The most common cause of back problems in Dachshunds, and many other dog breeds, is a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD develops when the cartilage between spinal discs begins to wear down. The disc becomes displaced and puts pressure on the spinal cord. This can result in extreme pain and even paralysis in some cases.
How to Prevent and Help Your Dog with IVDD?
1) Learn all you can about the IVDD
One of the best things you can do to help avoid and properly treat back issues in dogs, regardless of whether you are familiar with IVDD or not, is to arm yourself with more knowledge.
One way to do this is to join an IVDD support community.
2) Help your dog maintain a proper weight
Making sure your dog keeps off any extra pounds will prevent unnecessary strain on your dog’s spine or neck.
If you are unsure whether your dog is at the proper weight or not, consult your vet for advice or determine how much your Dachshund should weigh and perform your own assessment.
3) Keep your Dachshund active
Some owners are so afraid of re-injury that they overprotect their Dachshund.
Their behavior and quality of life may be negatively impacted, and they may become more prone to future back injuries as a result.
Even if your Dachshund has IVDD, it's still necessary for them to exercise frequently. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping muscles and joints strong, and maintaining cardiovascular health are all benefits of regular exercise.
4) Use back support
Using a dog back brace for ivdd, like the Lovepluspet Back Brace, which was designed with input from veterinarians and provides comfortable but firm support to help stabilize the dog’s spinal column, and may help in specific situations.
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