How many years do dachshunds live at home: how to determine the age of a dog and how you can extend its life

Becoming the happy owner of a cheerful and active dachshund puppy, his owner must already realize that the pet will someday begin to grow old, and then the time will come to part with him.

Fortunately, Dachshunds are in good health and, if properly cared for, can live quite a long time.

But what can a dachshund owner do to ensure that his dog lives as long as possible?

And how to care for an elderly pet to extend its days as much as possible?

How old do dachshunds grow?

Babies are born weighing 200-300 grams. and in the first months of life, puppies are very dependent on their mother. If you are offered a puppy under 1.5 months of age, check with your veterinarian to see if the baby is healthy, how he has been eating and where his mother is.

The longer the puppies are not taken away from their mother, the better. Feeding with mother's milk in the first months of life is important for the formation of a healthy individual, which affects life expectancy. At the age of one month, baby dachshunds approach the bowl, then feeding and smooth weaning from milk begin.

Puppies enter a new family at 1.5-2 months and grow up to a year, but the dog will be fully formed at 15 months, the main thing during the growth period is to feed the puppy correctly and not to overeat.

To properly shape your pet, regularly monitor its weight; deviations from the norm will lead to the development of diseases in a fragile body, and you can forget about long years of life together. For a dachshund, weight control is the main condition for a long existence in our world.

When an elderly relative ceases to be adequate...

If a loved one has senile dementia, what should relatives do, and how can they understand that this is a disease and not ordinary whims? Most often, dementia begins quite harmlessly. A person may complain to relatives and neighbors that they are not feeding him, they are watching him, they are trying to kidnap him, or they are letting some substances or gases into his room or apartment. This might seem funny if it weren't so sad. The disease progresses quite quickly, and over time, older people stop recognizing family members, accuse them of theft or violence, bring home garbage from the landfill, and literally fight with anyone who tries to throw it away. Some people think that dementia will not affect those who have been engaged in active mental activity all their lives. The disease does not choose, and even a doctor of science or an honored leader can be found in a garbage dump, enthusiastically digging through waste.

There is no need to think that the patient is doing this on purpose, just to mock and laugh at his loved ones. This disease destroys the brain, and the patient is not even aware of his actions. The person loses the ability to absorb or process information. He becomes very sensitive to criticism: any remark or attempt to explain something leads to protest and a new attack. How to deal with a person with dementia? Relatives will have to show maximum patience and attention, not contradict, or explain something gently and unpersistently. If the patient feels aggression, he will begin to perceive his family as enemies, and it will be very difficult to establish contact with him.

Normal puppy weight chart

An adult standard breed by 12 months should weigh no more than 12 kg, with a height at the withers of 35-40 cm, the weight of a dwarf dachshund is 5-7 kg and a height of 30-35 cm, a rabbit is much smaller with a height of 30 cm the dog weighs 3.5- 4 kg.

What affects life expectancy

While raising their dog with love and caring for it, the owners do not take into account that there are causes of early mortality that do not depend on us. But the determining factors of the disease can be foreseen and the development of diseases can be prevented.

Factors influencing the life expectancy of a dachshund:

• Genetics. Different breeds are predisposed to certain diseases, which can manifest throughout their lives.
• Illnesses of parents. The mother passes on most of her genes to the puppies; if she had diseases, there is a high probability that she will pass them on to her children.
• Lifestyle. Dachshunds are energetic and active by nature; daily walks and proper exercise are necessary to maintain vitality in the pet.
• Proper nutrition. The lifespan of a pet depends on its diet, which includes all the necessary products in the right quantities. Dachshunds are prone to obesity.
• Childbirth. Dachshund girls live a little longer than boys. But constant uncontrolled births of puppies harm the health of the mother.
• Stress. The adult becomes vulnerable to a stressful situation, like all domestic animals, such as the loss of an owner, which can lead to the death of the animal.

Take care and love your pet, the dachshund is very attached to the owner, any harsh word can lead to the development of the disease and undesirable consequences.

