Dachshund insurance

Dachshund breed overview

Dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs, are small dogs with long bodies and short legs. They were first bred to chase animals like badgers. Today, they are known for being great pets for city life and apartment living. They enjoy playtime and being close to their owners, but they need special care to protect their backs.

Keep reading to learn more about the Dachshund breed and how Co-op Pet Insurance can help you care for your dog’s health and wellbeing.

Dachshund key facts

Lifespan

Dachshunds typically live for 12 years or more.

Size and weight

They are small dogs that come in standard and miniature sizes, weighing between 7 and 14 kilograms.

Coat and colour

Smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired coat varieties in a range of colours.

Exercise needs

They need moderate exercise, ideally 30 to 60 minutes each day.

Shedding and grooming

They shed lightly to moderately and require minimal grooming.

Temperament

They are lively and affectionate, but can be a little stubborn.

Learn more about Dachshunds

They are bold, loyal and a bit stubborn

They're known for their bold personality. They make wonderful companions, but their independent streak can make training a bit tricky. Regular training from an early age helps build good habits and a strong bond.

They love to explore

Dachshunds have a strong instinct to hunt and dig, so regular walks and plenty of playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy. Pet insurance can help cover any accidents from their adventurous side.

They are small but mighty

Dachshunds are friendly and love being part of the family. But because they are small and have long backs, they need to be picked up carefully, especially around kids. Insurance can help if they get hurt from jumping or rough play.

Common health conditions in Dachshunds

Dachshunds can live long and happy lives, but they are prone to several health conditions. Here are six to be aware of:

Intervertebral disc disease

Intervertebral disc disease is a back problem in dogs where the soft discs between the bones in the spine get damaged. This can press on the spinal cord and cause pain, trouble walking, or even paralysis. It’s more common in dogs with long backs, like Dachshunds.

Obesity

Some dogs are more prone to weight gain, especially if they have a strong appetite or low activity levels. Excess weight can strain the joints and increase the risk of other health problems. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important to keep dogs at a good weight.

Dental disease

Small dogs often have crowded teeth, which can trap food and cause plaque buildup. This can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and infections. Brushing teeth and regular cleanings at the vet can help keep a dog’s mouth healthy.

Eye problems

Dogs can develop eye issues like cataracts or glaucoma. These can cause cloudy eyes, pain, or blindness. Some eye problems are inherited, while others come with age. Regular vet visits can help catch them early.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to a loose or unstable fit. This can cause discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty with activities like walking or running.

Epilepsy

This is a brain disorder that causes seizures in dogs. Seizures can look like shaking, drooling, or collapsing. Some dogs have mild episodes, while others may have more serious ones. Medicine can help control it, but dogs usually need treatment for life.

Care tips for owners

Watch their weight

Keep your dog at a healthy weight to protect their back and joints.
Avoid jumping

Use ramps or steps to help them get on furniture and avoid hurting their spine.
Walk every day

Regular walks keep their muscles strong and help prevent weight gain.
Brush their teeth

Clean teeth help prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Check their eyes and ears

Look for signs of redness, discharge or other changes.
Visit the vet regularly

Routine vet visits help monitor ear, eye, and joint health.

Why do you need dog insurance?

Dog insurance is there to cover your dog if they have an accident or illness and will cover the costs of the treatment needed, minus any excesses.

Some of the key reasons to buy dog insurance are:

Cost of vet fees

Vet fees can cost thousands of pounds depending on the type of treatment and the size and breed of your pet.

Peace of mind

Knowing that you are covered for what can be a large unexpected bill.

Lifetime cover

If you choose a lifetime policy, any illnesses or accidents insured will continue to be covered for the whole of your pet's life.

Compare our cover types

Compare the difference between the two types of Co-op Dog Insurance.

Cover	Lifetime	Time limited
Vet fee cover	up to £16,000	up to £5,000
Lifetime cover for recurring illness for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life	Lifetime cover for recurring illness included	Lifetime cover for recurring illness excluded
Dental treatment	Dental treatment included	Dental treatment included
Third-party liability cover dogs only	Third-party liability cover included	Third-party liability cover included
Pay monthly at no extra cost	Pay monthly at no extra cost included	Pay monthly at no extra cost included
Advertising and reward if your pet goes missing	up to £2,500	up to £1,000
Loss of pet due to theft or if they are lost	up to £3,000	up to £1,000

Lifetime

Vet fee cover

up to £16,000

Lifetime cover for recurring illness
for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life

Lifetime cover for recurring illness included

Dental treatment

Dental treatment included

Third-party liability cover
dogs only

Third-party liability cover included

Pay monthly at no extra cost

Pay monthly at no extra cost included

Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing

up to £2,500

Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost

up to £3,000

Time limited