Why do dachshunds have back problems?
Dachshunds, in general, are a very healthy breed, however, they are prone to some spine issues that can lead to problems that go from mild back pain to very serious problems like paralysis.
Most of the time, what causes dachshunds to develop back problems, is their body structure (long spines and short legs), but they also have a genetic predisposition to develop a disorder called IVDD or Inter-Vertebral Disk Disease.
Related post: How to Care for a Dachshund with a Back Injury
What is IVDD?
This disease affects all kinds of dogs, but Dachshunds are especially vulnerable because the gene that causes them to have short legs, also causes them to develop disk problems on their backs.
Inter-Vertebral disks act as cushions or shock absorbers for the dog’s backs and are gel-like on the inside, with a harder shell on the outside. IVDD causes the gel-like layer of the disks to harden and lose elasticity, which increases the risk of back injuries.
About 25% of Dachshunds develop IVDD to some degree at some point in their lives. This disease doesn’t necessarily mean paralysis or serious back injuries, some cases are minor, and relatively simple treatment will lead to recovery. But the most important thing to do is to seek veterinary help immediately if any symptoms show up. This is very important to increase your dachshund’s chances of recovery.
What are the symptoms of IVDD?
– Signs of pain like rapid, shallow breathing, shivering, or shaking
– Limping
– Walking wobbly or hunched over
– Crying when you pick them up
– Dragging legs
– Unable to stand up or move its tail
Can dachshunds climb stairs?
Stairs are a big NO for dachshunds. Going up and down stairs puts a lot of stress on your dachshund’s spine. This happens because dachshunds have short legs and must arch their backs to jump from one step to another. This move can be detrimental to the health of your dachshund’s back. If your dachshund is prone to IVDD, going up and down the stairs may be what triggers it. It is a good idea to install baby gates on the stairs to prevent your dachshund from trying to climb them.
How to prevent back problems in Dachshunds
While you can’t eliminate their genetic predispositions or the possibility of back problems, you can help prevent or lessen the severity of back injuries and minimize the impact of disk problems by avoiding putting too much strain on your dachshund’s back. Here is what you can do:
1. Keep your dachshund lean and fit. Overweight dachshunds carry extra weight that adds stress to their back. Your dog needs to have some strong muscles to support its spine. So, make sure your doxie stays active and exercises daily.
2. Use a Harness instead of a collar. Especially if your dachshund likes to pull when you take it outside to walk. Using a harness avoids pressure on the back and neck.
3. Keep your dachshund from jumping on and off furniture as this puts a lot of strain on their back. You can get a ramp so they can go up and down the bed or couch. Don’t use pet steps as they can require awkward movement for a dachshund.
Click here to see our pick of the best ramps for dachshunds
4. Limit their access to stairs. Dachshunds are very energetic, so you shouldn’t try to stop them from using the stairs, but you can limit the number of times they go up and down. When possible, carry them or install baby gates.
Remember that genetics and environment can work together to determine spine or disk problems in dachshunds. So take these precautions and give your doxie the best chance possible to live a happy, healthy life.
Check out this related post: How To Raise a Happy and Healthy Dachshund
How to hold a dachshund.
- Place one hand under the dog’s chest to support the chest and front legs.
- Place the other hand under the dog’s rear to support the loin and hind leg
- Don’t let a Dachshund ‘hang’ or ‘dangle’ from the front legs or chest. This can cause back injuries
Final thoughts
So, now you know a little bit more about dachshund back problems and how to avoid them. By keeping your dog active and healthy, you can help ensure that they don’t develop any painful spinal issues down the road.
Related post: Dachshund Back Problems and How to Avoid Them
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