What is the daily routine for a dachshund's care?
Follow this daily schedule to ensure your dachshund stays healthy and happy.
Morning Routine
Start your day with a quick check of your dachshund's water bowl. Aim for a bowl that holds at least 1 cup of water. At 7:00 AM, feed your dachshund a balanced meal. Use a 1/2 cup of dry kibble for a 16 lb dog, adjusting for smaller or larger breeds. After feeding, spend 15 minutes on light play or a short walk to stimulate digestion.
At 9:00 AM, provide a fresh supply of clean litter in a 1.5-gallon litter box. Ensure the box is in a quiet, easily accessible area. Spend 10 minutes on a gentle morning walk to help your dachshund burn off some energy. Return home and offer a treat for good behavior.
By 10:00 AM, your dachshund should have a chance to rest. Provide a comfortable space, like a 2 x 3 ft bed, in a quiet corner of the house.
- Check water bowl at 7:00 AM
- Feed 1/2 cup of kibble at 7:00 AM
- Play or walk for 15 minutes after feeding
- Change litter box at 9:00 AM
- 10-minute walk at 9:00 AM
- Offer a treat after the walk
- Provide a rest area by 10:00 AM
Evening Routine
At 5:00 PM, offer a second meal. Use the same amount of kibble as in the morning. After eating, spend 20 minutes on a longer walk or a play session to ensure your dachshund gets enough exercise. Aim for a total of 30–45 minutes of exercise daily.
At 7:00 PM, provide fresh water and clean up the feeding area. Spend 5 minutes on a final check of your dachshund's paws and underbelly for any signs of injury or irritation.
By 8:00 PM, your dachshund should be settled for the night. Offer a final chance to use the litter box and provide a comfortable sleeping area, such as a 2 x 3 ft bed.
- Feed 1/2 cup of kibble at 5:00 PM
- 20-minute exercise or play session at 5:00 PM
- 5-minute check of paws and underbelly at 7:00 PM
- Offer fresh water at 7:00 PM
- Final litter box use by 8:00 PM
- Provide a comfortable sleeping area by 8:00 PM
Weekly Routine
Once a week, vacuum the litter box area thoroughly to maintain cleanliness. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles and allergens.
Check the dog bed for any signs of wear or dirt. Wash it in hot water with a mild detergent every 2 weeks to keep it fresh and hygienic.
Inspect the dog's teeth and ears weekly. Use a toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste to clean teeth, and a soft cloth to wipe down ears.
- Vacuum litter box area weekly
- Wash dog bed every 2 weeks
- Inspect and clean teeth and ears weekly
Monthly Routine
Monthly, schedule a professional grooming session. Depending on the coat type, this may be every 4–6 weeks for a smooth coat, every 6–8 weeks for a long coat, and every 8–10 weeks for a wirehaired coat.
Check the dog's weight monthly. A healthy dachshund should weigh between 16–32 lb. If your dog is under or over this range, adjust their food portions accordingly.
Update the dog's identification tags and microchip information annually to ensure they can be returned if lost.
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Check weight monthly
- Update identification tags and microchip annually
Keep reading about Dachshund: Dachshund care sheet
Related questions
How much exercise does a dachshund need daily?
A dachshund needs 30–45 minutes of exercise daily, including walks and play sessions.
What should I feed my dachshund?
Feed your dachshund a balanced meal with 1/2 cup of dry kibble for a 16 lb dog, adjusting for smaller or larger breeds.
How often should I clean the litter box?
Clean the litter box daily and vacuum the area weekly to maintain cleanliness.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your dachshund is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.