Dachshund Care Guide (Australia)

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Dachshunds are small and independent-minded, and registrations have climbed fast in Australian cities in recent years — a good fit for apartment living. But their long back and short legs make the spine a lifelong concern for this breed: IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) risk is high, and day-to-day care revolves almost entirely around protecting the back.

Puppy (0–12 months)

• Pick-up is usually from 8 weeks; book a first vet check to confirm vaccination and worming.
• Standard Australian puppy vaccination starts with C3; most vets recommend C5. First shot at 6–8 weeks, boosters every 4 weeks to around 16 weeks — avoid public grass and dog parks until complete.
• Microchipping and council registration are legal requirements in every state.
• Establish house rules from puppyhood — no jumping on the couch or bed, no stairs — the earlier you start protecting the spine, the better.
• Choose a small-breed puppy formula, starting at the low end of the feeding table — Dachshunds gain weight easily, and extra weight directly increases strain on the spine.
• Transition to new food over 7–10 days.
• Avoid excess high-calorie treats in the puppy stage; weight management should start from day one, not be fixed later.
• 8–16 weeks is the socialisation window — expose them to a range of people, dogs and environments.
• Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so prey drive and digging instinct run strong — expect digging and chasing small animals at home or in the yard, and give them appropriate outlets.
• This breed is independent-minded and needs patient, consistent training; basic commands plus an "off" cue to prevent jumping are especially important.

Adult (1–7 years)

• 30–45 minutes of flat-ground walking a day is the main exercise; avoid frequent jumping, stairs or high-impact activities like fetch.
• Use ramps at home instead of letting them jump on and off furniture, and support the front and back when picking them up or putting them down — never let them jump from a height on their own.
• Feed to body condition — weight control is one of the most effective ways to prevent an IVDD episode.
• Common health risks: IVDD (sudden reluctance to move, an arched back, hindlimb weakness or even paralysis — this is an emergency requiring immediate vet care), patellar luxation, and dental crowding leading to periodontal issues.
• Coastal and bush areas need year-round paralysis-tick prevention.

Senior (7+ years)

• Switch to a senior formula and reduce calories to suit condition; weight control becomes even more critical as spinal tolerance declines with age.
• Annual or twice-yearly checks, focused on back mobility, hindlimb strength and dental health.
• Keep strictly enforcing anti-jumping measures — treat any sudden back pain or gait change as an emergency and see a vet promptly.

Australia notes

• Dachshund registrations have risen quickly in Australian cities and they're popular in apartments, but set up the home properly first (ramps, non-slip mats) and prevent jumping from the day you bring them home.
• When adopting or buying, ask the breeder or rescue group about any family history of IVDD as a risk reference.