Many Dachshund owners worry when they notice their dog scratching more than usual or developing red, irritated patches on their skin. These distinctive sausage dogs face unique skin challenges that stem from their low-slung bodies, genetic predispositions, and varied coat types. Understanding what to watch for and how to respond can make the difference between minor irritation and serious skin problems.
At a glance
- Dachshunds are prone to skin issues due to their proximity to ground-level allergens and genetic factors
- Environmental allergies are more common than food allergies, often causing seasonal itching and hot spots
- Regular flea prevention and omega-3 supplements can prevent many skin problems before they start
- Persistent scratching, hair loss, or unusual odours warrant a veterinary visit for proper diagnosis
Why Dachshunds develop skin problems
Your Dachshund's unique body shape puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to skin health. Their long, low bodies keep them closer to ground-level irritants like pollen, grass, mould spores, and dust mites throughout their daily walks and outdoor time. This constant exposure makes them particularly susceptible to environmental allergies that can trigger year-round or seasonal skin reactions.
Research shows that these dogs also carry genetic predispositions to certain skin conditions, including hypothyroidism in older dogs and various allergic reactions. Their coat type, whether smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired, can influence which problems they're most likely to encounter.
Environmental and seasonal allergies

You might notice your dog developing itchy, red skin during specific times of the year, or perhaps the scratching never seems to stop. Environmental allergies often manifest as persistent itching that leads to hot spots from excessive scratching and licking. The inflammation typically appears as reddened areas, sometimes with hair loss where your dog has been scratching repeatedly.
These allergic reactions can vary dramatically between dogs. Some show mild seasonal itching during spring pollen season, while others develop year-round sensitivities to dust mites or mould. Keeping track of when symptoms worsen can help you and your veterinarian identify specific triggers and develop targeted treatment plans. For more information, visit ForMyDachshund.
Food allergies and dietary triggers
While less common than environmental sensitivities, food allergies do affect some of these dogs and typically involve reactions to specific proteins. Chicken, beef, eggs, and dairy products are the most frequent culprits, though some dogs react to grains or certain vegetables. Food allergies often cause itchy, flaky skin that may worsen other existing skin conditions.
If you suspect food allergies, switching to limited ingredient diets featuring novel proteins like duck, venison, or even insect-based proteins can help identify triggers. Products like Jiminy's insect-based dog food offer alternative protein sources that many allergic dogs tolerate well. However, dietary changes should be made gradually and preferably under veterinary guidance to ensure proper nutrition while identifying problematic ingredients. Learn more about how to treat allergies in Dachshunds at Jiminy's.
Parasites and infections

Fleas and ticks remain among the most common causes of skin irritation in these dogs. Flea allergy dermatitis can develop even from minimal flea exposure, causing intense itching and hair loss that extends far beyond the actual bite sites. The constant scratching often leads to secondary bacterial infections that require additional treatment.
Bacterial skin infections typically appear as red, scaly patches, pustules, or moist, inflamed areas. These often develop secondary to allergies or small wounds that become infected. Yeast infections, particularly Malassezia dermatitis, create itchy, smelly skin with thickened, sometimes darkened patches in warm, moist areas like the belly, groin, and armpits.
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, develop quickly as painful, red, moist lesions where your dog has been intensively scratching or licking. These can appear seemingly overnight and require prompt treatment to prevent them from spreading or becoming severely infected. To learn more about how to help your pet with Dachshund skin problems, visit SeaPet.
Age-related skin conditions
Older Dachshunds may develop hypothyroidism, which significantly impacts skin health. This condition causes dry, itchy skin, hair loss, skin thickening, and increased susceptibility to recurrent infections. You might also notice other signs like lethargy, weight gain, and recurring ear infections.
Hypothyroidism requires veterinary diagnosis through blood testing and ongoing management with hormone replacement therapy. The good news is that once properly treated, most skin symptoms improve significantly within a few months of starting medication.
Treatment approaches that work
Effective treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause, but several approaches provide relief while you work toward a diagnosis. Medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine, such as KetoChlor or Douxo, help manage both bacterial and fungal infections while soothing irritated skin. These should be used as directed by your veterinarian, typically 2-3 times weekly initially.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, particularly high-quality fish oils like Omega Pure Fish Oil or Omega Fusion Fish Oil, improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation. Most dogs show improvement in skin hydration and coat quality within 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation.
For hot spots and acute irritation, topical treatments like Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial spray can provide immediate relief while preventing bacterial overgrowth. More severe cases may require oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Prevention strategies for long-term skin health
Year-round flea and tick prevention forms the foundation of good skin health. Modern preventatives are highly effective and much easier than dealing with infestations and the resulting skin problems. The annual cost of prevention, ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the product and your dog's size, is minimal compared to treating flea allergy dermatitis and secondary infections.
Regular skin checks during grooming help catch problems early. Look for redness, unusual bumps, hair loss, or areas that smell different than usual. Many skin conditions respond much better to early intervention than to treatment after they've become established.
Avoid over-bathing, which strips natural protective oils from the skin. Unless your dog has gotten particularly dirty or has a specific skin condition requiring frequent bathing, once every 4-6 weeks is usually sufficient. When you do bathe your dog, use gentle, skin-friendly shampoos rather than harsh products designed for humans.
Consider your dog's environment and make adjustments where possible. Using air purifiers during high pollen seasons, washing bedding regularly in hot water, and maintaining appropriate humidity levels in your home can all help reduce environmental triggers.
When professional help is needed
Some skin problems require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Seek professional help if your dog shows severe or persistent itching that doesn't respond to basic care, signs of infection like pus or swelling, significant hair loss, or behavioural changes indicating discomfort.
Veterinary visits for skin problems typically cost between $100-$300 depending on the diagnostic tests needed. Allergy testing, skin scrapings, and blood work for conditions like hypothyroidism help identify specific causes rather than just treating symptoms. While the initial investment may seem significant, proper diagnosis often leads to more effective, targeted treatment that saves money and reduces your dog's discomfort in the long run.
Prescription medications vary widely in cost depending on the specific treatment and duration needed. However, most skin conditions respond well to appropriate treatment, and many dogs experience significant improvement within 2-4 weeks of starting proper therapy.