Grooming Tips for Wirehaired Dachshunds
The wirehaired dachshund is one of the most popular breeds of dog, known for their long bodies, short legs, and wiry coats. While their cute appearances may seem low maintenance, wirehaired dachshunds require regular grooming to keep their unique coats looking their best. Follow these tips to properly care for your wirehaired dachshund's grooming needs.
Brushing
Frequent brushing is essential for wirehaired dachshunds. Their wiry, coarse outer coats can easily become tangled and matted if not brushed thoroughly on a regular basis. Here are some brushing tips:
- Invest in a slicker brush or rake comb - These types of brushes are designed to penetrate wiry coats and remove dead hairs and tangles. Pin brushes can also work well. Always use a brush meant for wiry coats.
- Brush at least 2-3 times per week - For optimal coat health, aim to brush your wirehaired dachshund 2-3 times per week. Daily brushing is ideal if possible.
- Focus on the legs, belly, and ears - Pay extra attention to the legs, belly, armpits, and ears when brushing, as these areas are prone to matting.
- Brush in the direction of hair growth - Gently brush in the direction the hair grows to avoid breaking hairs.
- Use a detangling spray if needed - If you encounter difficult mats or tangles, use a detangling spray to help loosen and brush them out.
Regular brushing will remove dirt and distribute oils through your wirehaired dachshund's coat to keep it clean and shiny. It also allows you to bond with your dog.
Bathing
While wirehaired dachshunds don't require frequent bathing like some breeds, they do need occasional bathing to keep their coats and skin healthy. Here are some tips for bathing your wirehaired dachshund:
- Bathe every 4-8 weeks - Wirehaired dachshunds only need bathing every 1-2 months. Bathing too often can dry out their skin.
- Use a dog shampoo - Be sure to use a high quality dog shampoo meant for wiry coats. Human shampoo is too harsh for dog's skin.
- Brush before bathing - Always thoroughly brush your dog's coat before bathing to remove mats and tangles.
- Avoid getting water in the ears - Be careful not to get water in your dachshund's ears when bathing, as this can cause infections. Use cotton balls to block water if needed.
- Rinse thoroughly - Rinse all shampoo out completely, as residue can cause skin irritation.
- Dry promptly - Thoroughly dry your dog's coat with a towel immediately after bathing. Air drying is best if possible.
Follow up with a brushing after bathing to realign the coat and remove any loose hairs. Proper bathing will keep your dachshund's skin and coat clean and healthy.
Trimming
While you can keep the coat fairly neat through regular brushing, some trimming may eventually be needed:
- Trim paw fur - Excess fur between the paw pads should be trimmed to prevent matting and debris buildup.
- Trim around eyes and muzzle - Carefully trim longer facial hairs around eyes and muzzle for visibility and tidiness.
- Trim around rear - Longer fur around the rear and tail can collect feces and should be trimmed.
- See a groomer for major trims - For significant trimming needs like full haircuts, see a professional groomer, as improper trimming can damage the coat.
Take care not to trim your dachshund's wire coat too short, as this can strip away the protective top coat. Minor tidying should be all that's needed between full grooming sessions.
Nail Clipping
Just like any dog, wirehaired dachshunds need their nails trimmed regularly to avoid splits and breaks. Here are some tips:
- Trim every 2-3 weeks - Aim to trim your dachshund's nails every 2-3 weeks, or more often if you hear them clicking on floors.
- Use proper nail clippers - Invest in quality nail clippers designed specifically for dogs. Human nail clippers can split dog nails.
- Trim just the tips - Only trim off the thin, sharp tips of the nail, avoiding the darker quick underneath, which will bleed and cause pain if cut.
- Give treats afterward - Give treats and praise after successfully trimming each nail to associate it with a positive experience.
If your dachshund strongly resists nail trims or you're unsure of the quick location, ask your vet or groomer to trim the nails for you. Proper nail care prevents painful splits and injuries.
Ear Cleaning
Dachshunds' floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, making frequent cleaning important. Here are some ear cleaning best practices:
- Use a dog ear wash - Gently flush your dachshund's ears each week using a veterinarian-approved dog ear cleaning solution. Never use peroxide.
- Swab outer areas only - Use cotton balls or pads to lightly wipe out only visible dirt and debris from the outer ear canal. Never insert anything into the inner ear.
- Watch for smells and discharge - If you notice an odor or discharge, see your vet, as this can indicate an infection.
- Dry thoroughly - After washing, thoroughly dry your dachshund's ears with a clean cotton ball. Trapped moisture breeds infections.
- Reward patience - Reward your dog with treats for cooperating with the process. Praise them for good behavior.
Regular ear cleaning removes debris, prevents infections, and keeps your dachshund comfortable. Consult your vet if you notice any issues.
Oral Care
It's also important to take care of your wirehaired dachshund's oral hygiene. Follow these tips:
- Brush teeth weekly - Gently brush your dog's teeth with a soft dog toothbrush and toothpaste each week to remove tartar and plaque buildup.
- Use dental treats - In addition to brushing, use veterinarian-approved dental treats and chews to help clean teeth and improve breath.
- Inspect mouth regularly - Look in your dog's mouth routinely for signs of periodontal disease like inflamed or receded gums, loose teeth, or bumps in the mouth.
- Have annual dental cleanings - See your veterinarian annually for a thorough dental cleaning and oral exam to catch any developing issues.
Proper oral care promotes good overall health and reduces tooth decay and gum disease. Alert your vet promptly if you notice any oral abnormalities.
Common Grooming Problems and Solutions
Here are some common grooming problems wirehaired dachshund owners may encounter and how to handle them:
Problem: Mats and tangles in the coat
Solution: Use a detangling spray and slicker brush to carefully work out mats, brush more frequently
Problem: Dry, flaky, irritated skin
Solution: Bathe less often, use a gentle shampoo, and consult your vet about medications or supplements
Problem: Excess shedding
Solution: Brush more often to remove dead hair and distribute oils, try an omega fatty acid supplement
Problem: Overgrown nails
Solution: Get into a routine of trimming nails regularly before they get too long
Problem: Waxy buildup in ears
Solution: Gently flush ears with cleaner weekly, pluck excess hair around canal, see vet if buildup persists
Problem: Bad breath or signs of periodontal disease
Solution: Brush teeth, use dental treats, and get professional cleanings
Being attentive to your wirehaired dachshund's specific needs will help you address any grooming problems as they pop up before they become bigger issues. Don't hesitate to call your vet if you can't easily resolve a problem yourself.
Final Tips
With their unique wiry coats, wirehaired dachshunds require a little more grooming attention than smooth coated varieties. But a proper regimen of brushing, bathing, trimming, and general upkeep will keep your dog looking dapper. Here are a few final tips to recap:
- Invest in the right brushes and grooming tools
- Stick to a regular schedule of brushing, bathing, and trimming
- Inspect and attend to paws, ears, eyes, nails, and teeth too
- Watch for matting, shedding, allergies, and other issues
- Seek professional help for major trims or any medical issues
- Make grooming fun with praise, treats, and a gentle touch
With some time and attention, you can keep your beloved wirehaired dachshund looking healthy, neat, and ready to strut their stuff! Proper grooming is essential to your dog's comfort and wellbeing.