If your dog will not stay still during grooming, enlist another person to help hold the dog while you groom it.
Be extra careful when brushing its tail. This hair tends to be very fine and longer than the other sections of the coat, and can become easily tangled. Check for any debris, like chips of wood or dust, before you brush it.
While you are combing, keep an eye out for any skin irritation. Dachshunds aren’t any more predisposed to have skin problems than other longhaired dogs, but they do occur. Grooming regularly will help you to notice any skin irritation or problems early on. Look for any redness, flaking, or scabbing on the skin. [4] X Research source
You’ll need to trim your dog’s ear hair whenever the hair becomes fluffy or bushy, or when it is long enough to reach into their ear canal. Use clippers instead of scissors to reduce the risk of cutting your dog’s ear.
It is a good idea to keep this area trimmed. Owners may even want to keep the hair fairly short in this area, especially if they are not using the dog for shows.
It’s a good idea to check your dog’s ears each time you groom it. Since dachshunds are prone to ear problems, this helps you catch conditions early on. [6] X Research source Clean your dog’s ears any time you bathe or groom the dog to prevent infections caused by moisture in the ears. You can find ear cleaning solution for dogs at pet stores and large retailers.
Many dogs are uncomfortable with having their teeth brushed. Start by putting a small amount of dog toothpaste on a bit of gauze or a washcloth. Wrap the cloth around your finger and gently rub the toothpaste on your dog’s teeth and gums for a few seconds. Gradually work up to using a toothbrush when your dog becomes used to having you manipulate its mouth. [8] X Research source
It can be difficult to see the quick, especially with black nails. If you do happen to cut the quick, have a styptic powder and some gauze or cotton balls handy. This will help the blood clot and will stop the bleeding. If you exercise your dachshund on concrete or pavement, its nails will not need to be trimmed as frequently since they will naturally become worn down. [11] X Research source
A non-slip bath mat will help keep your dachshund from slipping in the water. If you don’t have a mat, you can place a small towel on the bottom of the tub or sink.
Hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs are good as well. Some shampoos are marketed as tearless, but you should always avoid getting shampoo directly into your dog’s eyes. You can find quality pet shampoos online, at a pet store, or at a grooming salon.
Massage the shampoo into a lather in their coat. Make sure that you pay special attention to the tail and stomach, since these areas tend to get dirtier.
You’ll need to rinse off this shampoo as well, but be very careful with getting water around their ears. Water can get trapped inside your dog’s ear canal and cause an infection.
Use a dry piece of cloth to wipe the dog’s inner ears. You want this area to be very dry after their bath to help prevent any infections. [13] X Research source You can use a towel to dry your dachshund, but this will cause the hair to poof out and won’t be as aesthetically pleasing. If you do use a towel, pat the hair instead of rubbing it to prevent tangles.
