Dachshund back problems are one of the main health concerns for this breed. Guide to some solutions and helpful tips.
About 25 percent of dachshunds will have some degree of a disk problem. However, most of their back problems are not from their long backs, but in fact from their short legs.
Another problem is that dachshunds are prone to obesity, which is a bad combination for back problems. So keeping your dachshund from overeating is a necessity along with feeding them the best dog food and avoiding worst ingredients.
If you notice your dachshund is more reluctant to jump up or move a bit slower when getting up after sleeping this could be a sign of a dachshund back problem.
Once full of energy, your dachshund may now seem to slow down and tire more easily. You might want to look for these signs.
Here Are Six Signs Your Dog Has A Back Problem
1. Licking Affected Joints
2. Falls Behind On Walks
3. Reduction in muscle tone
4. Mild swelling/heat in the joints
5. Slight Stiffness on rising/lying down
6. Somewhat reluctant to climb stairs
Dachshunds are usually healthy dogs with their lifespan on average from 14-17. However, they do have some health issues you might watch out for.
Since dachshunds have long spines, they are more prone to dachshund back problems.
Most of the common areas for a dachshund to develop a spine problem is the back. However, they are also more susceptible to neck and cervical spine problems as well.
When talking about dachshund back problems, it is usually associated with what is called “Intervertebral Disc Disease”.
This is a medical condition where the intervertebral disc protrudes to a degree or completely prolapses, causing a level of spinal cord compression.
This can be painful and cause dysfunction in your dachshund.
Dachshunds are more susceptible to this condition than any other breed.
Packer, RMA, et al., “DachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds,” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016
Dachshund Back Problems – 3 Ways They Can Hurt Their Backs
Here are three ways your Dachshund can possibly “hurt their back”:
1. First is from an injury if your dachshund either falls or accidentally gets stepped on.
2. Secondly, is when your dachshund gets old. Even though he may not have had a previous back problem, now as they got older, their spine has had wear and tear over the years.
3. The third and most common dachshund back problem is from their spinal disk degeneration, called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can occur in some dogs and is especially more common in dachshunds. IVDD is a disease that causes the spinal disks to degenerate. The soft inner layer becomes brittle and drier.
This causes the inner layer to bulge out which puts pressure on your dachshund’s spinal cord. causing pain.
There are various degrees of IVDD, where with some dogs it can be more serious than others.
Things You Can Do to Help Prevent Dachshund Back Problems
1. You need to make sure they do not jump up and down from your couch or bed, as this can cause back problems.
2. Avoid letting them run at top speed to chase anything like a ball or squirrel.
3. Don’t rough-house them.
4. It is recommended instead of a leash you should use a Harness collar instead.
This is ideal for a dachshund as it fits around their whole upper body and not just the neck. This really helps distribute the force so they don’t develop a cervical neck injury as with using a leash.
Here is a recommended dog harness perfect for your dachshund:
5. I would recommend getting a portable ramp for your dachshund so they won’t have to jump.
6. They also have a tendency to be a glutton and you need to watch their weight how much to feed a dachshund so they don’t bloat up. This can be a serious condition if they bloat especially since they have a deep chest.
When picking up a dachshund make sure you support their back.
To prevent dachshund back problems, it is vital to give them a joint supplement.
One supplement that is highly recommended by Veterinarians is Syn-Flex Liquid Glucosamine Formula for dogs.