Necessary care

High-quality care for dachshunds will extend their life. It is important to take into account all the features of keeping such a dog:

• Pets often have back problems, so soft beds are not suitable for them. It is best to choose harder mattresses for dogs.
• The animal must be combed regularly, despite the fact that it is not long-haired; Bathing is carried out as needed.
• The eyes are wiped with cotton pads soaked in a special product.
• If necessary, clean the ears to avoid severe contamination and inflammatory processes.
• The dog's claws grind down on their own, however, if this does not happen, they need to be trimmed periodically with a special tool.
• Special treats that can be purchased in specialized stores will help you keep your teeth in order.

Walking in the fresh air is important for both young and older animals

How to find out the age of a dachshund

The main indicator of a dog's age is its teeth. At the age of three months, a puppy grows all its milk teeth, 28 of them, and from 3-8 months they are replaced with molars. By one year the dog has 42 white and clean teeth, this is an indicator that the puppy has matured.

If it is necessary to determine the age of an adult, pay attention to the wear of the fangs: by the age of five, the teeth begin to become dull; at the age of six, the color changes from white to more yellow at the base of the fangs. At the age of 10-12 years, the pet begins to lose its first teeth.

Examine the dog; at the age of seven, the coat begins to change: it becomes coarser and less dense, the color becomes lighter. This does not mean that the pet is sick, just that the body begins to age. Gray hair appears on the face. The dog's eyes become dull, the pupils become a little cloudy.

Age-related changes in a pet will be less pronounced if it lives in good conditions, eats properly and walks for four hours every day; this is the optimal load for an adult dachshund.

Signs of an aging dog

Despite their longevity, dogs begin to age at the age of five. Gradually, the teeth wear down, the color becomes paler, and the first gray hairs appear. Adult pets are less playful and active; they prefer to rest rather than endlessly move, as before.

Internal changes are also taking place. Very often, a dachshund 13 years old and older is completely deaf, and therefore does not respond to the owner’s commands. Problems arise with the musculoskeletal system - intervertebral discs become displaced, hip joints become inflamed and hernias form.

Comparison table with human years

Dachshunds begin aging at the age of eight, but much depends on the breed variety. Dwarf dachshunds are active and energetic until the age of 12; the standard dachshund is a medium-sized breed and begins to be lazy on walks at 8-10 years of age.

Scientists have proven that the smaller the breed, the faster it matures, but the slower it ages. Large dogs take longer to mature, but age several years earlier.

How long does a dachshund live by human standards?

Next, for each year of the pet’s life, you need to add 4.5 years for the dwarf type and 5.5 for the standard variety of the breed.

How long do dachshund boys and girls live?

On average, girls live 2-3 years longer than males. This depends on the dog’s temperament; boys more often become the initiators of fights and constantly get involved in “dog relationships”, where they can get injured.

Girls are more flexible and careful, especially during pregnancy, but they are more likely to develop diseases of the genitourinary system. Proper planning of puppies will protect the bitch from developing diseases.

The main parameter of life expectancy is the dog’s participation in hunting: if the pet lives on the couch and walks according to a schedule, then with proper care it will live for many years. A hunting dog is subject to stress and regular overuse, which can shorten its life.

The average lifespan of the rabbit variety is 13 years; dwarf varieties live 14-15 years. The biological age of a dog depends on the lifestyle of the owner and his pet.

Owner reviews

As a rule, owners speak extremely positively about their miniature pets. At the same time, everyone unanimously declares that a lot of effort must be made to turn a disobedient dachshund into an obedient pet. In addition to the fact that the little dachshund has considerable intelligence, this dog is vindictive, cunning and vindictive.

Important point! Finding a common language with this pet is not so easy, but if this happens, then you can count on the loyalty and devotion of this dog.

