How to Take Care of Dachshund Puppies

By Jamie Robertson

Instructions

Step 1:
Take your dachshund puppy for an initial veterinarian visit. The vet will be able to decide which vaccines your puppy needs and when they should be given. Your vet will also be able to identify any potential health problems your puppy may have. A first appointment will also help your vet to track your puppy's growth.
Step 2:
Keep your handling and playtime with the puppy to a reasonable amount. Just like human babies, dachshund puppies need lots of rest. As your puppy gets older, it will be able to play for longer periods of time.
Step 3:
Feed your dachshund puppy small meals four times a day until it is 3 months old. From the age of 3 to 6 months, your puppy should be fed 3 meals a day. Once your dachshund is 6 months old, it can eat 2 meals a day for the rest of its life. Meals should be a nutritious dog food, and table scraps and treats should be kept to a minimum.
Step 4:
Place your dachshund puppy's food bowl in a quiet area of the house. It is important that your puppy be able to enjoy its food in peace without being startled or distracted. Distraction can keep your dachshund from getting the nutrition it needs to grow. A corner of a quiet room is a perfect place.
Step 5:
Provide your dachshund puppy with a soft place to sleep. When buying a bed, remember that puppies grow quickly and can be quite long when stretched out. Place the bed in a place where your puppy can be part of the family and learn the patterns of your household.

Tips & Warnings

Dachshund puppies often chew their bedding. Providing chew toys can distract them from destroying their bed.
Do not overfeed your dachshund puppy. Dachshunds are prone to back problems which are agitated by obesity.

Resources

Dachshund Breed Standards

Photo/Video Credit

Georgezim, MorgueFiles

More Puppy Pages

How to Potty Train a Miniature Dachshund

You were so excited when you picked out your miniature dachshund puppy. But now, after finding an "unpleasant surprise" for the umpteenth time, your happiness is wearing thin. Miniature dachshunds are known for their cleverness, playfulness, loyalty and...

Many puppy owners use a crate when housebreaking the dog. It also helps to keep puppies from being destructive when the owners aren't home. A crate should be small enough to keep the puppy from walking around too much, but there's no reason that it must...

The Maltese is one of the most regal breeds in the dog world. Developed on the isle of Malta thousands of years ago, the breed has grown to become one of the most popular companion breeds due to its gentle nature and small stature. Raising and caring for...

A new puppy is an exciting addition to the family. However, it's important to realize that puppy care requires a great deal of patience, time and love. Part of good puppy care is providing good nutrition for your new canine baby. Your puppy won't eat the...

Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and short legs. Also called wiener dogs, dachshunds come in three different types: wirehaired dachshunds, long-haired dachshunds and smooth-haired dachshunds. The varieties are all similar and only differ in...