A dachshund comes with a ton of personality, a curious nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They can also come with certain issues to keep an eye on. For example, do dachshunds have allergies? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Dachshunds With Skin And Other Allergies
Perhaps more importantly, you may want to be asking yourself “Do dachshunds have skin allergies?” This is one of the main areas of concern with allergens and dachshunds at any age, but there are a few more things you’ll want to keep in mind.
With dachshunds and allergies, what you ultimately want to keep in mind is that dachshunds are among dog breeds considered particularly susceptible to allergies. That means that when we talk about common dachshund allergies, there are unfortunately several different potential issues to be wary of.
What Do Allergies Mean To Dachshunds?
As humans, we’re no strangers to allergies either. In the simplest terms, allergies are an immune system’s response to certain substances or materials. These are known as allergens. The body can respond to these allergies in several ways, from mild discomfort to serious illness.
Thankfully, these allergy concerns also include some pretty straightforward solutions.
Let’s start with a quick look at symptoms.
Common Dachshund Allergic Reaction Symptoms
While by no means complete, here are some of the most significant dachshund allergy symptoms:
- Earwax: This is one of the most common of them all. If your Dachshund is consistently dealing with ear infections from wax buildup, the odds are good it came from one or several allergens.
- Very dry and very itchy skin: As mentioned before, dachshunds particularly struggle with skin allergies.
- Losing hair
- Rashes featuring a variety of red bumps
- Sneezing with watering/watery eyes
- Chewing and licking their paws
- A swelling of the dachshund’s face
- Diarrhea with excessive flatulence/gastrointestinal complaints
At this point, it should be easy to see that the answer to “do dachshunds have allergies” is an emphatic yes.
A Closer Look At Specific Dachshund Allergies
Another serious symptom to look for will be difficulty breathing. This is another red flag that your dachshund requires IMMEDIATE attention.
This information will make it easier to understand the different allergen categories for dachshunds.
Dachshund Food Allergens
Certain processed foods, by their very nature, can create an allergic reaction in dachshunds. Consider the potential preservatives, food coloring, and other things your dog food doesn’t need. This is also why many dog experts tell you to read ingredient labels for your dog.
If your dachshund seems to be experiencing digestion problems, the culprit could be corn. This is a common filler in many dog food products, and dachshunds cannot process it very well.
Wheat, dairy, chicken, or beef are other potential allergens.
Dachshund Seasonal Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you already know all about runny noses, watering in the eyes, and other things that send us reaching for antihistamines. Unfortunately, your dachshund can have the same problems.
Looking for symptoms like consistent sneezing, as well as rubbing the face and licking its paws. If these behaviors are prominent at certain times of the year, a seasonal allergy is very likely the case.
Because dachshunds are closer to the ground, they are a little more sensitive to these allergens than many other breeds.
Is My Dachshund Allergic To Insect Bites?
Unfortunately, we also must add certain bug bites to other common dachshund allergies.
While this doesn’t apply to every dachshund, some do experience itchy, reddish bumps along its back, belly, neck, or even tail. Fleas and dust mites are most often the offenders in this case.
Can my Dachshund Have An Allergic Reaction To A Vaccine?
While not significantly common, this is worth looking at, nonetheless.
Leptospirosis vaccines can potentially cause some allergic reactions. Your dog should still receive this vaccine, particularly if your vet assures you the risks are minimal. At the same time, just keep an extra eye on your dachshund for a couple of days after the dose has been administered.
Spacing out vaccines every month or two at a time is also seen by many as a good idea!
Potential Irritants For Dachshunds
By now, you have an answer to the question of do dachshunds have skin allergies. Irritants such as certain shampoos, fragrances, dust, plants, pesticides, and household products can create itchy skin, noted by the dachshund chewing/licking its paws.
Animal Fur And Possible Yeast Infections In Dachshunds
It is possible for your dachshund to be allergic to the animal fur of another pet in the home. This is not terribly common, but if you see your dachshund sneezing, etc, you should at least keep it in mind.
Finally, another reason to keep an eye on your dachshund licking and chewing at its paws? This behavior can lead to a yeast infection if left unchecked. Easily treatable, it is obviously still something you want to avoid.
What Can I Do About Dachshunds And Allergies?
From “Do dachshunds have allergies?”, you’re probably wondering what the next step is.
In most of these situations, it is strongly suggested you take your dachshund to the vet. They can help you get to the bottom of whichever symptoms are currently presenting. They can prescribe prescription treatments, as well as other measures you can take to protect your dog.
Talk to your vet about the following potential treatments for dachshund allergies:
- Omega fatty acid supplements can help your dachshund fight allergies, particularly of the skin.
- Probiotic supplements for dogs can also be worth discussing.
- Biotin supplements are one final possibility you can discuss with your vet if you like.
There are also a few simple measures you can take in your home!
- Hypoallergenic shampoos are a must when bathing your dachshund.
- A very small amount of cooking oil in your dog’s food can be good for dry skin!
- Regular cleanings of your dachshund’s very long ears.
- Anti-flea soaps, combs, and even collars.
- Wipe off your dachshund’s paws after long walks.
With all of this information in your mind, you can ensure your dachshund isn’t being stressed out by common allergies!
Latest Posts:
