Monthly Archives: January 2022

Weight and body condition can be sensitive subjects for humans to think about or discuss, and it’s probably the same when it comes to the animals we love and are responsible for. I was shocked to be told by the vet recently, at Sunny’s annual booster appointment, that he needed to lose some weight. We’ve kept him right in the middle of the Kennel Club weight range for standard dachshunds, which we thought was the best place to be. But the vet told me simply that “orthopaedically speaking, the closer he is to the bottom of the weight range the longer he’ll live and in better health”. After being told this, I went straight to my laptop to look again at dachshund weight and body condition. Read on to see what I found out.

Do dogs really need coats? Surely they’re born with their clothes on? That pug in a dusty grey cashmere cable knit, or the Jack Russell in a metallic down jacket fit for the ski slopes, may be better dressed than you or me. But is it necessary? Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to staying warm. Dogs with longer and thicker fur have an insulation advantage. Large, athletic dogs and dogs with substantial fur seem to power through wet and cold weather, entirely oblivious. Dachshunds’ hairless tummies are only inches from the ground. They are famously reluctant to go out in the wet, despite their fierce reputation as hunting dogs. Well-fitting dog coats can be extremely beneficial for some dogs, including dachshunds. Read on to find out why.