The owners also claim that the dachshund will not eat everything, showing selectivity in food. She herself decides where she sleeps, so you need to be prepared for the fact that she will sleep next to her owner and in his bed. You will have to walk him every couple of hours, even if the dachshund went to the toilet in the litter tray. By constantly paying attention to this pet, you can count on reciprocity.

Svetlana Lushkina: “The rabbit dachshund is a dog with a masculine hunter’s mind” | Elite | Sergiev Posad

Diseases and common causes of death of dachshunds

Many breeds are predisposed to certain diseases that impair performance and motor functions and, if not treated promptly, lead to the death of the animal. But there are many other dangers from which only its owner can save a pet.

Dachshund diseases that can lead to death:

• Spinal defect. The disease can be congenital or appear at 5-7 years of age. Displaced vertebrae pinch the spinal cord, which leads to paralysis of the hind legs, as a result of which the dog moves little. These are obesity and heart failure.
• Osteoporosis. It appears at one year of age and leads to inflammation of the joints. Due to pain, the dog becomes inactive, which leads to heart disease and diabetes - these diseases are difficult to treat.
• Poisoning. With proper training, the dog's intelligence will tell you what to eat and what not. But while the puppy is growing up, he can try everything. It is necessary to protect the dog from household chemicals and keep an eye on the street so that it does not catch a poisoned rodent. This is the most common cause of poisoning in dachshunds.
• Viral diseases. Deadly diseases of dogs are enteritis, rabies and plague, which can be carried by other animals or humans. It is necessary to vaccinate the puppy against viral infections and observe the incubation period after vaccination.

All diseases can be prevented; the owner needs to take the dog to the veterinarian at the slightest ailment of the animal, who will make a diagnosis, prescribe medicine and give recommendations on what care the pet needs for a long life.

“Traps” that you can fall into when treating bronchial asthma

What is the differential diagnosis between asthma and COPD? What are the causes of possible diagnostic errors? What is the main role of b-agonists in the treatment of bronchial asthma? How are corticosteroids prescribed?

Despite the increased competence of doctors and the availability of effective treatments, mortality from bronchial asthma remains high. Many deaths and even most hospitalizations could be prevented with proper treatment.

It must be remembered that managing patients with asthma is a complex and lengthy process.

• Chronic bronchial asthma

Underestimation of the degree of respiratory failure. The severity of the patient’s condition and the degree of incompetence of his respiratory system may not be recognized if we neglect to carefully ascertain all manifestations of the disease and construct a diagram of measurements of the maximum flow rate (MSF) of exhaled air.

People with asthma often have reduced prospects for the future, although some tend to underestimate the severity of their symptoms. To identify such an underestimation, you need to ask the patient in detail whether he has a cough or wheezing at night or during physical activity.

If patients are unable to achieve the best possible lung function, then to correct this condition, it is necessary to first calculate the normal MSP of exhaled air for a given patient, using the chart included with the peak flow meter.

If the measured MRV is more than 20% less than the calculated one, it is worth conducting a study of the reversibility of this condition, which is done by comparing the MRV or vital capacity (VC) before and after treatment.

The necessary therapy may be as little as a single dose of a bronchodilator, but if this does not increase the MOP by 20%, the calculated level, more serious measures may be needed, such as a three-week course of systemic corticosteroids (30 mg prednisolone per day for adults). In this way, the best achievable level of MSP is determined, which is used to guide subsequent treatment.

Sometimes patients report a decrease in shortness of breath, but the MSP values ​​​​do not change. In such cases, it is necessary to measure VC using a spirometer, which can confirm the improvement not determined by the MSP (Fig. 2). All doctor's offices are currently equipped with spirometers.

Bronchial asthma disguised as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients who suffer from shortness of breath and are diagnosed with COPD or emphysema may have an underlying bronchospastic element due to asthma.

Such patients should undergo a reversibility study as described above. Any improvement in lung function can be supported by adequate treatment of asthma. In the absence of improvement in pulmonary function, the use of corticosteroids is not justified, but only leads to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis.

