Grooming Your Long-Haired Dachshund

 Grooming Your Long-Haired Dachshund

At Southern Doxies, we begin handling and grooming-related care from an early age to help our puppies become comfortable with being touched, brushed, having their ears checked, paws handled, and nails trimmed. Continuing these routines when your puppy comes home will help make grooming a positive experience for life.

Regular grooming is about much more than keeping your Dachshund looking beautiful. It plays an important role in preventing skin issues, ear infections, yeast overgrowth, and other common health concerns.

The first few weeks in your home are the perfect time to establish a grooming routine. 

Even if your puppy doesn't need extensive grooming yet, gentle handling and short grooming sessions help build confidence 

and trust. A puppy that is accustomed to ear cleaning, nail trims, brushing, and paw handling from a young 

age is often much easier to groom throughout adulthood.

Regular brushing:

Prevents tangles and mats 

Removes dirt and loose hair 

Helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat 

Keeps the coat soft, healthy, and shiny 

Pay special attention to areas that tend to tangle, including:

Behind the ears 

The chest 

Under the legs 

The belly 

The tail feathers 

One of the most important parts of Dachshund grooming is routine ear care.

Because long-haired Dachshunds have feathering around their ears, moisture, wax, and debris can become trapped more easily. Warm, moist environments create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria to grow.

Cleaning your puppy's ears weekly helps:

Remove wax buildup 

Reduce trapped moisture 

Prevent yeast overgrowth 

Catch potential problems early 

Signs of a possible ear infection include:

Head shaking 

Scratching at the ears 

Redness or irritation 

Dark discharge 

A strong musty or "corn chip" odor 

By making ear checks part of your weekly routine, you can often identify problems before they become 

serious or uncomfortable for your dog.

Paw care is often overlooked but is extremely important for long-haired Dachshunds.

The hair between the paw pads can trap:

Moisture 

Dirt and mud 

Grass and debris 

Saliva from licking 

These conditions can encourage yeast growth between the toes.

Signs of yeast on the paws may include:

Excessive licking or chewing 

Red or irritated skin 

Brown staining on the fur from saliva 

A musty or "corn chip" smell 

Greasy-looking fur around the feet 

Keeping the hair between the paw pads neatly trimmed allows better airflow, helps paws stay cleaner and drier, 

and reduces the risk of irritation and yeast buildup.

Your Dachshund's nails should be checked regularly and trimmed as needed, typically every 2–4 weeks.

Overgrown nails can:

Cause discomfort when walking 

Affect posture and movement 

Increase the risk of injury 

A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors, they are likely ready for a trim.

Bathe your Dachshund as needed, typically every 4–8 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo.

After bathing:

Dry the coat thoroughly 

Pay extra attention to the ears and paws 

Avoid leaving damp areas where yeast may develop 

Good dental care is an important part of your Dachshund's overall health. Starting a regular tooth-brushing routine as a puppy

 can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, prevent bad breath, and lower the risk of dental disease later in life.

Even with regular brushing, most dogs will eventually need professional dental cleanings performed by a veterinarian. 

Routine dental exams and cleanings help remove tartar below the gumline, where brushing cannot reach, and can

 prevent painful infections, tooth loss, and other health issues that may affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

A healthy mouth contributes to a happier, healthier dog throughout their lifetime.

Grooming time is also a great opportunity to perform a quick health check.

Look for:

Skin irritation 

Lumps or bumps 

Fleas or ticks 

Redness between the toes 

Ear odor or discharge 

Regularly brushing your dog's teeth can also help prevent dental disease and keep their breath fresh.

Remember, grooming should be a positive experience. Use praise, patience, and treats to make each session enjoyable.

At Southern Doxies, we work hard to expose our puppies to gentle handling, brushing, ear checks, nail trims, and paw care 

before they ever leave for their new homes. By continuing these routines from day one, you'll help your puppy grow into a 

confident, well-adjusted adult who is comfortable with grooming and veterinary care throughout their life.

A few minutes of grooming each week can go a long way toward keeping your Dachshund healthy, 

comfortable, and looking their very best.