When you first took a Dachshund home, you must have wondered: Is running bad for Dachshunds with such short legs?
It really stands to reason since Dachshunds run the highest risk of having back problems. Actually, this is one of the reasons why Dachshunds are considered one of the worst dog breeds
The answer is: No, running is not bad for Dachshunds, as long as they are healthy dogs, and you figure out when they have had enough exercise for the day.
Keep rolling to find out more about how to exercise your Dachshund without harming it.
How Does Exercise Affect Your Dachshunds?
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Every dog needs a certain amount of exercise and training, regardless of breed, age, or size. As for a Dachshund, there are several benefits it can gain from regular exercise.
First of all, exercises prevent your dog from becoming overweight. Obesity is listed as one of the most common health problems for dogs. The calories burned from their exercise will keep them from gaining too much weight.
Dachshund is the most common breed to be affected by IVDD – Intervertebral Disk Disease. And although the disease is not completely preventable, keeping the weight down will lessen the risk of it.
When it comes to dogs’ mental health, a proper exercise schedule will relieve stress and anxiety. A lack of workout and outdoor activities can lead to their self-destructive behavior.
Is Running Bad for Dachshunds?
In spite of their lapdog reputations, Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting purposes. The breed was developed to chase tunneling animals. You may be surprised to find out what a Dachshund can kill.
However, owing to their unique body build (long back, short legs) and hereditary causes, it is understandable that Dachshunds’ owners often worry about their cardiovascular exercises.
Can you go running with your Dachshund? To assure you again, you can totally take your Doxie running with you, provided that they don’t have any underlying health issues.
You can have a casual run with Dachshunds as this breed is a working breed. However, since Dachshunds are often exposed to several genetic weaknesses, you have to take their overall condition and spine wellness into consideration.
If your furball has already been diagnosed with spine issues or IVDD specifically, you should follow the doctor’s instructions strictly as to how to treat it. In this case, any high-impact activities can lead to a worse situation.
A healthy Wiener dog, on the other hand, will enjoy a moderate amount of running daily. A Dachshund can handle anything between a regular jog and a few sprints, even with its inconvenient body proportion.
However, it is not ideal to run with your Dachshund for long distances. A continuous endurance run over 3 km may be overwhelming.
They will let you know when they get tired through body language signs: heavy panting, hesitating to keep up, soreness, etc. That’s when you should stop for a break.
To sum up, running is a good way to enhance Dachshund’s muscle strength and joint flexibility. Make sure to have a regular vet check-up so that you are aware of its health status and any potential diseases.
We have said a lot about adequate or moderate exercise. So, how much exercise is enough for Dachshunds?
Don’t worry! We’ve got your back.
Further reading:
Why are Dachshunds so clingy ? Tips To Help Them Not Feel Lonely
Special Things About White Doberman That You Will Want to Know
How Much Running Do Dachshunds Need?
For An Adult Dachshund
On average, an adult Dachshund requires a 1-hour session a day. You can break it down to two 20-minute running sets and spend the rest playing around with it.
For A Dachshund Puppy
A Dachshund puppy will need more attentive care. 1 to 3-month-old puppies should only exercise gently for less than 15 minutes every day, starting with walking.
After they reach 6 to 8 months, you can gradually build up their routine as their bones and muscles develop. Let the puppy get used to it slowly, or else the intensive exercise will hamper its growth.
Some Alternatives to Running
It is so exciting to have your dog as your running partner. However, if your Dachshund is not able to run due to health problems, check out these alternatives to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle for him.
Although these are slower and safer versions of running, the dog should always be under your surveillance to avoid any damage. If you are going to leave Dachshunds alone, make sure to remove all potentially dangerous items.
Go For A Walk
A simple yet important activity that people often underestimate. Try to take your Dachshund for a walk when the weather is nice.
It does not only form an intimate relationship with your pet but also gives you a break from the crazy pace of life.
Play Hide & Seek
This game doesn’t take as much energy as running. However, it’s a great game to create a strong bond between the two of you, not to mention that it requires both of its body and senses to find the item.
Play Fetch
As a hunting dog, Dachshund loves chasing. In order to not hurt its back, you should throw the Frisbee or the ball at a low level so that it will not try too hard to catch it.
Final Thoughts
Is running bad for Dachshunds? We believe you have the answer now. It’s a big no. Just make sure you keep it moderate and get involved with them.
Dachshunds may not be the best runners, but that will not stop them from being the cutest little sausages. Vulnerable little sausages! So take care of them well, and have fun.
Further reading:
Is Jogging Or Running Safe For Dogs?
Smart Tips for Running With Small Dogs