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Dachshund pet insurance guide.

Learn about the benefits of insuring your Dachshund. And find out more about this small dog with a big personality.

Dachshund insurance is included with Tesco Pet Insurance.

  • Cover any age of Dachshund - from 8 weeks old to very old.

    Cover any age of Dachshund - from 8 weeks old to very old.

  • Lifetime Insurance option - choose cover for vet fees up to £11,000 to help with ongoing health conditions.

    Lifetime Insurance option - choose cover for vet fees up to £11,000 to help with ongoing health conditions.

  • Save money on your policy - get a discount with your Clubcard. Plus, a multi pet discount if you insure more than one dog with us.

    Save money on your policy - get a discount with your Clubcard. Plus, a multi pet discount if you insure more than one dog with us.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

A dachshund wearing a harness sitting on grass, looking upward, with the Clubcard Prices logo overlaid.

Page contents

    Do you need Dachshund pet insurance? Do sausage dogs have health problems Top 10 Dachshund pet insurance claims Common health problems in Dachshunds How Tesco Pet Insurance can help
      The benefits of Tesco Pet Insurance Manage your money with Tesco Pet Insurance Dachshund dog breed information What are Dachshunds like as pets? Summary: The Dachshund

      Do you need Dachshund pet insurance?

      Dachshunds can develop back and joint problems. So Dachshund pet insurance could prove valuable.

      If your dog needs surgery or long-term treatment, the vet bills can be expensive. And Dachshund insurance can help to cover unexpected costs. It could also help to give you peace of mind, knowing your sausage dog will be well looked-after.

      You can learn more about the importance of pet insurance in our guide - Why is pet insurance important?

        How much is pet insurance for a Dachshund?

        Dachshund insurance tends to cost more than the average for many other small dog breeds. That's because Dachshunds are more likely to need long-term treatment.

        The cost of Dachshund pet insurance can vary, but it usually depends on things like:

        • breed-specific health risks - especially IVDD (see below)breed-specific health risks - especially IVDD (see below)
        • average cost of vet treatment (see below)average cost of vet treatment (see below)
        • your dog’s ageyour dog’s age
        • whether you have a standard or miniature Dachshundwhether you have a standard or miniature Dachshund
        • the type of cover you choosethe type of cover you choose
        • where you live in the UKwhere you live in the UK
        • your dog’s health history and lifestyleyour dog’s health history and lifestyle

        Looking for the best pet insurance for Dachshunds? A policy with good ongoing cover - like our Lifetime Pet Insurance - can help if your dog needs long-term treatment.

          Do sausage dogs have health problems?

          Yes. Dachshunds - also known as sausage dogs - often develop back problems caused by their long spines. And, as our claims data shows, sausage dog vet bills can soon add up if your dog needs treatment.

            Top 10 Dachshund pet insurance claims

            Below are the most common claims we receive for Dachshunds at Tesco Pet Insurance. And how much the average payment for treatment is.*

            Remember: without pet insurance, you’d have to pay for the total cost of treatment yourself. You would also be responsible for any cost of treatment that exceeds the level of cover chosen.

            Rank

            Condition

            Average claim cost

            1

              Disc problems

                £2,513.35

                  2

                    Dental disease

                      £205.65

                        3

                          Foreign body

                            £1,012.05

                              4

                                Lameness

                                  £650.46

                                    5

                                      Toxicity

                                        £373.26

                                          6

                                            Vomiting and diarrhoea

                                              £827.11

                                                7

                                                  Vomiting

                                                    £375.46

                                                      8

                                                        Miscellaneous lump

                                                          £458.18

                                                            9

                                                              Backpain

                                                                £1,142.22

                                                                  10

                                                                    Spinal condition

                                                                      £2,436.19

                                                                        *Tesco Pet Insurance claims payment data, January 2025-February 2026. Provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

                                                                        Common health problems in Dachshunds

                                                                        Every dog is different, but these conditions are common in Dachshunds.

                                                                        • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - common back problem. Causes pain, mobility issues or paralysisIntervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - common back problem. Causes pain, mobility issues or paralysis
                                                                        • Dental disease - especially in miniature DachshundsDental disease - especially in miniature Dachshunds
                                                                        • Obesity - can make back and joint problems worseObesity - can make back and joint problems worse
                                                                        • Patella luxation - kneecap instabilityPatella luxation - kneecap instability
                                                                        • Eye conditions - including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophyEye conditions - including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
                                                                        • Skin allergies - especially in long‑haired or wire‑haired varietiesSkin allergies - especially in long‑haired or wire‑haired varieties

                                                                        Some of these are long-term conditions. Dachshund Lifetime Insurance can help to provide cover for repeat treatment each year.

