Grooming Your Dachshund: Tips, Tools, and Products to Keep Your Dog Looking Its Best

Although dachshunds are modest shedders, the type of coat on your dog may affect how you should groom them. These tiny dogs often have one of three distinct coat types: short, long, or wire-haired. Even though none of these dachshunds’ coats need to be shaved, they still need to be groomed like any other dog.

There is much more to dog grooming than merely combing and trimming fur. Baths, brushing your teeth, clipping your nails, and cleaning your ears are also included. Dog owners who don’t need to take their dog to the groomer for a haircut frequently overlook these additional grooming requirements. But all puppies need to be groomed because a well-groomed puppy is also probably to be healthier.

Are Dachshunds Heavy Shedders?

Do dachshunds shed a lot? No. Since they are moderate shedders, your floor won’t be completely covered in fur, but you will still notice some loose hair drifting around. However, the type of coat on your doxie will affect how much she sheds.

The most shed dogs are those with short hair. They don’t need to be trimmed because their coats shed continuously throughout the year. The smallest shedders are wire-haired dachshunds, but even they don’t shed much. This is due to the fact that wire-haired and long-haired doxies only shed significantly twice a year to get ready for the change of the seasons.

Overview of Dachshund Grooming

Fortunately, most dog enthusiasts believe that dachshund grooming is not particularly difficult, especially if your dog has short hair. Dachshunds don’t have hair; instead, they have fur, hence their coat constantly sheds as opposed to growing out like human hair. Accordingly, haircuts are not required, but brushing and bathing are.

Do Dachshunds Enjoy Grooming?

No, the majority of dachshunds first dislike being groomed. However, the dog is truly the determining factor. Dogs might be fearful of unfamiliar things, therefore it may take some time for them to become accustomed to grooming techniques.

Be patient with your dachshund if they dislike being groomed. They’ll feel less stressed the more regularly you do it. Introduce them to grooming tools first, like a brush or a nail clipper. When they are around those things, give them treats so they will associate them with positive things. Don’t forget to give your dog a treat once they finish a grooming task.

While it may seem natural for humans to brush their own teeth and cut their own nails, dogs won’t see these actions in the same manner until we make them aware of them. Make a routine to make sure you don’t overlook these crucial grooming tasks.

Are Dachshunds Groomed by a Professional?

Dachshunds do not require expert grooming. The majority of dog owners take their pets to professional groomers for thorough haircuts, although dachshunds don’t require this. Long-haired dachshunds may occasionally benefit from a trim, but their fur should never be shaved or clipped short.

However, groomers provide much more than just haircuts. So if you want your dachshund to be as clean as possible, you may surely bring them in for a spa day. Bath services are frequently provided by groomers and include combing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. Your dog will seem particularly clean if you do that occasionally.

How Often Should I Groom a Dachshund?

The typical grooming requirements for dachshunds include bathing, brushing, tooth brushing, and nail cutting.

If these furry buddies have a long coat, they should be brushed nearly every day. Otherwise, their coat may grow uncomfortable mats that a trained groomer would need to remove. However, brushing a short-haired dachshund to remove loose fur only needs to be done once or twice every week.

Every three weeks or so, you should give your dachshund a bath. However, it’s acceptable to bathe them more frequently if they get into something soiled or begin to stink sooner. Just be careful not to give baths more frequently than once a week as this could harm the skin’s natural oils.

Most dogs require monthly nail trimming. However, if you haven’t clipped your dog’s nails in a while, you might need to do it every two weeks. You shouldn’t cut a dog’s nail too deeply since the quick, a nerve, is located there. If you’ve previously allowed the quicks to grow too long, having their nails cut more frequently can assist the quicks gradually retreat back to a healthy length.

The final recommendation is to wash your teeth two to three times per week. Do not disregard this procedure as canine dental disease is highly prevalent. You might wish to check your dachshund’s ears from time to time and clean them if necessary. After all, ear infections are more common in people with floppy ears.

It’s crucial to keep in mind to give your dachshund monthly flea and tick preventatives even if it’s not typically thought of as grooming. These can be administered topically or orally, depending on your veterinarian’s instructions. The skin and fur of your dachshund will be healthier if you keep animals out of their coat.

