Prevent and Treat Dachshund Skin Issues
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Dachshunds, like many other small dog breeds, are prone to itchy skin and allergy issues. It is important to learn more about the underlying causes for itchy skin and what prevention and treatment methods can help solve Dachshund Skin Issues.
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Food and Environmental Allergies generally go hand in hand with many skin issues.
My dog, Artemus, was severely allergic to anything Beef Flavored. We bought him a large beef flavored cow femur 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.
Are Dachshunds Prone to Allergies?
Various food and environmental allergies can occur in any dog, but there are some breeds that are more susceptible than others. Dachshunds, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Pugs are more likely to develop allergies.
Common Causes For 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) are present usually located on the skin of the dog’s ears, elbows or back legs. The tips of the ears can also 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 biting your dog’s skin. Learn more about Tick prevention and removal in our detailed Tick Post.
Luckily, Fleas and Ticks can be prevented with some powerful flea and tick control through your pet store or veterinarian.
Note: Some Dachshunds have been known to have an allergic reaction to the Leptospirosis vaccine.
Food Allergies:
Processed dog foods include additives, food coloring, and preservatives which cause many allergy issues.
Corn, carrots, wheat (gluten), rice, soy, dairy, and meat ingredients 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 the dog food label and avoid foods that use a lot of starchy fillers, especially in the first 5 ingredients.
Common Signs of Food Allergies 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!
What is the Most Common Food Allergy in Dogs?
Top Dog Food Allergens (source: BMC Veterinary Research)
| Dog Food Allergen | % Dogs With Reported Reaction |
|---|---|
| Beef | 34% |
| Dairy | 17% |
| Chicken | 15% |
| Wheat | 13% |
Grain-Free Dog Food
There is a lot of hype out there about switching dogs to Grain-free dog food to help with allergy issues. Grain-free is not always the safest route to take. My veterinarian warned me that this type of food can cause heart issues. Please read more about Grain-Free Dog Food Risks.
Sticking with a limited ingredient dog food or making your dog’s food at home DIY, is a much safer option.
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. This 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 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.
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 can cause itchy skin and disease.
Always rinse your dachshund off with clean water after swimming. After my dogs would enjoy a day at the creek, I always rinsed off their paws, bellies, and fur coats with the garden hose (as long as it wasn’t 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 Do I Know What My Dog is Allergic to?
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.
Check out 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. They may also recommend a more limited ingredient dog food diet.
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.
How to Treat Dachshund Skin Issues:
Probiotics:
Probiotics are not only good for your own gut, but also beneficial to your dog’s gut as well. Adding Probiotics to your dog’s diet can actually help reduce the likelihood of allergies developing.
Check out: Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Supplement and Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs from Amazon.
Omega Fatty Acids:
Adding some Omega 3’s to your dog’s diet can help reduce that doggie itch!
The Zesty Paws dog supplements found on Amazon have glowing reviews. Here are some of our favorites:
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.
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.
Hey Dachshund Fans! Do you have a favorite skin treatment that helps relieve your Dachshund’s Skin Issues? Let us know in the Comments.
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