Dog Grooming & Clean Up Dachshund
Do Dachshunds Shed? The Answer May Surprise You
Rocky Kanaka
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Have you noticed little dachshund furs floating around your home, on your bed, or your favorite blanket? Don’t worry; your pup’s just shedding! Shedding is common for most furry animals, but sometimes, it’s a sign of something worse. Check out these tips to keep your dachshund’s shedding to a healthy minimum and what to do if something’s wrong:
How Much Do Dachshunds Shed?
Dachshunds do, in fact, shed! All furry animals do, and so do humans– it’s natural for us to lose a few hairs each day. All members of the doxie family shed their fur, but they shed different amounts of fur based on their coat type.
Long Hair vs. Short Hair vs. Wire Hair
If we were to order some dachshunds from left to right in order of how much they shed, the line would look something like this:
- Wire-haired dachshunds shed the least. While they do have an undercoat, their curly fur keeps hairs in place, so you won’t see
- Smooth-haired doxies have the shortest coast of all dachshunds. While they shed as much as their short-haired cousins, you’ll find much tinier hairs around your home.
- Short-haired dachshunds are the general standard for doxie shedding. While they don’t shed as much as dogs with double coats, they do shed. Expect a few loose hairs every so often.
- Long-haired dachshunds shed the most out of all dachshund coat types. Like wirehairs, they have a thick undercoat that sheds when the temperature changes, but their fur is too smooth to trap excess hairs.
Do Dachshund Terriers Shed?
Dachshund-terrier mixes do indeed shed. Depending on the mix, your doxie will shed less or more than your standard short-haired friend.
How Bad Do Dachshunds Shed?
When it comes to how “bad” a dog sheds, it really depends on how much fur you’re willing to put up with. Heavy-shedding dogs are manageable for some people while shedding is a complete nightmare for others! When it comes to clean-up and grooming needs, doxies land somewhere in the middle of the cleanup spectrum. Long-haired and wire-haired doxies need a bit more care than their smooth or short-haired counterparts, but all coat types need some degree of maintenance to keep your doxie healthy and your home clean. Before adopting a dachshund, assess your cleaning limits to get a better idea of what coat length works best for you!
When Do Dachshunds Shed?
Technically, dachshunds shed a constant amount throughout the year. However, they do have two shedding seasons: spring and winter. Once temperatures begin to drop, your doxie will shed its coat for a thicker one in winter. In the spring, your doxie will lose its winter coat in favor of thinner fur.
Long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds have undercoats, which they’ll shed during the shedding season. Watch for an increase in fluff around your home when the seasons start to change!
Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
Even though dachshunds don’t shed as much as other dogs, no breed members are considered hypoallergenic. Dog allergies are mainly caused by dander. These tiny, sometimes microscopic flecks of dead skin are common allergens, but some dog allergies come from allergies to specific proteins in dog saliva.
A hypoallergenic dog sheds less dander than a non-hypoallergenic dog, and this trait can carry over to dachshund mixes like doxipoos (dachshund + poodle) and schnoxies (dachshund + schnauzer).
Is Shedding Healthy for My Dachshund?
Shedding is completely normal for doxies, but too much shedding usually means there’s a problem. If you notice bald spots, red or bumpy skin, or fur thinning, visit the vet immediately! There are many reasons why your doxie could be over-shedding, ranging from not-so-Serious to pretty bad. If your puppy is over-shedding, they might be struggling with the following:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Parasites
- Fleas or ticks
- An underlying disease
How to Manage Dachshund Shedding
So, how do you manage dachshund shedding? As a pet parent, there are a few things you can do to ensure your doxie’s coat is healthy:
Healthy Diet and Exercise
Keeping your dachshund on a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to reduce shedding and ensure your dog has a healthy coat. If your pup has food allergies, that might also be another reason they’re shedding– itchiness is a common symptom of allergies in dogs. (See below for specific foods your doxie should eat.
Going to the Vet
Visiting the vet at least once a year is the best way to establish a medical baseline with your doxie. The vet will keep track of their eating habits, potential allergies, annual vaccinations, and lifestyle changes to help you rule out any potential reasons for over-shedding. They’ll also help you figure out how much shedding is healthy for your doxie!
At-Home Grooming Tips for Dachshunds
Every dog should have an at-home grooming regimen, and doxies are no different. Here are some tips for managing your dachshund’s shedding at home:
1 .Regular Baths
Bathtime is the best time to wash off dander or loose fur from your dachshund. Depending on your lifestyle and your doxie’s coat type, they may need baths more often than others. Take this quiz to find out how often you should wash your dog!
2. Choose Your Shampoo Wisely
During bathtime, your shampoo choices matter. For long-haired and wire-haired doxies, undercoat de-shedding shampoo may be your number-one choice when dealing with their undercoats. For short-haired and smooth doxies, stick with shampoos containing gentle ingredients– never use shampoo for humans!
