While they are generally heathy, active dogs, there are a couple of significant issues to look out for in your Dachshund:

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) If you think your pup is showing signs of IVDD it's very important to get them to a vet immediately.

In less extreme cases your dog may recover naturally, though crating your pup to keep them as still as possible is usually necessary. More severe cases require an expensive form of surgery to remove the herniated disc material, followed by a rehabilitation program. On the positive side, this can be successful and get your pupper back to their usual active self.

Studies have found that overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing IVDD symptoms so if you're a Dachsie parent, watch your pup's weight – something that's easy with Lyka perfectly portioned meals.

Skin conditions Dachshunds can suffer with dry, flaky skin which can become inflamed and feel uncomfortable. Sometimes the cause can be environmental – like hot weather, dust or mould allergies, or a reaction as their low tums brush across grasses – but poor diet can cause or make an existing skin condition worse. If your pup is allergic or sensitive to certain food types, it tends to show in their skin. Lucky for puppers, Lyka meals don't contain common food allergens such as corn, wheat, dairy, rice or soy.

Weight gain It's easy to overfeed Dachshunds due to their small size and greedy appetites. It's also easy to forget that, just because they're small, it doesn't mean they don't need regular exercise. A lack of exercise can lead to weight issues which, for a Dachsie, increases their risk of IVDD.

Patellar luxation: Dachshunds can be prone to loose kneecaps, where they slip out of place. If you see your pup holding their hind legs in the air for several minutes at a time (this is to relax muscles to allow the kneecaps go back into place), they could have patella luxation. If it happens frequently, see your vet. Peridontal disease: This occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens to form calculus (also called tartar). Calculus can lead to gingivitis, where the gums become infected and inflamed, and bacterial infection can progress into the surrounding bone and ligaments. Damage caused by periodontal disease is irreversible so it's important to keep teeth clean and gums healthy by brushing regularly and feeding low carbohydrate foods - and to treat any signs of periodontal disease early Eye issues: Dachshunds are prone to eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma s they get older. They may also get dry eyes which result in them becoming sore, itchy and prone to infections. Make sure your pupper's eyes are clear and bright. Get them checked by your vet if you're concerned.

Lyka meals are specially created by our vet from human-grade meats and vegetables, with added superfoods to provide the highest quality nutrition. Lyka is perfectly cooked in batches, not overcooked, preserving the vitamins and minerals required to help keep your Dachshund in tip-top health.

Lyka contains:

• Protein: lots of it! Meat and veggies replace the legumes found in many other dog foods and this provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pupper. The higher level of meat content gives your dog the protein and amino acids they need, while making them less susceptible to health issues like cardiac myopathy (DCM), a disease of the heart muscle.
• Hypoallergenic food sources. Lyka takes care of skin, because you won't find common allergens (such as dairy, corn, rice and soy) in any of our foods.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. our high levels come from adding sardines and fish oil to our meals. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids make them great for skin and help keep joints healthy for a lifetime of activity.