                                                                          How Tesco Pet Insurance can help

                                                                          Tesco Pet Insurance provides cover for accidents, illnesses and injuries. We cover Dachshunds from 8 weeks old. And you can choose from the following cover to meet your needs.


                                                                          Lifetime Pet Insurance

                                                                          Covers vet fees up to £3,000, £5,000, £7,500 or £11,000, depending on the limit you choose. Your vet fees limit will be reinstated each year, as long as you renew your policy and there’s no break in cover.

                                                                            Lifetime Pet Insurance

                                                                            Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance

                                                                            Covers vet fees for new illnesses and accidental injuries up to the vet fees limit on your policy. Your vet fees limit can be either £5,000 or £7,500 per condition.

                                                                              Maximum Benefit Pet Insurance

                                                                              Time Limited Pet Insurance

                                                                              Covers short-term treatment for your dog, if they get sick or have an accident.

                                                                                Time Limited Pet Insurance

                                                                                Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply. Check policy documents for more information.

                                                                                The benefits of Tesco Pet Insurance

                                                                                If your Dachshund develops a long-term health condition, it can mean ongoing vet bills.

                                                                                Tesco Pet Insurance can help to protect your sausage dog with:

                                                                                • Dental cover. Get cover to help with the cost of treatment for a breed that’s prone to dental disease.Dental cover
                                                                                  Get cover to help with the cost of treatment for a breed that’s prone to dental disease.
                                                                                • 24/7 vetfone helpline. Get advice for your Dachshund by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural issues to health and medical problems.24/7 vetfone helpline
                                                                                  Get advice for your Dachshund by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural issues to health and medical problems.
                                                                                • Direct payments to your vet. We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses apply.Direct payments to your vet
                                                                                  We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses apply.

                                                                                You can learn more about the benefits of pet insurance in our guide - Why should I get pet insurance?

                                                                                  Manage your money with Tesco Pet Insurance

                                                                                  These are some of the ways we can help you to manage and save money with Tesco Pet Insurance.

                                                                                  • Clubcard Prices. Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.Clubcard Prices
                                                                                    Save money on all Tesco Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard.
                                                                                  • Multi pet insurance. Get a £12 discount for each pet if you insure more than one with us. Available with all policies, for pets of all ages. Terms and conditions apply. Multi pet insurance
                                                                                    Get a £12 discount for each pet if you insure more than one with us. Available with all policies, for pets of all ages. Terms and conditions apply.
                                                                                  • Spread the cost of your cover. Pay your premium monthly by Direct Debit - it won't cost any more.Spread the cost of your cover
                                                                                    Pay your premium monthly by Direct Debit - it won't cost any more.

                                                                                  Refer a friend - and get a Tesco Gift Card

                                                                                  Refer a friend if you’re a Tesco Pet Insurance customer. And you’ll both get a £30 Tesco Gift Card as part of our pet insurance rewards. T&Cs apply.

                                                                                    Refer a friend

                                                                                    Dachshund insurance with Clubcard Prices

                                                                                    Dachshund insurance is included with Tesco Pet Insurance. Find cover for your sausage dog and save money with your Clubcard.

                                                                                    Not a Clubcard member? It’s free and it saves you money. Join now.

                                                                                      Get a quote Tesco Pet Insurance
                                                                                        Clubcard Prices logo.

                                                                                        Dachshund dog breed information

                                                                                        Dachshunds are also known as sausage dogs, thanks to their short legs and long bodies. They were first bred in Germany to hunt badgers, but today they’re much loved family pets.

                                                                                        They come in 2 sizes: standard and miniature. And with 3 types of coat: smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired.

                                                                                        A Dachshund is lively, loyal and full of character, making them a popular breed in the UK. On average, they live 12-16 years.

                                                                                          What are Dachshunds like as pets?