Basic, step-by-step instructions for grooming a Dachshund

Every dachshund is different when it comes to grooming. Due to the range of coat types that they can have, dachshunds are a unique breed. All coat types shed, however different coat types require different amounts of brushing.

Maintaining your dog’s cleanliness from head to toe is part of grooming your dachshund. The actions you should take to guarantee you cover everything are listed below.

1. Give your dog a bath

Give your doxie a bath if it hasn’t had one in about a month. Or a bath wouldn’t hurt if they appear and smell particularly filthy. The majority of dogs detest taking baths, especially if they aren’t accustomed to it, so be sure to give them a treat after for their diligence.

Use a top-notch dog shampoo and work it thoroughly into their coat. To make sure the shampoo doesn’t bother your dog’s skin, look for a natural shampoo with allergy-friendly components. When you bathe them, keep an eye out for fleas, ticks, lumps, scrapes, and other anomalies on their skin. After they’re finished, be sure to dry them off as much as you can, using a towel or a hairdryer safe for dogs.

2. Give your dog a bath

Brushing your dachshund multiple times per week is recommended. Dachshunds with short, thin coats can get away with less frequent brushing, while those with long, thick coats may require brushing almost every day. A soft bristle brush is preferable for short-haired coats whereas a wire brush works best for thick hair, especially if it is snarled.

After giving your doxie a wash, give them a quick brush. While still wet or damp, it’s easiest to remove all the loose fur from your dachshund’s coat. Try to brush out any mats or knots in your long-haired dachshund’s coat if you detect them. If they’re not too dense, you might also be able to pry them apart with your hands. But for safety concerns, a groomer might need to take them out if they’re too thick to separate from your dog without injuring him.

3. Clean the Canine’s Teeth

If you can, remember to brush your dachshund’s teeth nearly every day. The simplest method to accomplish this is to purchase toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically for your dog. The majority of dogs detest having their teeth brushed, so don’t forget to give them a treat afterward.

The toothbrush can occasionally be replaced with dental treats, water additives, and other options if your dog absolutely detests them. To avoid dental disease, you will still need to sometimes brush their teeth. Your veterinarian will probably advise a professional deep cleaning too as your dog ages.

4. Cut the Nails on Your Dachshund

You should cut your dachshund’s nails at least once a month. Remove the nail from the quick by about two millimeters. If your dog’s nails are black, it could be more difficult to see the quick, which is the darker portion of the nail. Consult a groomer or veterinarian if you lack the confidence to correctly trim the nails. Additionally, some dogs are too challenging to cut their nails at home.

Make sure you choose a product that is safe for your dog when clipping their nails. Because a grinder progressively files the dog’s nail down rather than slicing a chunk off like a clipper would, most novice dog owners use one. Make sure your nail trimmer has a safety feature in either case. Your dog might never trust you to trim their nails again if you unintentionally clip their nails too short.

5. Examine the Ears of Your Dachshund

Every few weeks, check your doxie’s ears for discharge or odors. You can use an ear cleaning agent and dribble it into your dog’s ears if anything seems or smells strange. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect an ear infection.

6. Inspect your dog thoroughly.

Even if you frequently perform all the other grooming tasks, you should still examine your dog from head to toe. Keep a look out for anything unusual, such as cuts, clouded eyes, or dry skin. Inform your veterinarian if anything looks out of the ordinary. In the end, it is preferable to be safe than sorry.

These are merely the fundamentals of dachshund grooming advice. Depending on the breed of dachshund you have, a more involved grooming procedure may be required.

Grooming for Wire-Haired Dachshunds

Although they are less prevalent, wire-haired dachshunds require the most upkeep in terms of grooming. Typically, they have rough hair on top and deep undercoats. Sadly, this implies extra grooming because they shed less than other doxies.

The majority of these dachshunds periodically require their coats brushed. Then then, they require a coat “stripping” that is different from what is expected of dachshunds twice a year. The act of stripping involves removing dead hair from a dog’s coat. The outside layer of fur is so thick that a lot of dead hair gets trapped underneath.

While some wire-haired dachshunds have coarse hair, others have hair that is more fluffy. Some softer dachshunds might not even require stripping. If you’re ever unsure about whether your dachshund needs to be stripped or not, see a trained groomer.