Chronic use of short-acting b-agonists . Treatment of asthma with chronic use of β-agonists has been shown to increase pulmonary hyperresponsiveness and worsen bronchial asthma [1]. If a patient is using beta-agonists routinely rather than occasionally, their use should be followed by inhaled corticosteroids or, if corticosteroids are already being used, by increasing the dose sufficient to control asthma. Thus, b-agonists are reserved for cases of shortness of breath and wheezing.

The latest guidelines for the treatment of bronchial asthma in Britain recommend starting with a high dose of inhaled or systemic corticosteroids to achieve rapid control, then gradually reducing the dose to the minimum that ensures the patient feels normal and optimal values ​​​​of MSP or vital capacity against the background of minimal use of a bronchodilator (Fig. 3) . The rapid relief achieved with corticosteroids improves the patient's mood and increases his confidence in treatment.

Recent evidence suggests that corticosteroids should be started as early as possible in all asthmatics, not only to control symptoms but also to prevent progressive structural lung damage caused by chronic inflammation [2,3]. This means that corticosteroids should be preferred over b-agonists once the diagnosis is confirmed by the MCP chart. β-agonists remain reserve drugs of last resort.

Possibility of alternative treatment. Although inhaled corticosteroids should be the cornerstone of asthma treatment, some other medications may be used in cases that are difficult to treat. It has been proven that theophyllines have an anti-inflammatory effect in fairly small doses, but their possible interaction with other drugs must be taken into account in each individual case.

It is advisable to prescribe ipratropium to elderly patients. Nedocromil and cromoglycate are sometimes effective.

Long-acting bronchodilators such as salmeterol may provide relief, especially at night, by blocking bronchoconstrictor mechanisms. However, it is necessary that all of the above drugs be accompanied by the use of adequate doses of corticosteroids.

Inhalation technique. It is important to ensure that patients develop proper inhaler handling skills. The doctor should help you choose the type of inhaler that is most convenient for the patient and check its performance. To do this, the doctor's office must have a full set of inhalers.

Spacers. Used in conjunction with aerosol inhalers, spacers facilitate drug penetration into the lungs and reduce both pharyngeal accumulation and systemic absorption through swallowing.

Spacers help coordinate drug release with inhalation. This is especially important when inhaled corticosteroids are used. Since corticosteroids are only used twice daily, the bulky spacer can be kept at home.

Spacers provide better accumulation of the drug in the lungs than nebulizers. It is necessary to use them correctly: shake the inhaler so that the medicine is mixed with the carrier, and inject the mixture once, followed by a quick inhalation [4].

Trigger factors. Unrecognized trigger factors can be at home, at work, or on vacation, that is, almost anywhere. Anamnesis will help identify the source. For example, with occupational bronchial asthma, the condition improves during vacations and on weekends. The absence of the irritant reduces or eliminates the manifestations of the disease and reduces the need for medications.

An often overlooked problem may be secondhand smoke. Drugs such as b-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause asthma.

• Attack of bronchial asthma

Use of nebulizers (nebulizers) without background corticosteroid therapy. When treating an acute asthmatic attack without oral corticosteroids, nebulizers are still used, which deliver a higher dose of beta-agonists. This does relieve bronchospasm, but since a high dose of b-agonists does not affect the accompanying inflammatory process, it is necessary to immediately give the patient oral corticosteroids to prevent the attack from worsening; the effect of bronchodilators decreases as swelling of the mucous membrane increases.

If the severity of the attack is such that a nebulizer is required, systemic corticosteroids should be prescribed. Even with a moderate attack, bronchodilators alone provide only temporary relief and there is a risk of a recurrence of the attack - possibly in the dead of night!

Delayed administration of oral corticosteroids. If anti-inflammatory therapy is not carried out, swelling of the mucous membrane increases in patients, which leads to recurrence of attacks. These patients often require hospitalization and high doses of corticosteroids for several days before their condition stabilizes.

