Miniature Dachshunds and Frequent Urination

Adult miniature dachshunds weigh 11 lbs. or less and can be up to 6 inches tall. Standard size dachshunds were bred to unearth and kill badgers in Germany starting in the 1600s. The miniature was created to achieve the same end, except with rabbits. Dachshunds of either size are prone to back problems and obesity. Frequent urination is not on the list of genetic health concerns for dachshunds, but it can be a sign of other illnesses.

  1. Submissive Urination

    • This is not a health issue, but it happens frequently in dachshunds, especially puppies. The dog urinates when it becomes excited for any reason. If the dog is happy, afraid, or is being corrected, then submissive urination can occur. It has nothing to do with being housebroken. It's psychological and instinctual. In the wild, dogs indicate they are not being aggressive when another dog approaches by eliminating themselves a bit. Submissive urination is also a physical issue because of the size of the miniature dachshund's bladder. The dog cannot hold it. Females are more prone to this problem. Time usually cures it.

    Urinary Tract Infections

    • Female miniature dachshunds are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) because their urethra is shorter than the male's. UTIs develop usually because of contaminated food or water. The dog ingests bacteria from the contamination. It then passes through the kidney tract and ends up in the bladder on the way to being expelled. Over time the dog's immune system succumbs to the infection. The signs are subtle so it is often hard to tell there is an infection. UTIs, however, result in more frequent urination, especially in smaller dogs like the miniature dachshund. The infection is treated with antibiotics.

    Diabetes

    • Dachshunds are prone to obesity. This can result in diabetes mellitus, which can affect any dog breed. Diabetes, however, is especially common among dogs in the same size range as miniature dachshunds such as miniature schnauzers and all poodles. The female is more susceptible. Diabetes usually occurs for miniature dachshunds are 6 to 9 years-old. Diabetes, the lack of proper insulin production in the pancreas, causes higher concentrations of sugar in the blood and urine. One of the leading early symptoms is frequent urination. Diabetes can be treated with insulin and a proper diet.

    Bladder Cancer

    • One of the deadliest health problems indicated by frequent urination is bladder cancer. Although only a small percentage of dogs are affected, this type of cancer is on the rise. Just as with humans, toxins and chemicals in everyday products like pesticides, shampoos and aerosol hydrocarbons are blamed for the increase in the number of cases. For canines, flea/tick dips and shampoos are also blamed. The problem with bladder cancer is that it shows the same symptoms as a urinary tract infection, so it is usually diagnosed too late. Obese, female miniature dachshunds over 7 years-old are especially at risk. Treatment varies according to when the cancer is diagnosed. It can be surgery, chemotherapy, a pharmaceutical regimen or a combination.