The Dachshund Exercise Guidelines UK 2025 have been updated to ensure owners can manage their pet’s energy while protecting against long-term joint issues. Dachshunds, with their short legs and long bodies, are adorable and active companions. However, due to their unique build, they require a specially tailored daily walk routine to stay fit and avoid injuries.
Veterinarians in the UK emphasize the need for balanced exercise, proper rest, and joint-friendly activities that suit the breed’s structure. Let’s explore how you can give your dachshund the right amount of physical activity without putting too much pressure on their spine and legs.
Ideal Daily Walk Routine for Dachshunds
A well-planned daily walk routine helps dachshunds burn energy, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce anxiety. But over-exercising can strain their long backs and fragile joints.
Recommended walking schedule in 2025:
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Puppies (under 1 year): Two short walks of 5–10 minutes
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Adults (1–7 years): Two daily walks of 20–30 minutes each
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Seniors (7+ years): One or two gentle walks of 10–15 minutes
Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid neck strain and walk them on soft, even surfaces like grass or pavements. Avoid stairs, steep slopes, and excessive jumping during outdoor sessions.
Following the Dachshund Exercise Guidelines UK 2025 ensures your dog stays active while reducing the risk of injury.
Indoor Exercises and Mental Stimulation
When the weather isn’t favourable or you’re indoors, there are plenty of activities that keep your dachshund mentally and physically engaged without the strain of high-impact motion.
Dachshund-safe indoor activities include:
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Snuffle mats and food puzzles
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Hide and seek with treats
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Obedience training drills
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Gentle tug games with soft toys
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Short supervised play sessions in a safe space
These mentally stimulating activities complement the daily walk routine and help maintain good behaviour and physical balance.
Joint Care Tips for Dachshund Owners
Joint issues are common in dachshunds, making joint care tips a vital part of their health routine. Preventative care plays a major role in reducing the likelihood of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Important joint care tips include:
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Provide a ramp for sofas or beds to reduce jumping
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Use orthopedic beds for spine and hip support
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Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
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Supplement their diet with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids
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Schedule regular vet checkups for early joint health screenings
The Dachshund Exercise Guidelines UK 2025 now recommend combining exercise with these care practices for better long-term wellness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While dachshunds are full of energy, some activities can do more harm than good. Avoiding these mistakes is critical to keeping your pet safe.
Common errors to avoid:
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Letting them jump from heights like beds or stairs
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Over-exercising young puppies or senior dogs
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Ignoring signs of joint discomfort like limping or reduced movement
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Feeding too many treats or letting them become overweight
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Using collars that strain the neck during walks
Following the correct Dachshund Exercise Guidelines UK 2025 ensures your dog stays happy, healthy, and mobile throughout life.
FAQs
What are the new Dachshund Exercise Guidelines UK 2025?
They recommend 20–30 minutes of daily walking for adult dachshunds, divided into two sessions, with joint-friendly practices and limited jumping.
Can I take my dachshund on long walks?
Long walks should be avoided. Instead, break exercise into shorter, gentle sessions to prevent back and joint strain.
How can I keep my dachshund’s joints healthy?
Provide ramps, use orthopedic bedding, maintain ideal weight, and add vet-approved supplements to their diet.
Are indoor games good enough for dachshunds?
Yes, when combined with short walks, indoor games help meet their mental and physical activity needs.
Is it okay for dachshunds to climb stairs?
No, frequent stair climbing can lead to back injuries. Always use ramps or carry them when needed.
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