May
I’ve a 5 month old Dachshund named Jackie. She has a few issues, one is that she is potty trained but when it rains she refuses to go outside. She will hold it until she can't anymore and just pee wherever she's standing. She is very timid so any loud noise from outside will scare her so bad she won't go. Also she has dandruff, I don't know if its serious but I figure theres no harm in asking and she has dry mouth, she smacks her lips like crazy all day. She’s up to date on her shots, I had a fecal test and she’s on Heartworm prevention. I know I may be over reacting but I just wanted some opinions
Answer:
Doxies are funny that way…they don't like getting their paws wet but have no problem rolling in a sticker bush or lying in a mud puddle. With their heritage as “badger hounds”, they are more inclined to dig than wade. However, you can get them to potty outside if you go with them…you just have to be consistent. Simply putting them out in the rain won't work…they're more prone to wait by the door, then run inside and pee. Also, doxies are notorious for incomplete home training if you aren't diligent in making sure they go outside on a regular basis. A good method to use is to take your doxie outside at least each 2 hours and heap on the praise and rewards when she does her business. Crate training can be an invaluable tool in house training as well. Positive reinforcement is the key to success.
Also, you can help decrease her timidness with careful training. Holding her and telling her each thing's ok will only make it worse. So will over-saturation. Do your research…there are lots of good dachshund resources on the internet, and your vet can be a great resource as well.
As far as dandruff, as your vet what product(s) to use. I’ve to use 2 different types of shampoo with my doxies, as my long-haired has more sensitive skin. Be sure you rinse, rinse, rinse, as any left-over product can cause further irritation. And the dry mouth can be a thyroid issue, one health issue doxies can develop.
Ideal of luck to you.
Answer:
Well the potty training thing is just going to come down to training her. If she hasn't been in a while because it's raining just put her out for a while, it will take some time. With noises etc that will come with age and socialisation. The more she is socialised the better she’ll become.
With the dandruff, my mini daxie suffers the same problems and she also has some minor skin problems so I put her on to Eagle Pack Holistic and her skin has been great even since and her coat is extremely shiny now also.
Answer:
with the skin and dry mouth you might want to have her tested for thyroid problems. I do not know if dachshunds are likely to that but cockers are and my cocker girl had those problems too and it was from thyroid issues
Answer:
See the vet, get a medical bath for her, take her to dog school (get some more training for her!)
Answer:
My little guys hate to go out in the rain or cold as well. And they’re older, it hasn't gotten superior with age! If I go out with them on the grass, they will go to the water closet and then sprint back to the home, but if I just put them out the door they just stand there. If I’m too busy/lazy to go out with them, I'll put newspaper down in the garage and open the door, and they’ll go in there. They just hate being damp and cold, and your dog is pretty low to the ground, where it is even damper.
A good quality dog food will go a long way to improve her dandruff - you can also bath her in Head & Shoulders (rinse well and stay away from eyes) while you're waiting for the new food to take effect.