How To Prevent And Treat Dachshund Skin Issues
Is your Dachshund constantly licking and itching? Do they have a rash on their skin? Dachshunds are more susceptible to various food and environmental allergies than other dog breeds, which causes 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!
This page contains affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Related Post: Scary Tick Facts Every Dachshund Owner Should Know
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!
What Is The Most Common Food Allergy In Dogs?
Top Dog Food Allergens (source: BMC Veterinary Research)
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 serious heart issues in dogs. Please read more about Grain-Free Dog Food Risks.
Sticking with a “limited ingredient” dog food or making your dog’s food at home is a much safer option if your dog has severe food allergies.
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.
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.
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, they are 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 Mega 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 Caught Omega-3 Fish 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: 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.
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.
What Relieves Your Dachshund’s Skin Issues? Let Us Know In The Comments.
Get your dog checked- mine has Sterile Nodular; common in just Dachshunds. When first discovered on her, she had a swollen spot on her side; then a few days later, a large patch of ‘fur’ literally fell off her body. The ‘patch’ finally healed over, but every now and then, it almost appeared to become bare again in small spots. Vet put her on Prednisone for some time.
Hi Karen, thank you so much for sharing this with us. This is very helpful. I hope the vet meds work well for your poor doxie. *Hugs* for your girl.
I have a 5 year old female dachshund that has a definite skin issue. Her ears are dry and flaky with thickening of the skin in the outer part of her ear( (beginning of canal). She shakes her head and itches constantly. Also has hair loss on the outside of the ears and areas where she’s biting her tails and bites at her paws. I need to get her to the vet bit financiallyI can’t for a couple months. Anything I try just to relieve her at home till I can get her there?
Hi Kim, I’m so sorry to hear this. Not sure exactly what the issue is, but, yeast or itchy gunk in the ears can indicate a food allergy. Note, I’m not a vet, but if it were me… I would start with testing for the food allergy. Gradually change the kibble dog food to Homemade food to see if that helps with the itching and ear shaking issues.
1. Try using this homemade dog food recipe for allergies for a couple of weeks to see if there is any improvement.
2. Add in some Dog Probiotics to your pup’s food. (listed above in the post)
3. Add in the Omegas – I have listed some omega fish oil supplements for dogs that can help with skin issues in this post.
4. Only bath your dog when needed, too many baths can cause more itchy skin issues.
5. If none of these work or if at any time things get worse, don’t wait, contact your vet.
Hope this helps, take care and *Hugs* for your doxie.
My 12 year old rescue Dixie , Diva, has subcutanaeous lumps- looks like large lumpy pimples about me 1/2 inch across. Vet says “it’s nothing”. However she keeps growing them. Diva is allergic to all grains. I’d appreciate any advice.
Thank you
Hi Sally, Oh no! Poor Dixie. It sounds like she is really having a hard time with her allergies. Here is what I would do. If you aren’t happy with your current vet’s answer on her skin issue / allergies, please seek another vet. Usually they can do an allergy test to find out what foods she is allergic to.
If you know she is just allergic to grains, I would recommend trying this homemade dog food recipe for allergies from Veterinary Secrets on YouTube.
Here is a dog allergy supplement you can try for Dixie’s skin (also from Veterinary Secrets).
Many doxie parents that have allergy issues also try the raw dog food diet. Please consult your vet to discuss this option, ingredients, and serving size.
I hope these solutions can help poor Dixie.
My five-year-old mini dachshund has recently developed a hives like rash on his chest area that is lumpy and some of it has become puss filled. he has seen the vet and had a successful course of antibiotics for a week however as soon as the antibiotics stopped he has the rash back. he is now back on the antibiotics but the vet has no idea what is causing the rash. could it be grass pollen? any help much appreciated…
Hi, oh no! I’m so sorry to hear your poor doxie is having some trouble. Well, if it was me, yes, I would question the grass. Do you get your grass chemically treated or are there a lot of ‘biting’ bugs around? This is the season for pollen in the trees, grass, and flowers.
Here’s what to do: When your doxie goes outside, make sure to wipe him down when he comes back in (belly, chest, paws, arm pits) with a gentle soft cloth and a small amount of gentle dog shampoo / water bubble mixture. Then, rinse and dry him off.
Info from a website about hives: “Friction, sunlight, heat, exercise, stress, and genetic abnormalities may cause or intensify the rash. Hives may develop after inhaling or consuming allergens. Hives can be seen while a dog is in estrus (“in heat”) or seen in puppies with intestinal parasites (“worms”).” ~ Merk Manual’s Website.
I would also look into changing his dog food to see if that helps. It may be an allergy that he has developed from an ingredient in his dog food. Also, take a break from dog treats, and of course – no table scraps.
Check out Dr. Jones (Veterinary Secrets) – He is on Facebook and YouTube, he has lots of natural remedies that may help your doxie. Best of luck, I hope this helps you out.