Important advice for caring for a Wire-Haired Dachshund:

When removing your dog’s coat, use a special brush with wire pins.
When usual brushing, use a good bristle brush.

Don’t scrub too vigorously.
Only a few times a year will they require a bath.
Utilize your hands or a comb to eliminate matting and tangles.
If their facial hair becomes too long, cut it.
If you’re not experienced, see a groomer for face trimming.

Dachshunds with Long Hair: Grooming

Like wire-haired dachshunds, long-haired dachshunds require expert grooming. However, they have completely distinct needs. Long-haired dachshunds have flowing, velvety coats as opposed to the wire-haired variety.

You should brush your dachshund’s coat nearly every day if you want it to feel fluffy. After all, if these dogs spend a lot of time outside, they will inevitably accumulate dirt and debris in their coat. Cleaning their coat with a brush is an excellent way to get rid of dirt and tangles. The parts of their body most likely to become tangled are their feet and ears.

Dachshunds with long hair require trimming rather than complete haircuts. The ears, feet, and tail are where it is most necessary. However, do not shave your dog’s fur, despite how hot they may appear. Shaving a shedding dog can harm its coat, making it less effective in harsh conditions. As a result, you may always ask a groomer for advice if you’re unclear of which parts of the animal’s coat to trim.

How to Cut a Dachshund’s Long Hair

The only dachshunds with long hair require hair trimming, thus their grooming needs differ slightly from those recommended in the usual instructions. Give your doxie a bath beforehand because it’s ideal to start with a clean dog when trimming any dog.

Trim the face, ears, paws, and tail first. Next, trim the areas that require the greatest attention. While small shears are frequently preferable for precise cuts, clippers can be used in specific situations. For the sake of your dachshund’s safety, use scissors with rounded tips.

The top layer can then be thinned out with thinning shears if you decide that your dog’s body fur also needs to be trimmed. After that, brush their coat to eliminate any remaining loose hair. For optimal results, brush the dog’s hair in the natural direction. When everything is finished, your long-haired doxie will appear tidy and fashionable.

Styles for Grooming Long-Haired Dachshunds

There’s no need to stress over your doxie’s grooming habits unless you’re participating in a dog show. The majority of companion dachshunds have natural hairstyles with occasional minimal trimming. The hair around your face and neck should be kept short, but the rest of your hair should be long and smooth, if you’re trying for a “best in show” appearance. Naturally, this look will take a lot more upkeep than a natural one.
Don’t merely bring the name of your dog’s grooming style to the groomer if you bring your long-haired dachshund there. Many dog owners request broad hairstyles like “puppy cuts,” which give the groomer little guidance. Instead, specify the lengths you desire for each part of your dachshund’s body and, if you have any, provide samples in photos.

Grooming Advice for Long-Haired Dachshunds

It is suggested to use pin or bristle brushes.
Look for knots and debris in their coats.
You can use a comb or your fingers to remove mats from their fur.
Trim rather than shave their coats.
To ensure you don’t miss any tangles, divide your hair into sections using sectioning clips.
If you lack experience, see a groomer.
Schnauzer Dachshund Grooming
The simplest dachshund breeds to groom are those with short hair. They don’t require trimming because their thin coats shed frequently. Unlike their long-haired counterparts, they won’t get matted or tangled coats.

For dachshunds with short coats, regular brushing with a gentler brush is still necessary. Your dog’s shedding will be better controlled the more you brush them. It is not required to use combs on this breed of dog. Additionally, bathing ought to be minimized.

Short-haired dachshunds don’t require extensive grooming, but you still need to take care of the fundamentals. Remember to brush your teeth, trim your nails, and clean your ears. Remember that your dachshund will become more accustomed to these basic grooming tasks the more often you perform them.

Tips for grooming short-haired dachshunds:

To get rid of any stray fur, use a soft bristle brush.
Never shave or trim their coats.
It may be useful to use a rubber glove brush.
Give them a bath only when necessary.
If necessary, you can still seek the help of a professional for baths.

Kits for grooming dachshunds

You’ll need a collection of supplies if you intend to groom your doxie entirely at home. While some pet parents find it more convenient to purchase a bundle, others choose to purchase these grooming supplies separately.

