dachshund skin issues

7 Simple Tricks to Prevent and Treat Dachshund Skin Issues

Updated 09/14/2024 by Ava Jaine

Is your Dachshund constantly licking and itching? Dachshunds are more susceptible to various food and environmental allergies than other dog breeds, which can cause multiple skin issues.

To Prevent and Treat Dachshund Skin Issues, you need to find the underlying cause and start using the ultimate secret weapon for itchy skin relief – find out below!

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Table Of Contents

dachshund skin issues
 

Common Causes Of Skin Issues

Food and Environmental Allergies generally go hand in hand with many skin issues.  If your Dachshund is suffering from flaky skin, itchy rashes, hair loss, small bumps, or scabs… it’s time to look for the real cause of their skin condition.  Here are a few things that may be happening.

Bugs:

Scabies (aka: Mange): The most common cause of severe itchy skin is Scabies.  Small red spots, caused by tiny mite bites, can be found on your dog’s ears, elbows or back legs.  The tips of the ears can develop a crusty appearance.  These little bugs are spread from other infected animals and their bedding.

Fleas: If your dog’s itching and biting around their tail or hindquarters, that is usually a sure sign of Fleas!  Fleas are tiny, shiny little bugs that can jump like grasshoppers. If you don’t treat your dog for fleas, then Flea Allergy Dermatitis can set in.  This is a very itchy and bumpy rash that develops around the dog’s arm pits and inner thighs.

Ticks: Blood sucking arachnids that love to attach to your dog and engorge themselves.  These nasty critters can carry and spread several diseases when latching onto your dog’s skin. Luckily, Fleas and Ticks can be easily prevented with some powerful flea and tick control through your pet store or veterinarian. 

Brown tick

Food Allergies:

Processed dog foods include additives, food coloring, and preservatives which can cause many allergy issues.  As far as ingredients: corn, wheat (gluten), soy, dairy, beef, and chicken are the biggest food allergy culprits.

Smaller dog breeds, like Dachshunds, have a harder time digesting starchy vegetables like corn and carrots.  Unfortunately, corn is a very common filler ingredient in dog food. 

Always check your dog food label and avoid foods that use starchy fillers in the first 5 ingredients.

 

Food Allergy Symptoms In Dogs

  • Itching
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy paws
  • Constant licking
  • Hot spots
  • Scaly skin
  • Pink colored skin, Rash
  • Elephant skin texture
  • Eye discharge
  • Red eyes
  • Hair loss
  • Ear infections
  • Yeast infections on the skin or ears

Did you know that some Dachshunds can outgrow allergies that affect them as puppies? 

As your dog grows, their immune system gets stronger.  On the other hand, some allergies can unfortunately worsen with age and cause more severe reactions…I know, that’s not the greatest news!

My Dog’s Personal Experience

My dog, Artemus, was severely allergic to anything Beef Flavored…and we found out the hard way.  We bought him a beef flavored bone from the store and the next day he was vomiting, licking and itching his paws.  His face was severely bloated like a balloon.  That was a pretty clear indication that beef was one of his allergies.  We felt terrible!

little cute dachshund puppy dog eating puppy food in a silver bowl on plain white background

What Is The Most Common Food Allergy In Dogs?

Top Dog Food Allergens (source: BMC Veterinary Research)

foods that cause allergic reactions in dogs chart
 

Seasonal Allergies:

If your dog tends to lick or itch during certain times of the year, they may have an Inhalation Allergy or Canine Atopy. 

Symptoms include itching, rubbing their face, and licking their paws.  This is caused by seasonal pollen. It is a lot like hay fever for people.  Instead of respiratory problems, doxies are more affected with itchy and inflamed skin issues.

The Dachshund dog breed is more likely to be affected by seasonal pollen than other dog breeds.  Think about it, Dachshunds are lower to the ground.  Their bellies, paws, and arms are all exposed to grass, carpets, dusty floors, etc.. making it more likely to cause skin irritation or allergies.

Little Dachshund puppy with white piebald and silver dapple fur

Swimming:

Pool chemicals, like chlorine, can cause your dog’s skin to dry out and have a nasty itch.  Bacteria and parasites from natural water sources, like creeks or ponds, can cause itchy skin and disease.

Always rinse your Dachshund off with clean water after swimming in a pool or a natural water source.  After my dogs enjoy a day at the creek, I always rinsed off their paws, bellies, and fur coats with the garden hose (as long as it’s not too cold).

Sunburn:

Don’t let your dog spend to much time out in the sun on those hot summer days.  Just like humans, dog’s can get a painful sunburn too.  This not only causes sore, itchy, and cracked skin…it can also lead to skin cancer. Luckily, there are some easy ways you can Protect Your Dachshund From The Sun.

 

How To Prevent Dachshund Skin Issues:

  • Flea And Tick Prevention:

    Use a Flea and Tick preventative on your dog monthly.  This will keep those nasty bugs away and avoid an infestation on your dog and in your home.

