Tampa Florida miniature dachshund breeder – Healthy, happy dachshunds

AZ Doxies is in central Florida near Tampa. We have been breeding for over four years and are dedicated to breeding the healthiest doxies possible. Our owner, Bryan Martin, grew up in Florida and has owned dachshunds all his life. Florida is such a great place to raise a dachshund. They love grass and warm weather. Having a watering hole or pool is great for exercise as well. There are some things to be careful of in central Florida when owning a dachshund. We will discuss that later.
Why we love Tampa Bay, Florida!
Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. The population of Tampa is approximately 392,800 making it the 3rd largest city in Florida and the 53rd largest city in the United States. Tampa is part of the metropolitan area most referred to as the “Tampa Bay Area” which has an approximate population of 3 .1 million. It is located on the west coast of Florida with an average annual temperature of 73.1 degrees. Tampa’s economy is founded on a diverse base that includes tourism, agriculture, construction, finance, health care, government, technology, and the Port of Tampa which is the largest port in the State of Florida.

The Tampa Bay Area has several professional sports teams including the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers team (2002 Super Bowl Champions), the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning (2004, 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup), the Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays (2008 and 2020 American League pennant) and the United Soccer League’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.
With all this nightlife and adventure in Tampa, many people prefer to stay near their home and bond with members of a close-knit community. One of those communities is the dachshund owner community. Tampa, and Florida in general is known for producing very quality dachshunds that stay close to standard. At AZ Doxies, our goal is to study AKC and FCI standards and try to create the healthiest puppies possible. We only place puppies in homes where someone will be home to be with them during the day and night. Who our dogs go home with is more important than money or anything else. AZ Doxies is dedicated to AKC and FCI breeding standards and performs DNA testing and health testing on all sires and dams. All of our moms and dads are AKC registered, and puppies can be sold with AKC breeding rights for an extra fee.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE DACHSHUND BREED

Dachshunds can have back issues. Research IVDD first if you haven’t. It is the biggest issue the dachshund breed faces. Get pet insurance immediately at getting your puppy covering accidents and surgeries. Lemonade or Pumpkin are both good pet insurance companies. You will want to outfit your home with ramps to the couch, chairs, and the bed. Jumping up and down off high areas is a big no-no and should be discouraged immediately. Do not let them beg, standing on their back legs for a treat.

Take good care of their teeth and maintain good weight and exercise. Swimming is excellent exercise to work their muscles and joints. All toys will be destroyed in a matter of days usually, so be prepared to replace some balls. Potty training a dachshund can be hard so take them out very often. They usually choose one person as their favorite. Long-haired doxies may require grooming, and they may tend to be a bit lazier if you want a cuddler. Short-haired wieners generally seem sportier and more playful.
Dachshunds are diggers due to their roots as hunting dogs. When they get a scent, it may be hard to get their attention. Don’t be surprised if you come outside to find a few holes in your yard. Also, make sure perimeter fences are buried in the ground to prevent the little digger from escaping the yard.
The average dachshund will live 14-16 years, so you are in this relationship for the long haul. If you keep up with checkup and feed a healthy diet, your doxies should be mobile and healthy for many years. Many people are feeding a raw diet and are having great results with less health issues in general for dogs. Most important thing to remember when feeding raw is to sanitize and keep food frozen until it is time to eat. If you do feed kibble, we recommend hydrating it with bone broth or even just warm water.

5 DOG HAZARDS IN TAMPA BAY FLORIDA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Heartworm Disease

Insect/Arachnid Bites

Let’s face it – Florida is an “insectville” – we are surrounded by thousands of insects everywhere we go. Any insect bite or sting can cause a reaction in your pet. Most bites are harmless and cause swelling, redness, and itching. If your pet is having a more severe reaction, however, such as facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or collapse, they need to be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Some insects, such as brown recluse and black widow, are more dangerous or even life threatening and typically cause more severe reactions in most pets. The venom from brown recluse bite causes tissue destruction and necrosis. The black widow envenomation can cause changes to sensation locally, muscle twitching, anxiety, respiratory distress, seizures, and paralysis. In either case your dog should be brought to their veterinarian right away for supportive care and treatment.

