessions work best, especially with independent or stubborn puppies like Miniature Dachshunds.
Q: Do baby teeth need brushing?
A: Yes. Brushing reduces bacteria and lays the foundations for the best lifelong dental care. It also helps to identify problems like retained baby teeth early.
Q: Is bad breath normal during teething?
A: A slight smell can be normal, but severe or persistent bad breath should be checked by a vet.
Join us next month for practical advice on grooming and ear care – simple tips from vets to make everyday care easier for you and your dog.