Patients susceptible to rapid-onset attacks require corticosteroids and bronchodilators as early as possible. They must be able to recognize worsening conditions, have corticosteroids on hand at all times, and know how to use them. These patients should not be forced to wait for a physician to see them (Figure 4).

Patients with gradual onset of attacks may want to wait and see if an increased dose of inhaled corticosteroids combined with a bronchodilator helps.

Inadequate course of systemic corticosteroids. Sometimes prescribed corticosteroids are canceled until the attack is completely relieved, which leads to continued bronchial hyperreactivity and another attack.

Such a chain of events can lead the patient to the false conclusion that he has bronchial asthma, which is difficult to treat.

The situation can be corrected by a long course of corticosteroids, continuing for several days after the condition has stabilized, and gradually reducing their dose until the minimum maintenance level is reached.

Stop monitoring the patient after an acute attack or hospitalization. Difficulties arise when discontinuing a systemic corticosteroid and prescribing an inhaled one. During this transition period, careful monitoring is necessary; Once the condition has stabilized, the dose of inhaled corticosteroid is gradually reduced to the minimum required so that the disease does not manifest itself and pulmonary function is optimal.

The goal of subsequent treatment is to maintain the highest SMR achieved in the hospital after a course of systemic corticosteroids.

A consultation some time after discharge provides a good opportunity to review the patient's management plan, find out what is wrong, and make appropriate adjustments.

• Differential diagnosis

Coughing and wheezing with purulent sputum is sometimes mistaken for a lung infection. However, the sputum of asthmatic patients contains much more eosinophils than polymorphic cells and bacteria. In old age, left ventricular failure and cardiac asthma should suggest preexisting bronchial asthma. Be careful with b-blockers!

Sudden shortness of breath may be due to pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism. Wheezing occurs with pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial carcinoma, or a foreign body and can be clearly localized. Therefore, a chest x-ray should be performed in any patient with adult-onset asthma.

• Priority measures

After making a diagnosis, the doctor’s main goal is to free the patient from the manifestations of the disease and optimize lung function, as well as establish control over the disease. To do this, specially trained medical personnel must educate patients and check that they are following all instructions correctly.

Of course, in some cases this may be difficult, but the vast majority of patients can master the prescribed action plan.

All patients must:

• be able to recognize the onset of an attack
• know how to use high doses of b-agonists;
• start taking prednisolone orally on your own;
• know when to call the doctor or go to the hospital;
• Anyone suffering from attacks should be provided with corticosteroids.

References
1. Sears MR, Taylor DR et al. Regular inhaled b-agonist treatment in bronchial asthma. Lancet 1990;336:1491–1396. 2. Tari Haahtela et al. Comparinson of terbutaline with budesonide in newly detected asthma. N Engl J Med 1991;325:388–392. 3. Redingon AK, Howarth PH Airway remodeling in asthma. Thorax 1997;52:310–312. 4. O'Callaghan C., Barry P. Spacer devices in the treatment of asthma. BMJ 1997;314:1061–1062.

Spirometry for chronic bronchial asthma

A barrel chest in chronic bronchial asthma occurs due to air retention in the peripheral parts of the lungs, which leads to constant maintenance of the chest in a state of inspiration. The trapped air is not exhaled and uselessly occupies most of the lungs (residual volume). This reduces the volume of air (vital capacity) entering the lung.

Air is retained due to chronic inflammation, causing swelling of the lining of the peripheral bronchioles. When treated with corticosteroids, the swelling subsides and air is released. This is proven by an increase in vital capacity determined spirometrically. MSP may not change (see Fig. 2.)

Note!

Asthma attack

• Promptly initiate corticosteroid therapy if asthma is so severe that it requires the use of bronchodilator nebulizers
• Patients prone to frequent attacks should have their own supply of corticosteroids and know how to use them
• Every asthmatic patient should have a written plan for managing their condition.

