The miniature dachshund always ranks high in Japan’s popular breed ranking, but what kind of physical and mental changes will occur depending on age and life stage? Miniature dachshunds, which are classified as small dogs, have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, but in order to spend as long as a day with your beloved dog, change and spend time according to the age and life stage of the miniature dachshund. Let’s understand and check the points that you need to be careful as an owner. In addition, we will explain how to enjoy old age with your dog, which is useful for longevity.
How long does a miniature dachshund last?
Basically, the lifespan of a dog depends on the size of the body, and it is said that the larger the body, the shorter the lifespan, and the smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan. Therefore, the miniature dachshund is also one of the longest-lived dogs. Let’s take a closer look at the life of a miniature dachshund.
Life expectancy is 13-16 years
The average lifespan of a small dog, a miniature dachshund, is said to be about 13 to 16 years. This corresponds to 68 to 80 years old when converted to human age, and it can be seen that it falls into the category of longevity. It seems that the average life expectancy tends to increase year by year due to the deepening of understanding of dogs, stress-free breeding environment and improvement of food quality.
There is also data that the world’s longest-lived miniature dachshund is 21 years old. If you convert this to human age, you will be 100 years old, so you can see that you lived very long.
Check out the life stages of miniature dachshunds
Miniature dachshunds fall into the category of longevity, but we still want them to live longer and healthier. In order to have a healthy and long life, let’s understand the life stage and check what you should be careful about as each body changes.
Growth period
The growing season of miniature dachshunds is from 3 to 10 months of age. This is the most important time to lay the foundation for your dog’s body.
Humans slowly transform into an adult body over a period of more than 10 years, but in the case of a miniature dachshund, it transforms into an adult dog in less than a year. Therefore, during the growth period, body tissues such as bones, muscles, and internal organs must develop at a tremendous speed, and it requires about twice as many calories as an adult dog.
However, it does not just mean giving twice the amount of adult dogs. Growing puppies cannot digest large amounts of food at one time due to their immature digestive function compared to adult dogs. Therefore, it is necessary to select a food with a good nutritional balance and high calories that is sold for puppies, and give it in 2 to 3 divided doses.
Adult dog period
After the growth period, the adult dog period will come when the function of the body is fully completed. The adult dog period of miniature dachshunds is said to be from 10 months to 7 years old.
By this time, you should switch from puppy dock food to adult dog food and be careful about how much you give. Many dogs have a strong appetite to eat as much as they give, but it is strictly forbidden to spoil them and make them fat.
In particular, miniature dachshunds tend to put a strain on the hip joints and back due to their short torso length, and the probability of developing a herniated disc is very high. Obesity also puts an excessive burden on the legs and hips, which not only increases the risk of herniated discs, but can also cause a variety of lifestyle-related diseases. Be careful not to give too much rice and snacks.
Middle-aged and elderly
The middle-aged and elderly age of miniature dachshunds begins at the age of 7 and enters the elderly from the age of 12. If you convert the 7-year-old miniature dachshund to a human age, it’s 44 years old, so it feels like you’re still young, but from this time on, changes that are hard to see begin to occur. Various signs of aging appear, such as breathlessness, awkward walking, increased drinking of water and increased amount of pee, and bumping into objects.
If your eyesight begins to deteriorate, review your living environment and arrange furniture so that it does not easily hit objects. Immunity also weakens day by day, so try to detect and prevent illnesses early, such as by conducting regular medical examinations.
Also, as it reduces physical activity and metabolism, it is recommended to feed a digestive senior dog diet with fewer calories than in adult dogs.
How to enjoy old age with a miniature dachshund
The average lifespan of a miniature dachshund is as long as 13 to 16 years, and it will be one of the senior dogs from 7 years old. I spend a lot of time living as a senior dog, so I want to be able to enjoy my senior life even if my body begins to decline. Introducing how to enjoy old age with a miniature dachshund.
Actively take time for skinship
Skinship with your dog may seem obvious, but it’s also very important to extend the life of your miniature dachshund. By taking a skinship with your dog every day and touching the whole body, you can immediately notice even the slightest changes, and above all, you can have a good time with each other.
As you enter old age, you will be less likely to play with toys as you would in adult dogs. As you spend more time sleeping, you tend to spend less time communicating, but take plenty of time for skinship to make you feel the same affection.
Inhale the outside air
As a miniature dachshund enters old age, it becomes difficult to go for a walk due to weakness in physical strength and legs. Of course, it is important not to force yourself to go out because your immunity is weakened, but let’s breathe in the outside air for a change of mood.
Dogs are also stressful creatures, so take them outside within a reasonable range while taking measures such as shortening the walking time, hugging them, and putting them on a dog buggy.
Aim for an age-appropriate life and live longer!
We introduced the lifespan, life stage, and how to enjoy old age of miniature dachshunds. I want my dog not only to live longer, but also to stay healthy and healthy forever. You can live longer by adjusting your diet and lifestyle according to your age, so don’t be pessimistic and enjoy a senior life that is close to your dog.