Vet Assistant Tested: the Best Dog Brushes for Long-Haired Dachshunds
A complete maintenance regimen extends beyond simple brushing. Dachshunds have short legs and broad paws that grow thick hair clusters between their pads. When left untrimmed, this hair collects wet dirt, mud, and street salts, turning into hard pellets that cause the dog to walk with an uneven, painful gait. Over time, that unnatural movement strains their elongated spine.
Paw pad trimming demands steady support. Never pull a dachshund's leg sideways or twist its shoulder joint out of line. Instead, cup the foot naturally beneath the dog's chest, keeping the joint aligned. Use mini cordless trimmers fitted with a #10 blade, or small rounded-tip grooming shears, to clear hair level with the pads. Trim the perimeter of the paw to create a neat, compact shape that stops debris from catching between steps.
Combine paw work with regular nail clipping. Long nails push backward into the nail beds with every step, altering the angle of the paws and placing unnatural leverage on the spine. Clip small slivers off the nail tip weekly, or smooth them down with a rotary grinder. Keep styptic powder on hand just in case you nick the quick.
Finish with a careful hygiene trim around the perianal area and lower groin. Using blunt safety shears or a low-vibration trimmer, clear a 1-inch clean perimeter beneath the base of the tail. This simple step prevents waste from clinging to the rear coat feathers, keeping your dog clean without sacrificing their natural silhouette.