Here are some dachshund grooming supplies:

You probably won’t need the clippers for your dachshund, but the Pawsible Dog Clippers for Grooming do include a nail clipper, comb, and scissors.

The Rubold Professional Dog Grooming Scissors Set includes a comb in addition to a number of scissors.
PetHaven Dog Brush Grooming Kit: This kit, which also includes a nail cutter, is a good option if you want a range of brushes.

What Items Do You Need to Purchase?

It can be challenging to locate a set that includes all the necessary materials. Here are some specific things that you might require for grooming dachshunds.

Best Dachshund Brush

Any sort of coat your dachshund has will require a brush. They could benefit from a pin brush and comb if they have long, thick fur. The ideal choice is a soft bristle brush if your dachshund has a short coat.

Here are some excellent dachshund grooming brushes:

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush: This brush even retracts for simple cleaning, making it ideal for removing mats and tangles from lengthy hair.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush includes stainless steel tips on one side and soft bristles on the other to accommodate all brush types.
Pet Grooming Glove – These gloves can remove loose hair from all dogs, but they are ideal for short-haired dachshunds.

Excellent dog clippers

Dog clippers are not required for dachshunds because their fur does not need to be kept short. However, you might be able to use clippers on long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds provided you use a guard to maintain their hair long.

Here are some dachshund grooming clippers:

Oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers: These dog clippers include a comb, scissors, and several guard sizes.
There are four different clipper guards included with the Wahl Clipper Pet-Pro Clippers.
Professional Heavy Duty Dog Grooming Dog Clippers – These heavy-duty dog clippers include combs, guards, and scissors.

Optimal Nail Trimmer

Nail trimmers come in two major varieties: clippers and grinders. While grinders softly shorten the nails, clippers quickly cut the dog’s nails. Because it’s a more gradual procedure, grinders are frequently simpler for novices.

Here are some dachshund-friendly nail clippers:

The upgraded Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder features three grinding ports, two speeds, and a rechargeable design.
With the help of the safety guard on the Boshel dog nail clippers, you can avoid cutting your dog’s nails too short.
Unseeland Dog Nail Grinder: In addition to a nail clipper and a nail file, this rechargeable nail grinder.

Additional Recommendations

You’ll probably require more than just the aforementioned supplies because every dog has different grooming needs. To make certain that your dog’s grooming requirements are met, think about purchasing a comb, a toothbrush, shampoo, a towel, and more.

More suggested dachshund grooming items are listed below:

Combs are useful for detangling pets after grooming them to get rid of knots.
Use a high-quality shampoo to maintain the health of your dog’s skin and coat, like TropiClean Shampoo for Pets.
Dog toothbrushes and a brushing gel are included in the dental care set TropiClean Fresh Breath Clean Teeth.
Questions and Answers
There may be some lingering questions and worries you want to address before you start grooming your dachshund. Here are a few inquiries that dog owners frequently have.

How Frequently Do Dachshunds Need to Be Groomed?

The type of coat and actions of a dachshund considerably influence how often it should be groomed. Depending on how dirty they become, most dachshunds only need to be bathed every few weeks or months. You might also need to cut the coats of your long-haired dachshunds every few weeks.

How Should a Dachshund Treat Dry Skin?

The coat of a dachshund can be kept soft and lustrous by protecting it from insects and parasites and using an allergy-friendly shampoo. A high-quality diet rich in omega fatty acids can also be given to them.

Is Getting Your Dachshund Professionally Groomed Expensive?

Professional grooming is undoubtedly more expensive than at-home grooming, but costs vary according on the groomer and the services you choose. Always seek expert help if you don’t feel confident handling the situation on your own.

Final Reflections

Dachshunds don’t require complicated grooming. They don’t have excessive hair loss or need to have it shaved every month. However, that doesn’t imply you should disregard grooming. Dog grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail clipping, tooth cleaning, and hair trimming. So, just like other dogs, your doxie requires those things.

Make sure you are knowledgeable about dachshund grooming advice before bringing your new dog home. You must be ready to spend more time and money on grooming because it is an essential element of caring for a dog.