  • Fur And Skin Checks:

    Groom and check your doxie’s coat regularly.  When you are cuddling on the couch in the evening, give it a good once over.  Look and feel along their back, between the paws, arm pits, and ears for any rash or irritation.

  • Avoid Irritants:

    Environmental and Chemical Agents can cause your dachshund to have skin issues.  Dust, smoke, plants, fragrance, detergent, household cleaning products, lawn and garden pesticides are the major offenders.

    Essential Oils can also cause issues with many dogs.  Be careful which ones you are diffusing in your home.  Check out this list of Dangerous Essential Oils for Dogs from AKC.org.

    Wiping off your dog’s paws after their daily walk can help reduce the amount of pollen and pesticides your dog is exposed to.  Check out our Dog Paw Protection post for more tips.

  • Diet Change:

    Change up your dog’s food.  Even if your dog isn’t allergic to their dog food, they may be missing out on some important minerals and nutrients, which can weaken your dog’s immune system and cause skin disorders.  Find out how to properly change your dog’s food.

 
dachshund puppy getting a bath

How To Treat Dachshund Skin Issues:

Look no further!  The ultimate solutions (secret weapons) to your Dachshund’s Skin Issues can be found in this list.

  • Probiotics:

    Probiotics are not only good for your own gut, but they are also super beneficial to your doxie too.  Just sprinkle some High-Quality probiotics onto your pup’s food…it’s that simple.  Probiotics improve your dog’s gut health and helps reduce those itchy allergies.

    This One is My Dog’s Favorite:  VertiScience Probiotic (from Amazon)

  • Omega Fatty Acids:

    Adding some Omega 3’s to your dog’s diet can help reduce your doxie’s itchy skin and inflammation.  The Wild Omega-3 Salmon Oil (from Amazon) has glowing reviews!  Alternatively, you can add some plain pumpkin puree to their food.  It contains Omega 3, fiber, and can help reduce that itch.

    Related Post: 12 Reasons Why Dachshunds Should Eat Pumpkin

  • Bathing:

    Avoid bathing your Dachshund too frequently. This dries out your doxie’s natural coat oils and changes the pH level of the skin.  For some skin conditions, a special Rx or hypoallergenic dog shampoo may be recommended from your vet.

    Check out Cuteness.com’s step by step directions for a bathing Remedy for Dachshund’s Dry Skin.

 

Common Skin Conditions In Dachshunds

Acanthosis Nigricans:

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition mainly found in the Dachshund dog breed. Usually, this disorder will show signs before the doxie’s first birthday.  Symptoms include darkening and thickening of the skin, bacterial skin infections, and hair loss.

The skin may feel greasy to the touch or appear flaky.  This condition may spread all over the Dachshund’s body overtime.  If your Dachshund has this condition, your vet can prescribe special dog shampoos and medications to treat the symptoms.

Yeast Infection:

Unfortunately, that constant licking your Dachshund is doing to his paws or skin can make them more susceptible to a yeast infection.

What is a yeast infection of the skin?  Also called Malassezia Dermatitis, a yeast infection of the skin can look like a pink rash, which can then develop into thickened elephant skin.

The yeast thrives in a warm and wet environment.  Unfortunately, a yeast infection causes more itching and can turn your dog’s skin crusty and even have a stinky smell to it.  Consult your vet for medicated dog shampoo and anti-fungal medication to help get rid of the yeast infection.

dachshund skin issues

Hypothyroidism:

Older Dachshunds can develop Hypothyroidism.  This is when the thyroid glands aren’t producing enough hormones.  Symptoms include itchy and dry skin, frequent skin infections, thickening and discoloration of the skin, and hair loss.

Other symptoms include ear infections, lethargy, and even changes in their behavior. Consult your vet, they do have treatments that can help you dog with this disease.

 

What Is My Dog Allergic To?

First, Try A Dog Food Switch: If you believe your doxie may be allergic to a certain meat like beef or chicken, check out some of the dog foods that have duck, salmon, turkey, and venison instead

Look at the Dog Food Advisor website for a list of recommended limited ingredient and hypoallergenic dog foods available.

It is a good idea to switch up your dog’s food once in a while to ensure they are getting the proper amount of nutrition that different dog food recipes provide.  Learn how to change your dog’s food the right way to avoid an upset stomach.

Visit the Vet: In my opinion, the most accurate way to find out what ingredients your dog is allergic to is to have them tested at the vet.  Generally, your vet will do a blood or a patch test to find out what is bothering your poor pup.  Your vet can then formulate a special allergy medication for your dog to help with their skin issues.

Related Post by Canine Journal: Dog Allergy Testing: How Much Does It Cost And Is It Worth It?

What Relieves Your Dachshund’s Skin Issues?  Let Us Know In The Comments.

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