This week on The Dr. Molly Says Podcast, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about Dachsunds!

We get into where Dachshunds came from, what they were originally bred to do (spoiler: they were literally bred to hunt badgers underground 😳), why they've become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country, and what makes them such a unique mix of hilarious, stubborn, loyal, opinionated little dogs.
But of course, we're not just talking about their personalities. We're also talking about the medical stuff every current or future Dachshund owner should know.

We get into:
The different types of Dachshunds (smooth, long-haired & wire-haired)
Standard vs. miniature Dachshunds
Why these dogs have SUCH big personalities
Prey drive, barking, training challenges & "selective hearing" 😅
The truth about IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) and why Dachshunds are so prone to it
Signs of back pain and when it's a veterinary emergency
Whether stairs, jumping and exercise actually increase IVDD risk
Why maintaining a lean body weight is one of the most important things you can do for your Dachshund
Pet insurance and why I'm a huge advocate for it in this breed
Dental disease, anesthesia myths & why small dogs need dental care earlier than most owners realize
Heart disease, patellar luxation and other common health concerns
What to look for in a responsible Dachshund breeder
The major red flags everyone should know about before buying a puppy

Whether you already have a Dachshund, you're thinking about getting one, or you just love learning about dogs, this episode is your complete veterinarian's guide to one of the most iconic breeds out there.

LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome back + life updates00:00:52 Building The Local Vet & rabbit medicine updates 🏥🐰00:02:06 Meet the Dachshund: history, origins & why they're so popular00:03:32 Standard vs. Miniature Dachshunds00:04:22 Smooth, Long-Haired & Wire-Haired Dachshunds00:06:08 Common Dachshund colors & the dangers of Double Dapple breeding00:08:05 Dachshund personality: stubborn, loyal & VERY opinionated00:10:22 Why Dachshunds love to bark, chase & ignore your commands 😅00:12:03 The #1 health issue in Dachshunds: IVDD explained00:14:42 Signs of IVDD & when it's an emergency00:16:25 Preventing back problems: exercise, weight & muscle mass00:18:15 Why every Dachshund owner should consider pet insurance00:18:55 Dental disease: the health problem nobody talks about00:20:18 Why brushing your Dachshund's teeth matters so much00:22:00 Heart disease & mitral valve disease in Dachshunds00:23:15 Patellar luxation, arthritis & mobility concerns00:24:42 Allergies, cancer risks & mammary tumors00:26:08 Finding an ethical Dachshund breeder: what to look for00:27:08 Red flags, coat colors & breeding practices to avoid 🚩00:28:05 Are Dachshunds right for your family? Final thoughts00:28:55 LOVE YOU GUYS 💛

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