How to Groom a Long-Haired Dachshund
Grooming a long-haired dachshund can feel like keeping a fluffy mop neat—adorable, but sometimes tricky. These wee sausages of fluff are known for their stunning coats, which need a bit of extra care to stay smooth and tangle-free. If you're a proud dachshund paw-rent looking for top tips on taming tangles, you're in the right place.
At Petdirect, we get pet grooming isn’t just about good looks—it’s a key part of your dog’s comfort and wellbeing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to groom a long-haired dachshund at home, including tools, techniques, and making grooming a tail-wagging experience for you both.
Why Regular Grooming Matters For Long-Haired Dachshunds
Long-haired dachshunds have a soft, flowing outer coat and a dense undercoat, which makes them prone to matting—especially around the ears, chest, belly and tail. Regular brushing and bathing keep their coats clean, remove loose hair and help prevent painful knots that can pull at the skin.
Besides coat care, grooming is a great chance to check your pup’s overall health. You can spot skin issues, ticks, or lumps early, keeping your little sausage happier and healthier.
Essential Grooming Tools For Tangle-Free Success
Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference when grooming your dachshund. Here’s what you’ll want in your grooming toolkit:
- Slicker brush – great for removing loose undercoat hair and preventing mats
- Detangling comb – ideal for gently working through knots
- Dog shampoo & conditioner – choose a formula suited for long coats and sensitive skin
- Nail clippers – keep nails trimmed to prevent injury
- Ear cleaning solution – to help prevent ear infections
Our personal grooming pick? Check out the range from smith&burton and Wahl—designed with coats like dachshunds in mind and gentle enough for regular use.
Brushing Basics: How Often And Where To Focus
Ideally, aim to brush your long-haired dachshund 3–4 times a week to stay ahead of tangles. Focus on areas where mats form easily—behind the ears, under the arms, around the neck, and the back of the legs. A few gentle brush strokes each session is better than pulling harshly at knotty fur.
Start with a slicker brush to loosen debris and surface tangles. Then, use a detangling spray if needed and work through problem areas with a wide-toothed comb. If you hit a stubborn mat, hold the fur at the base to avoid tugging at the skin.
Bath Time Tips For Long-Haired Coats
Bathing helps cleanse your dachshund’s coat and skin, but overdoing it can dry them out. Once a month is a good general rule—unless they’ve rolled in something especially delightful (to them, at least). Use a high-quality conditioning shampoo designed for long coats to keep fur soft and manageable.
After rinsing thoroughly, gently pat them dry or use a low-heat dryer on a cool setting. Then brush them out again to prevent post-bath tangles as the coat dries.
Troubleshooting Tangles And Mats
If your dachshund does end up with a stubborn mat, don’t panic—gently tease it apart with your fingers or a dematting tool. In severe cases (think dreadlock status), you may need to carefully trim out the mat with blunt-tipped scissors, or visit a professional dog groomer for help.
To prevent mats from forming in the first place, many pet parents find success by adding coat-supporting supplements to their dachshund's diet. Look for formulas with omega fatty acids to promote healthy, resilient fur.
Make Grooming A Positive Experience
Dachshunds can be squirmy customers, especially during their first few grooms. Keep sessions short, calm and positive, using reassuring tones and offering plenty of tasty treats as rewards. Even a lickimat with some treat paste can work wonders for distracting wriggly pups.
Routine is your best buddy here—groom at the same time and in a low-stress environment. With patience, most long-haired dachshunds come to enjoy their grooming ritual.
A Smooth Coat, A Happy Hound
Grooming your long-haired dachshund doesn’t have to be ruff. With the right tools, patience and a bit of know-how, you can keep your pup's coat glossy, soft, and knot-free year-round. Remember, grooming isn’t just upkeep—it’s bonding time, too.
Need everything in one go? Dive into our collection of grooming essentials to get started. And don’t forget, with our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Airpoints™, you can treat your dog while earning a few perks of your own. Because at Petdirect, we get pet.