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National Dachshund Day

June 15, 2023

Hot Dog! There’s a pretty cute pet holiday around the corner. June 21st is National Dachshund Day! These charming pups—also known as Sausage Dogs or Weiner Dogs—got to claim the longest day of the year for their celebration, because they’re (proportionally) the longest dogs out there. A Washington DC vet goes over some fun facts about Fido below.

Dog With A Job

The Dachshund has been charming us for roughly 600 years. Fido was originally bred to hunt burrowing animals, such as badgers. In fact, the word Dachshund translates to ‘Badger Dog.’ Doxies were actually so good at this that packs of them were used to hunt wild boar which, as you may know, is one of the most vicious wild animals out there. Fido trotted into the ranks of the AKC in 1885, along with 14 other breeds that were officially recognized that year.

Temperament

Today the Dachshund is mostly a companion dog, one with some very, very devoted fans. Personality-wise, you’ll find that Fido is fun, frisky, and, well, a bit stubborn. Dachshunds’ badger-hunting origins are definitely hardwired into them: these guys can’t help chasing after small animals. (They also love ‘hunting’  tennis balls.) As far as training goes, E.B. White, author of the beloved children’s book Charlotte’s Web,  sums the Doxie up pretty well, saying “I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a Dachshund to heed my slightest command.” 

Care

One great thing about Dachshunds? They’re quite easy to care for. Their coats require minimal grooming. And, because they have such little legs, they don’t need a whole lot of activity or exercise.

There are a few things to be aware of as far as Fido’s care needs. One thing that is important to know is that the Dachshund is prone to back injuries, which can lead to paralysis. Make sure to set out pet ramps for your pooch to get on and off beds and couches (assuming he’s allowed) and be very careful when picking him up or putting him down. Ask your vet for specific care tips. 

Celebrating 

So, how does one honor Fido? Well, grilling some hot dogs wouldn’t be a bad option. You can also post pics of your cute pet on social media. Share the Doxie love! 

As your Washington DC pet hospital, we’re always here to help. Contact us anytime! 

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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