If your dog has dry or sensitive skin, you’ll need to pay extra attention to the ingredients list on your shampoo bottle– chemicals like parabens, alcohols, and coal tar can irritate sensitive skin and dry it out. Try to look for shampoos for sensitive skin with oatmeal instead!
3. Brush Frequently
For long-haired and wire-haired doxies, daily brushing is a must. Both coat types are prone to matting, especially around high-movement areas like the neck and under the legs. Frequent brushing sessions help loosen dead hairs and remove them from the undercoat while also keeping your dog’s skin healthy by spreading natural skin oils. In fact, just brushing your dog regularly can help alleviate itchy skin. When I brush long-haired dogs, I like to use three different kinds of brushes:
- The Matting Brush resembles a claw and is best for detangling matted fur. When using a matting brush, I work as slowly and gently as possible.
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- The Deshedder is especially great for undercoat removal. This brush gets at all the dead fluff stuck in your dog’s coat and rakes it into a nice little pile that can quickly be disposed of.
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- The Slicker Brush is best for finishing your brushing sessions since it’s not the best at removing undercoat hairs. The slicker is best used to remove minor tangles and stimulate the skin.
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For our short-haired and smooth doxies, brushing is a bit easier: all you’ll need to do is use a slicker brush every few days to remove any loose or dead hairs.
Other Grooming Tips
Sometimes, your puppy may accidentally scratch themselves with their nails, causing mild skin irritation and hair loss. To keep your dog’s nails nice and smooth, trim them if they start to look jagged!
Visit a Groomer
It’s always good to visit the groomer occasionally, so your doxie can enjoy a nice spa day and a haircut! The groomer can also help remove matted fur from longer-haired dachshunds and provide nail-trimming services if needed.
How to Keep Your House Clean from Dachshund Shedding
With the grooming out of the way, it’s time to clean. The best way to manage dachshund shedding around the house is to dust often and vacuum frequently. A regular cleaning schedule is the best way to manage loose fur around your home and reduce allergens in your home. If you’re struggling with cleaning furniture, try using blankets or couch covers for your doxie that you can remove once a week and run through the washing machine– it’s much easier than taking apart your couch to vacuum it all the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, have questions? We’ve got you covered with our most frequently asked doxie questions:
How Many Times a Year do Dachshunds Shed?
Dachshunds shed all year but have two shedding seasons in winter and spring.
Why Do Dachshunds Shed in the Winter?
Dachshunds shed in the winter to grow in a thicker winter coat, and then they shed their winter coat again in the spring.
Do Dachshunds Shed All Year Round?
Dachshunds shed year-round and also have two main shedding seasons where they shed their seasonal coats.
How Long Do Dachsunds Shed For?
Dachshunds shed all year, but the standard shedding season usually lasts for a few weeks in late autumn/early winter and early spring.
Do Long-Haired Dachsunds Shed?
Long-haired dachshunds shed the most out of all coat types.
Do Short-Haired Dachsunds Shed?
Short-haired dachshunds shed an average amount for a short-haired dog.
Do Wire-Haired Dachsunds Shed?
Wire-haired dachshunds shed the least out of all coat types because their crinkly hair traps loose hairs.
Do Miniature Dachsunds Shed?
All dachshunds shed, including mini dachshunds.
Are Dachsunds Heavy Shedders?
Dachshunds aren’t considered “heavy” shedders, but they do shed.
Do Dachshunds shed more than other dog breeds?
No, Dachshunds do not shed more than other dog breeds. However, they do shed more than hypoallergenic breeds that do not shed at all.
How often should I groom my Dachshund to minimize shedding?
Grooming your Dachshund regularly can help minimize shedding. Brushing their coat once or twice a week and giving them a bath every few months can help keep shedding under control.
Are there any specific grooming tools I should use for my Dachshund?
Yes, a slicker brush or a rubber curry comb can be effective for removing loose fur from your Dachshund’s coat. A grooming glove can also be helpful for removing fur during baths.
Are there any health concerns associated with excessive shedding in Dachshunds?
Excessive shedding in Dachshunds can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a skin condition or allergies. If you notice your Dachshund shedding excessively, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Should I consider getting a Dachshund if I have allergies?
While Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic, their moderate shedding may make them a suitable choice for people with mild allergies. However, it is important to spend time with a Dachshund before adopting to see if you have any allergic reactions
Can I reduce shedding in my Dachshund through their diet?
A healthy diet that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help improve the health of your Dachshund’s coat and reduce shedding. We recommend the following foods
The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.
This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.
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2. Sundays Food For Dogs
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.
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3. We Feed Raw.
This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.
Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Related articles:
- 6 Healthy Dog Foods Even the Pickiest Dachshunds Will Love
- Long-Haired Dapple Dachshunds are the ‘Tiny Supermodels’ of the Dog World
- Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed? A Guide to Yorkshire Terrier Coat Management
- How Much do Corgis Shed? A Guide to Corgi Shedding and Management
- Do Poodles Shed? A Guide to Poodle Hair Care
