At a glance
- Dachshunds face a 19-24% chance of developing IVDD due to their unique body structure
- Early signs include reluctance to jump, back stiffness, and changes in behaviour like snapping when touched
- Prevention focuses on weight management, using ramps instead of allowing jumping, and proper lifting techniques
- Conservative treatment with crate rest can be effective when caught early, though some cases require surgery
Why your Dachshund's back is vulnerable
You might notice your Dachshund hesitating before jumping onto the couch, or perhaps they've started yelping when picked up. These behaDachshundsen signal the beginning of back problems that affect roughly one in five Dachshunds during their lifetime.
The same adorable body shape that makes these dogs so distinctive also creates their biggest health challenge. That long spine supported by short legs places constant stress on the intervertebral discs, the cushions between each vertebra. Over time, this stress causes the discs to degenerate or herniate, leading to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Research from the Royal Veterinary College, involving over 2,000 Dachshunds, shows that while genetics play a role, lifestyle factors significantly influence whether your dog will develop IVDD. This means you have more control over your dog's spinal health than you might think.
Recognising the warning signs
Many Dachshund owners initially dismiss subtle changes in their dog's behaviour as normal ageing or temporary soreness. However, early detection makes an enormous difference in treatment outcomes.
The first signs are often behavioural rather than obvious physical symptoms. Your typically social dog might start growling when touched around the back or neck area. They may become reluctant to climb stairs or jump onto furniture they've always accessed easily. Some dogs develop a hunched posture or begin walking with a stiff, careful gait.
More serious symptoms develop as the condition progresses. Weakness in the hind legs, difficulty standing up, or dragging the back feet require immediate veterinary attention. Loss of bladder or bowel control indicates severe spinal cord compression and constitutes a veterinary emergency.
Sometimes the onset is sudden rather than gradual. A disc can rupture during normal activity, causing immediate severe pain and potential paralysis. This is why understanding prevention becomes so crucial for every owner.
Prevention strategies that actually work
Weight management stands as the single most effective prevention strategy. Every extra gram your dog carries increases the load on those vulnerable discs. The research consistently shows that maintaining ideal body weight significantly reduces IVDD risk.
Most owners underestimate their dog's weight. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. High-quality, small-breed-specific food helps maintain proper nutrition while controlling calories.
Eliminating high-impact activities requires changing some household routines, but the effort pays dividends. Instead of allowing jumping on and off furniture, invest in quality ramps. Wooden ramps with rubberised surfaces provide excellent traction and can support dogs up to 220 pounds, making them suitable for all Dachshund sizes. Foam ramps work well for indoor use and softer surfaces.
Your lifting technique matters more than you might realise. Always support the entire body when picking up your dog, with one hand under the chest and another supporting the hindquarters. Never lift by the front legs alone or allow the back end to dangle unsupported.
Exercise without the risk
These dogs still need regular exercise to maintain muscle tone and joint health, but the type of activity makes all the difference. Short walks on flat surfaces provide excellent low-impact exercise. Swimming offers ideal conditioning when available, as the water supports body weight while allowing full range of motion.
Avoid activities that involve sudden stops, starts, or twisting movements. This means discouraging games like fetch or frisbee, which often involve jumping and quick direction changes. Instead, focus on steady, controlled movement that builds supporting muscle without stressing the spine.
The right walking equipment also contributes to spinal health. A properly fitted chest harness distributes pressure across the ribcage rather than concentrating force on the neck and upper spine. This becomes particularly important if your dog tends to pull during walks.
Treatment options when problems develop
Conservative treatment remains the first approach for most IVDD cases, particularly when caught early. This typically involves strict crate rest for several weeks, allowing inflammation to subside and damaged tissue to heal. The confinement might seem harsh, but movement during this critical period can worsen the injury significantly.
Pain management requires veterinary supervision, as the medications effective for disc problems aren't the same as those you might use for minor injuries. Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling around compressed nerves, while other medications address nerve pain specifically.
Physical rehabilitation has become increasingly important in IVDD treatment. Qualified canine physiotherapists use techniques like underwater treadmills, therapeutic exercises, and massage to restore function and prevent muscle atrophy. Many dogs show remarkable improvement with proper rehabilitation, even after severe injuries.
Surgical intervention becomes necessary when conservative treatment fails or when there's severe neurological compromise. The surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord by removing herniated disc material. Success rates vary depending on the severity and location of the problem, but early intervention generally improves outcomes.
Managing long-term spinal health
Recovery from IVDD often takes months rather than weeks, requiring patience from both dog and owner. Even after successful treatment, these dogs remain at higher risk for future episodes, making ongoing prevention crucial.
Regular veterinary check-ups become more important as your dog ages, particularly if they've had previous back problems. Your vet can detect subtle changes in mobility or posture that might indicate developing issues.
Environmental modifications often become permanent lifestyle changes. Those ramps you installed during treatment should remain in place indefinitely. The exercise restrictions that seemed temporary during recovery actually represent a new approach to keeping your dog active safely.
Weight management becomes even more critical after an IVDD episode. Dogs with previous disc problems have less margin for error when it comes to excess weight, making careful attention to body condition essential.
When to seek professional help
Don't wait for obvious symptoms before consulting your veterinarian. Any change in your dog's movement patterns, behaviour around being touched, or reluctance to perform normal activities warrants professional evaluation.
Emergency situations require immediate attention regardless of the time of day. Complete inability to move the hind legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or signs of severe pain like constant panting or inability to settle comfortably all indicate potential spinal cord damage that worsens with delay.
Even seemingly minor symptoms deserve prompt attention in this breed. What appears to be temporary stiffness after exercise might represent the early stages of disc degeneration. Early intervention consistently produces better outcomes than waiting to see if the problem resolves on its own.
The unique anatomy that makes Dachshunds so appealing also makes them vulnerable to serious spinal problems. However, understanding these risks and implementing appropriate prevention strategies can help your dog live a long, comfortable life. The key lies in recognising that their distinctive body shape requires distinctive care throughout their lives.
