How to Care for a Doxie Puppy

Adding a new puppy to your family is a major decision, and an exciting experience. Many people choose small-breed dogs based on the idea that they are easier to care for. This is not always true. The dachshund, sometimes referred to as doxie for short, requires just as much effort as any puppy to keep it happy and healthy. In addition, there are specific health issues associated with dachshunds due to their long body and short legs. Be sure to do adequate research before adopting a dachshund puppy to make sure that you are prepared to care for it properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy
  • Food
  • Water
  • Bowls
  • Toys
  • Blanket
  • Secluded area
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your puppy to a veterinarian for an initial check-up and any necessary shots or de-worming treatment. Discuss spine and joint problems that are specific to dachshunds because of their build, so that you know what you might be facing in the future.

    • 2

      Keep your new puppy away from any other animals who are ill or who are not on schedule with their vaccinations, since younger animals are more prone to catching and dying from illnesses.

    • 3

      Find a quiet, secluded place where your puppy can stay for the first several days. Set up this area with the puppy's bed, food and water dishes, toys, blanket and anything else they might need. Keep other pets and energetic children away until your new puppy grows accustomed to its surroundings.

    • 4

      Puppies require lots of sleep, so try not to disturb your dachshund many times during the day. Monitor your children's visits and limit them to two or three a day. Show them how to pet and hold the small puppy correctly, with one hand under the chest and another under the bottom. Very young children should not handle small puppies.

    • 5

      Do not change the puppy's diet abruptly. Continue to feed it the food that it received from the former owner. Mix in a bit of the food that you wish the puppy to eat in your home. Gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the old food over a span of 10 to 14 days until the puppy can eat only the new food.

    • 6

      Feed your new puppy small amounts four times a day until it is 3 months old. Then, feed the puppy slightly larger portions three times a day until it is 6 months old. From 6 months old to 1 year, feed your puppy two satisfying meals per day. Do not overfeed your dachshund puppy, as dachshunds are vulnerable to stomach and intestine problems, and may even experience trouble with their overweight bellies dragging the floor.

    • 7

      When you begin potty training your new dachshund, remember that puppies--and especially small-breed puppies--cannot hold their bladder for very long. Give your new baby a chance to go four to six times per day.