                                                                                          Dachshunds make loving, loyal pets, but they’re not always the easiest breed for first‑time dog owners. Here’s what to expect:

                                                                                          • A dog that loves company and doesn’t like you to leave them aloneA dog that loves company and doesn’t like you to leave them alone
                                                                                          • Some stubbornness during trainingSome stubbornness during training
                                                                                          • Very alert - many are quick to barkVery alert - many are quick to bark
                                                                                          • Playfulness and a strong personalityPlayfulness and a strong personality
                                                                                          • A dog that thrives on routine, affection and activityA dog that thrives on routine, affection and activity

                                                                                          Their size makes them great for smaller homes or city living. But their temperament means they benefit from consistent training and early socialisation.

                                                                                          To learn how consistency’s the key to successful dog training, see our guide with TV’s top dog trainer, Graeme Hall - How to keep your pet’s behaviour on track.

                                                                                          Graeme also gives us his top tips and advice in our special dog training guide - Dog training tips from The Dogfather.

                                                                                            Recommended exercise

                                                                                            Dachshunds are active - despite their short legs. Here’s what to aim for:

                                                                                            • 45-60 minutes of exercise each day, split into 2 walks45-60 minutes of exercise each day, split into 2 walks
                                                                                            • Give them plenty of mental stimulation - puzzle toys, sniffing games and trainingGive them plenty of mental stimulation - puzzle toys, sniffing games and training

                                                                                            Grooming

                                                                                            Grooming depends on the type of coat your Dachshund has.

                                                                                            • Smooth‑haired - low maintenance, weekly brushingSmooth‑haired - low maintenance, weekly brushing
                                                                                            • Long‑haired - regular brushing to avoid tanglesLong‑haired - regular brushing to avoid tangles
                                                                                            • Wire‑haired - may need professional hand‑stripping several times a yearWire‑haired - may need professional hand‑stripping several times a year

                                                                                            Dachshund dog care advice

                                                                                            Remember these essentials to keep your dog healthy and happy.

                                                                                            • Brush their teeth regularlyBrush their teeth regularly
                                                                                            • Keep them at a healthy weight to protect their spineKeep them at a healthy weight to protect their spine
                                                                                            • Use a harness instead of a collar to protect the neck and backUse a harness instead of a collar to protect the neck and back

                                                                                            What to avoid

                                                                                            • Your dog jumping on and off the furnitureYour dog jumping on and off the furniture
                                                                                            • Too much stair climbing and high‑impact exerciseToo much stair climbing and high‑impact exercise

                                                                                            Summary: The Dachshund

                                                                                            Dachshunds are clever, loving, family pets. They've got bags of personality, but they also come with known health risks.

                                                                                            Finding the best pet insurance for Dachshunds can help to protect against the cost of long-term conditions.

                                                                                            To compare cover for long-term treatment, take a look at our Lifetime Pet Insurance.

                                                                                              Help for Pet Insurance customers

                                                                                              Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.

                                                                                              Help for Pet Insurance customers

                                                                                              Important information

                                                                                              Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

                                                                                              vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.

                                                                                              You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.

                                                                                                Learn more about Tesco Pet Insurance

                                                                                                Dachshund insurance is included with Tesco Pet Insurance. 97% of claims paid within 5 working days*.

                                                                                                  Tesco Pet Insurance

                                                                                                  *Based on Tesco Pet Insurance claims data, January-October 2025.

                                                                                                    Dachshund FAQs

                                                                                                    Yes. Dachshunds can be great family dogs. They’re affectionate, playful, and enjoy being part of the action. Just keep their size in mind. Always supervise play with younger kids to make sure they’re handled gently.

                                                                                                      Some Dachshunds can swim, but they’re not natural swimmers. Their long backs and short legs make it more challenging to stay afloat. If yours enjoys water, keep them in shallow areas, use a dog life jacket, and always supervise them.

                                                                                                        Yes, but not heavily. Shedding varies by the type of coat they have.

                                                                                                        • Smooth-haired: light, easy to manage.Smooth-haired: light, easy to manage.
                                                                                                        • Long-haired: moderate shedding, needs more grooming.Long-haired: moderate shedding, needs more grooming.
                                                                                                        • Wire-haired: low to moderate shedding, regular trimming helps.Wire-haired: low to moderate shedding, regular trimming helps.

                                                                                                        Yes, they do! Dachshunds are very alert, vocal dogs with a big personality. They often bark at the arrival of visitors, to express excitement, or out of boredom. Consistent training helps to keep their barking under control.

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