How do you care for a Dotson dog?

Care for your dachshund by feeding and grooming it properly. Daily care takes about 30 minutes, with monthly bathing adding to that time. You need high-quality dog food, a dog brush, dog nail trimmers and dog ear wipes to care for your dachshund.

1. Feed your dachshund appropriately

   Dachshunds have a tendency to get fat, so ration their food carefully. Puppies up to 12 weeks old require four meals per day. Puppies between 3 and 6 months old need three meals a day. After 6 months, cut back to two meals a day until the puppy reaches 1 year old. After one year, dachshunds needs just one meal a day. Choose a high-quality dog food with high protein and few if any fillers.

2. Limit the treats

   Providing too many treats leads to overweight dachshunds. Likewise, limit how much human food you give your dog because it may lead to nutritional imbalances.

3. Bathe your dachshund

   Dachshunds need bathing only once a month unless they get dirty. Choose a shampoo and conditioner suitable for dogs. Wet the dog all over with warm water, rub in the shampoo and rinse until the water is clear. For long-haired dachshunds, follow with a conditioner. Dry a dachshund off completely after a bath.

4. Brush the dachshund's fur

   Brush your dachshund daily. Start at the head, and brush in the direction in which the hair grows. Use a bristle brush for short-haired dogs and a pin brush for dogs with long hair.

5. Trim her nails

   Choose a set of dog nail clippers with a guard to avoid over-cutting the dog's nails. Trim your dachshund's nails once a month or whenever you hear them clicking on the floor, which is a sign they are too long.

6. Inspect the dog's ears

   Dachshunds have floppy ears, so moisture and dirt can get trapped inside. Check the dog's ears at least once a week. Use dog ear wipes or a soft cloth to swab out the ears.