Snakebites

It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the snakes in your area. There are 50 species of snakes in Florida, out of which 6 are venomous: the Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, Copperhead, and the Coral Snake. Most of the snakes that you will encounter are not poisonous, however it is better to be safe and avoid encounters. Snakes will not bite unless provoked, but dogs are curious and can easily find themselves face to face with dangerous reptiles. Snakebites can cause severe swelling, pain, decreased clotting ability or uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulty, etc.
Bites by venomous snakes are very dangerous and can even be immediately life threatening. It is critical to get your dog to the closest veterinarian immediately.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke (also called hyperthermia or heat prostration) is an increased body temperature caused by environmental conditions. It is most common in the summer months when heat and humidity rise. Some common causes include leaving a pet in a parked car, exercising in hot and/or humid conditions, being left outside without adequate shade and water.
Common symptoms include distress or anxiety, bright red or purple color of your pet’s tongue or gums, excessive salivation, heavy panting, weakness or collapse.
Heat Stroke is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate care. Remove your pet from the environment where the overheating occurred and take them immediately to the closest veterinary clinic.

Sago Palm (Miniature Palm Trees)

It is a miniature palm tree lookalike, most used in landscaping and even sold as houseplants. Sago Palms are highly toxic and cause liver failure and death. Every part of the plant is toxic. Even 1 seed can be fatal to a dog. Most pet owners are unaware of the danger of having them in the house or yard.

Ticks

Although ticks are commonly thought of as insects, they are actually arachnids similar to scorpions, spiders, and mites. All adult ticks have eight legs and have no antennae. Adult insects, by comparison, have six legs and one pair of antennae. Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which can include pets and people.
Ticks are efficient carriers of disease because they attach firmly when sucking blood, feed slowly, and may go unnoticed for a considerable time while feeding. Ticks take several days to complete feeding. Ticks wait for host animals on the tips of grasses and shrubs. When a moving animal or person brushes the plant, the tick quickly lets go of the vegetation and climbs onto the host. This process is known as questing. Ticks can only crawl; they cannot jump or fly. Some species of ticks will crawl several feet toward a host. Some tick species can be active on winter days if the ground temperatures are above 32°F (0°C). There are many tick preventatives available commercially. Some products are available over the counter, while others are only available through your veterinarian. There are effective monthly preventatives that are typically applied to the skin at the back of the neck and represent a convenient method of control for these external parasites. This includes Frontline Plus® (only available in the USA) and Advantix®. In recent years, the topical preventive Bravecto® has been developed and lasts for 3 months when applied topically. Additionally, there are chewable products such as Nexgard®, Simparica® and Credelio® that are given monthly, or chewable Bravecto®, which is given every 3 months. Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations to keep your pet parasite free.
If you find a tick on your dog: Use fine-tipped tweezers or disposable gloves to handle the tick. If you must use your fingers, shield them with a tissue or paper towel. Infectious agents may be contracted through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin simply by handling infected ticks. This is especially important for people who de-tick pets, because ticks that infest dogs and other domestic animals can carry multiple diseases capable of infecting humans.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. This reduces the possibility of the tick’s head detaching from the body upon removal.
Pull the tick straight out with a steady, even pressure. Continue applying steady pressure even if the tick does not release immediately. It may take a minute or two of constant, slow pulling to cause the tick to release. There are also tools available called Tick Twisters or Tick Keys which can be useful. However, use them cautiously, as twisting or jerking the tick may cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, increasing the chances of infection.

Bufo Toads

Bufo toads are an invasive species of toad native to Central and South America. Also called cane or marine toads, they were originally introduced to Florida for attempted pest control. They now make headlines for their toxin, which can prove fatal to pets when ingested. Today, they can be found in Hawaii, parts of Texas, and South and Central Florida. They love wet areas, breeding in spots like canals and ponds, and might emerge in or after rainstorms. The AKC Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jerry Klein, notes that “there are two major species of toads in the U.S. that can cause severe toxicity, and that’s the cane toad, or the bufo toad—used to call it Bufo Marinus—but also the Colorado River and Sonoran Desert toad.” Bufo toads usually measure between 3 to 6 inches long without head ridges. The squat, warty creatures in varying shades of brown, go out at night—particularly in spring and summer—and love water.
“The toads have large poison glands on each shoulder,” says Dr. Steve Johnson of the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in a YouTube clip. “And when a dog bites down on the toad, these glands either squirt or ooze out a creamy-colored, thick poison. Left untreated, this poison can be lethal to your pet.”
Here are a few things you can do at home to keep Bufo toads away from your dog:

Trim low-hanging tree and shrub limbs, which can be toad hiding spots
Clean your yard and remove anything (including the contents of food or water bowls)
Eliminate sources of stagnant water in your yard, as toads can lay toxic tadpoles there
Turn off outside lights that attract insects, which in turn attract toads. If you are not comfortable with that, Dr. Johnson says in the video to “replace your current bulbs with yellow, so-called bug lights that won’t attract insects. Or consider installing motion sensor security lights, which are not constantly on and won’t invite insects.”
Learn how to identify what are native toads or non-toxic toads versus Bufo toads

What Do I Do if I Know My Dog Has Been Exposed to Bufo Toads?