Chronic asthma/COPD

• Every patient must undergo an allergy test
• Use an adequate dose of corticosteroids to prevent bronchodilator dependence
• Use bronchodilators only to stop an attack

How to increase the lifespan of dachshunds

The main rule for extending the life of a pet is nutrition, vaccination and care. The dachshund is a genetically healthy and active dog that is adapted to long walks; give them at least four hours a day.

How to extend your pet's life:

• Vaccinations. Follow the vaccination schedule throughout your life, this guarantees immunity to all viral diseases.
• Nutrition. You need to feed your pet balanced dry food or specially prepared food, this will relieve your pet from allergic reactions and digestive problems. A dachshund needs daily: rice, buckwheat or oatmeal, vegetables and fruits, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and lean meat at least 30% of the total amount of food.
• Vitamins. Vitamin treats are useful for a dog at any age, especially if it is over seven years old. If your pet’s coat does not recover well after shedding and loses thickness and shine, this is a sign of a lack of macro and microelements and vitamins in the body.
• Getting rid of parasites. Inspect the animal once a week; with thick fur, it is difficult to notice fleas right away, so regular checks will help you quickly take action. Twice a year it is necessary to carry out prevention against worms, especially if the pet eats raw meat. Inspect your dog's ears for mites, which can cause epilepsy.
• Regular walks. The dachshund is born to move; it is better to take your pet outside at the same time and at least twice a day, preferably with games and proper exercise. If the dog is not accustomed to harsh conditions, in cold weather it is necessary to wear overalls or a blouse, this will protect against colds.
• Control of matings. If the dog is not planned as a breeder, it is better to sterilize the animal. Constant mating undermines the health of both females and males. When breeding a breed, do not allow your pet to mate more than once a year, so that there is time for the body to recover.

Pay attention to the slightest change in your pet's character and mood.

The dog cannot tell that something hurts; if the pet has become bored and lethargic, contact the veterinarian.

Routine veterinarian visit, vaccinations

You need to visit a veterinarian regularly, especially if your dog has chronic diseases. All emerging diseases must be treated on time and not delayed. It is also important to carry out all necessary vaccinations in a timely manner, which will help protect your pet’s body from diseases such as:

• plague,
• parainfluenza,
• leptospirosis,
• hepatitis,
• rabies,
• enteritis.

Note! It is also necessary to treat your pet for worms and other parasites. For this purpose, medications are used that protect the dog from fleas, lice and ticks. Harmful insects are often carriers of quite serious diseases that can cause the premature death of a pet.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Living in the same house with a dachshund, we can definitely say that with proper care, she will delight you and your children with her presence for many years.
2. The dachshund is not demanding when it comes to nutrition, but has an increased appetite; it is necessary to control the pet’s weight.
3. The lifespan of a dog depends on proper care and preventive measures.
4. The breed requires regular exercise and vigorous long walks.
5. The dog is not prone to diseases if vaccinated in a timely manner.
6. To prevent breed diseases of the spine and joints, it is necessary to regularly visit a veterinarian.

Arrangement of living space

It is necessary to think as much as possible about how to arrange the patient’s home so that it is comfortable and, most importantly, safe. It is important to try to remove electrical and gas appliances, matches, and lighters from the access area. When leaving home, it is recommended to turn off the gas valve, as people with dementia have a habit of lighting the stove and leaving it, simply forgetting about it. You shouldn’t even try to ask why they are doing this - patients will deny everything, there will be deep resentment, tears, and possible hysterics.

At the initial stage of the disease, a person simply becomes forgetful, inattentive, and clumsy. As the disease progresses, he can no longer live alone: ​​someone close to him will have to experience for himself how to live with a person who has dementia. Piercing and cutting objects pose a danger to the patient. It is better to even choose dishes made of plastic, rather than from materials that can break into fragments. Knives, forks, scissors, household chemicals and medicines - all this needs to be removed from reach. Furniture should be arranged so that the patient does not risk getting hurt on sharp corners; it is advisable to provide room for movement. There should be anti-slip mats in the bathroom and toilet.