Often called “wiener dogs,” dachshunds are just adorable with their long backs.
Image from: tenor
Unfortunately, this is also a worry for most owners — a possibility for a back injury.
Disc disease is common for this breed which is why extra care must be taken for prevention and treatment.
That’s right! There are ways to avoid and care for a dachshund with back problems.
Facts About Dachshund Back Problems
There are different ways for a dachshund to have a back injury:
Acute Injury
From being stepped on to falling off jumping on the sofa, this could result in an acute injury on your dachshund.
Fracture, tumors, dislocations, etc. could be the reason why your dog is suddenly whimpering. When this happens, know that a back problem is on your hands.
In most cases, applying a hot compress can do the trick; don’t do this for your dogs. Unlike people, dogs can’t tell you what or where the pain is, which is why taking your dog to a vet for diagnosis is the right course to take.
Age
Yep, dogs age up too — no surprise there. Along with age are numerous diseases, one of the like is osteoarthritis.
Degeneration of joints can progress and cause mild to severe pain for your dog, and it’s incurable.
But, as like with us humans, old age is constant but having a healthy body can be a good thing even for your dogs.
Reduce the possibility of “oldness” diseases from popping up by letting your dachshund eat and live well.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
IVDD is prevalent among dachshunds. This genetic disease causes spinal discs to become brittle and cause the spinal cord to be ruptured, herniated, or lodged.
This has a painful effect on any breed of dog, and can even cause paralysis.
Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the pain and effects caused by IVDD.
Symptoms of a Back Injury
- Loss of appetite
- Shivering, partnered with unusual inactivity
- Cries out or whimpers when moving or when being picked up
- Limping of any kind
- A hunched back or any strange position of the spine
- Refuses to get up or play
When your “wiener dog” suddenly yelps, it may or may not be a back injury. However, when your dachshund experiences two or three of those symptoms, there’s sure to be a problem.
How To Help a Dachshund With Back Pain?
Keep calm. Most dog owners would feel anxious when their dog suddenly feels pain —it’s natural.
The best thing to do, however, is to relax and consider the condition of your “wiener dog.”
Let your dachshund get into a comfortable position and make sure it also relaxes to avoid further stress on its back.
Keep Them From Moving Around
Most dogs would stop moving around when they’re experiencing severe pain. If not, dog owners can put them in a crate.
Although laying them in bed or sofa may seem appealing, don’t!
Not only does the uneven surface cause pain, but it can also worsen the possibility of a back injury.
Carry Your Dachshund
If you plan to move or want to ease the pain of your dog, wrapping it in a towel carrying it is best.
In doing so, the stress on your dachshund’s back is minimized since there is no whipping motion via carrying.
When lifting them up, place both hands underneath the rib cage and back legs as a support.
Consult a Vet
Many factors can be considered when it comes to a back injury.
A vet can professionally diagnose and find the cause and provide an appropriate solution to the pain being experienced by your dog.
At the first sign of a back injury, a quick diagnosis may be necessary, so best have a vet’s card ready.
Don’t Be Afraid of Surgery
Many cases have proven painkillers to do the trick. If not, and if your vet tells you that surgery is needed, don’t put it off.
A surgery as soon as it’s noticed could save your dachshund from a lot of pain.
It won’t be long before you and your dachshund can start enjoying your days together after a successful surgery.
How to Prevent Dachshund Back Problems?
Keep em’ in Good Shape
Keeping dogs in good shape means exercise — walking, strolling, etc. By letting your dachshund exercise regularly, it could eliminate the potential for a back injury.
Twisting, rough play or any actions included during the exercise should be deterred since these could put a strain on the spine.
No Jumping Off the Furniture!
There are many myths implicating jumping as a good source of activity for a dog— well, they’re right.
Jumping helps dog owners understand the condition of dogs.
However, it’s another story if you let them do this on your sofa or on an uneven surface.
The combination of different surfaces, going hard to soft, can increase the likelihood of injuries.
Achieve and Maintain that Healthy Weight
Dachshund owners should know that overweight dogs are likely to suffer from degenerative back problems.
The weight of your dog has an impact on the spine; the more weight your dog has, the more stress it can cause.
As such, it is crucial to emphasize an ideal weight for your dachshund and maintain it by regular exercise and healthy eating.
If owners don’t know what’s the healthy weight for their dachshunds, best visit a vet.
Ditch the Collar
When taking your beloved dachshund for a walk or a car ride, best leave the collar behind.
Collars can act as an anchor which hinders dogs to whip their body.
Although you have the cutest collar and leash around, what happens if your little dachshund takes off in the opposite direction?
This could cause their necks or any vertebrae to twist — best go with a dog harness.
A dachshund with back problems is a huge concern for any owner of this breed.
And, it’s quite saddening to see a dachshund that can’t move its legs properly, and can’t run and play.
Don’t let this be the case for your well-loved dachshund. As an owner, you can do a great deal to prevent and deal with this issue.
Image Credits
In-Post Image #1: Pixabay
In-Post Image #2: Pexels
In-Post Image #3: Pixabay
In-Post Image #4: Pixabay
In-Post Image #5: Pexels