Wipe out inside of their mouth with a wet rag and onside of lips—be thorough
Use a garden hose with a steady flow to rinse their mouth out. “What’s critical about using a hose, and this is something that most people don’t know, if a hose has been sitting out in direct sunlight for a while and you turn it on really fast because you’re in an emergency, you’re not thinking, the water in the hose can sometimes be so hot as to cause third-degree burns,” Dr. Klein says. He noted that owners should make sure to point the house down so the tainted water is flushed out and does not go down the dog’s throat.
Call your vet for advice and bring your pet in for an exam as soon as possible: the first 12-24 hours are critical. Know your emergency animal hospital number beforehand. Because many veterinary hospitals don’t have the capacity for intensive monitoring, your dog “may have to go to an emergency or a specialty center in order to have constant electrolyte EKG monitoring.

BENEFITS OF OWNING A DACHSHUND

The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund have made him a superstar of the canine kingdom. Dachshunds come in two sizes and in three coat types of various colors and patterns. The Dachshund, with it’s unmistakable long-backed body, little legs, and big personality, is truly an icon of purebred dogdom. Dachshunds aren’t built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, but otherwise these tireless hounds are game for anything. Smart and vigilant, with a big-dog bark, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over.

1. They are great companions.
Dachshunds are loyal. They’re also very affectionate, so don’t be surprised if you get endless love and licking from these adorable doxies. They love to snuggle, cuddle, and play and will follow you around the house all day!

2. They are intelligent and trainable.
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs. While it may take slightly longer, given their stubborn nature, you can still train your Dachshund many commands and tricks!

3. They are good watchdogs.
Dachshunds may be small, but they have a big bark and are very brave. Weiner dogs are known to defend their home against predators that are much bigger than they are.

4. They are low-shedding.
Depending on their coat type, Dachshunds are either smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. Their coats also come in various colors and patterns, from black and tan to chocolate and cream. Depending on their coat type, they can be effortless to care for.

5. They are adaptable.
Dachshunds are the perfect pup if you’re looking for a dog that can go with your flow. They have an extraordinary ability to thrive in any living situation. From apartments and houses to rural areas – as long as they get adequate exercise, socialization & mental stimulation!

6. They are great with kids.
Dachshunds are the perfect family pet – gentle, playful, and patient with children if given proper guidance. They love people so much that they want to be included in all of your activities!

7. They are good with other pets.
Dachshunds can get along with other dogs, cats, and small animals, especially if they are socialized and trained early on. However, they may display some prey drive towards smaller animals, so it’s important to supervise their interactions.

8. They are active and playful.
Dachshunds are the life of any party when it comes to playtime. They’ll make sure you never have a dull moment – always chasing after balls, exploring new corners of your backyard, and even willing to take long walks with you! But don’t underestimate them; these little pups might surprise you with how much energy they can summon up for an adventure.

9. They are loyal and devoted.
Dachshunds are known for their attachment and loyalty to their owners. No matter what, they will always be by your side and defend you and your family at all costs.

10. They are adaptable to different owners.
Dachshunds make a great companion for just about anyone! They have an impressively adaptable nature and can easily fit into any household. Whether you’re single, part of a family, or somewhere in between – your new furry pal will be happy to join the party.

11. They are relatively healthy.
With the proper nutrition, exercise, and care, your Dachshund can be a part of your family for 12-15 years. While they are prone to issues like back problems and obesity – proper prevention is key! Keep up with needed checkups to ensure many happy memories together down the road.
At AZ Doxies, we want to help you on your journey to owning a dachshund to be that loyal companion for your family. Both Bryan and Peggy from AZ Doxies are here anytime to give advice or just to talk doxie. We are in love with the dachshund breed and want to share the joy we get from these little guys with the world.
AZ Doxies is a dedicated miniature dachshund breeder near Tampa Florida. We breed healthy puppies with proven pedigree. Optimal Selection DNA testing on all sires and dams.

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