Charlotte's Mini Adventures

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  • What to expect when you’re expecting a mini doxie.

    You’ve done your due diligence by choosing a reputable breeder, you’ve waited on the wait list, the puppies have been born, and now you’re looking forward to meeting and welcoming your new puppy into your home. Along with puppy snuggles and endless tail wags, here are some things to expect during those first few days and weeks.

    Your pup will be TINY! If you’re adopting a dog at 8-10 weeks old, they will weigh only 2-5 pounds (but they will more than double in size quickly).

    Because they’re tiny, they may slip through openings in exercise pens (ask me how I know!). Be prepared to crate train to contain them for their own safety and your own sanity.

    Your puppy’s digestive system will likely echo the anxiety they feel as they leave the comfort and security of the litter. Expect diarrhea, accidents and possible vomiting the first few days, especially if you have a long road trip home. Charlotte had all of the above as we travelled through the Blue Ridge Mountains during her trip from the breeder in South Carolina. Be prepared with paper towels, cleaning supplies, fresh water and towels or blankets for your lap.

    They will sleep – a lot! This is normal as they adjust to their new home and necessary as they grow. Allow them to sleep as needed, and don’t be tempted to keep them awake for your own enjoyment.

    They will likely have tear stains and a puppy belly. These will slowly disappear as they age.

    Because of their initial small size, they will be an unexpected and sometimes unnoticed hazard underfoot. We put a bell on Charlotte’s collar to warn us when she was in our paths as we worked around the house, especially in the kitchen.

    Expect to take time off of work the first few days to weeks to give them the attention they need and to housetrain them. This is a full-time job with potty breaks needed every 20-45 minutes at first. Doxies are notoriously difficult to potty train. Be mentally prepared.

    Socialize, socialize, socialize. As soon as you pup’s had their vaccinations, get them out and about to experience other dogs, people, surfaces and situations. You will reap the benefits later.

    Begin training as soon as they settle in. Basic commands such as come, sit and stay are necessary for their safety and your peace of mind, but be patient. Dachshunds are highly intelligent, independent little creatures. Training is a journey, not a quick destination.

    Take time to simply enjoy their puppyhood. It all goes by so quickly, and before you know it, you’ll have an adolescent dog.

  • Forbidden Foods!

    There’s no question doxies are food motivated. Keeping them healthy requires good nutrition along with vigilance, especially as your puppy learns by exploring everything with its nose and mouth. Keep the following foods off limits. They’re listed as no-gos by the European pet food industry federation (fediaf.org) and are toxic to dogs:

    Grapes and raisins – cause sudden kidney failure that can lead to death

    Cocoa and chocolate – cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to seizures, rapid heart rate and death

    Onions and chives – can lead to anemia due to red blood cell and organ damage

    Macadamia nuts – can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, inability to use rear limbs and pancreatitis

    Garlic supplements/extracts (fresh garlic is okay)- can lead to anemia due to red blood cell and organ damage

    Nutmeg – amounts greater than a trace can cause neurological and gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and seizures

    Xylitol (sugar-free gum) – causes a rapid, severe drop in blood sugar which can lead to liver damage

    The miniature dachshund’s small size makes them more susceptible to the effects of these toxic foods. Keep these out of reach at all times to avoid tragedy.

  • Top 5 Charlotte-Approved Toys

    Puppies are bundles of energy, and they need direction as they learn what’s okay for them to chew. Have these toys at the ready for the next time your pup tries to use you or your furniture as a chew toy.

    KONG Goodie Bone – This nearly-indestructible rubber bone has ingenious openings in the end where you can stuff treats. The small size is great for minis, and it’s a nightly treat for Charlotte.

    Starmark Everlasting Treat BentoBall – This dishwasher-safe ball has openings to insert hard, chewable and lickable chicken-flavored disks that will keep your dog occupied for hours. Charlotte protests when Mom takes this away.

    Chuckit! Ultra Ball Small – When it’s time for a good run, this mini-sized ball encourages an enthusiastic game of fetch in the back yard. The orange color makes it easy to spot in the grass or snow, and the rubber material holds up to aggressive chewers.

    Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy – Remember Weebles? They wobble but the don’t fall down? Now add a chamber to pour kibble into with a hole on the side to dispense, and you’ve got an enrichment toy for your pup. The weighted bottom keeps the toy upright and rocking as your doxie bobs at it. The small size works great for miniature dachshunds.

    Zippy Paws Skinny Peltz – Tired of finding stuffing all over the house after an enthusiastic play session? Worried about your pup ingesting fiberfill? These plush toys are sans stuffing and super cute! The small size is just right for thrashing about, and they come with squeakers for more interactive play. These are a bed-time must-have for Charlotte.

  • Cleaning – for when life gets messy

    You and your new little bundle of energy and tail wags are settling in. Your life feels like one glorious Instagram reel after another until you step out of bed for a late-night potty run and find yourself . . . with a wet sock. Or your little angel leaves you a “gift” on the living room carpet. As they say, sh*t happens, and when it does, you need reliable cleaners to take care of it.

    Here’s a list of my current favorites for when you need to get “down and dirty” to get clean.

    Eco88

    • Pros: This is the only fragrance-free cleaning product I’ve found and the only “spray and walk away” product that does what it promises. Stains disappear before your eyes. It’s so effective that I’ve started using it on bio-based laundry stains like blood and sweat. And it doesn’t leave a residue.
    • Cons: It’s pricey! Buying it by the gallon makes it more affordable, but it will still set you back.

    Odorcide Laundry Odor Eliminator Concentrate

    • Pros: It works! Clothes, rugs and upholstery covers come out without any hint of urine smells. And it only takes a small amount per load making it affordable for machine-washable items like dog beds.
    • Cons: It does have a fragrance that seems to have gotten stronger when I reordered. The fragrance disappears quickly once fabric dries, though.

    Vinegar

    • Pros: This tried-and-true cleaner works on hard surfaces. Mix with water in a spray bottle and keep it on hand for vinyl or hardwood flooring. Be sure to rinse and dry promptly, especially on hardwood flooring. And it’s uber-affordable.
    • Cons: Alas, this is not the go-to for carpet since it doesn’t remove the stains.

    Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover

    • Pros: This enzymatic cleaner is about half the price of Eco88 and is effective at removing stains and odors in carpet, upholstery and clothing. It’s a plant-based, eco-friendly solution with no artificial fragrances or dyes. I recently used it on a urine stain on a dog bed cushion, and after soaking the spots and leaving them sit overnight, the visible stains were gone.
    • Cons: Again, there is fragrance added – “Lime Essence” – which smells very soapy. It may be plant based, but it’s still a strong scent. Thankfully, it dissipates once dry. It does leave a clear residue if not rinsed, however. Instructions are to spray, leave for a few minutes and blot.

    All of these are readily available at pet stores, grocery stores (vinegar) and from Amazon. Be sure to have one or more on hand for those blissful but messy days of puppyhood and housetraining.

  • How do I keep my doxie fit when the temperature dips?

    Does your mini sausage resist time outdoors as the mercury drops? Here are a few tips to keep your pup in tip-top shape, even during the coldest days of the year.

    • Keep playtime short. Keep in mind that doxies are small and more susceptible to the cold. A few short bursts of activity are more appropriate this time of year than one long walk.
    • Dress appropriately. Just as humans need to bundle up, so too does your little companion. There are many coats and sweaters made to fit the longer body and broad chests of dachshunds. Bundle up your pup!
    • If your dog is shy about going out in the cold, try coaxing them with their favorite game or toy. Again, keep the play time brief so that they enjoy it. Leave them wanting more rather than allowing them to become too cold.
    • Does your dog love walks around the neighborhood. Great! As you’re both enjoying the sites and fresh air, be on the lookout for sidewalk salt, and avoid this to avoid irritation to your doxie’s paws.
    • Make snowy days extra fun. Try shoveling paths for your mini sausage to run through. If the snow is extra deep, you can even dig a short tunnel to make things interesting. Or toss a few treats into the snow and let your pup sniff them out as a reward.

    Remember, with the right duds and some attention to your dog’s cues, you can still both enjoy playtime in the great outdoors, even on the snowiest winter days.