Picking up a dachshund with back problems can be a delicate task, as their long, slender bodies are prone to spinal injuries. However, it is important to properly lift and support your dachshund to prevent further injury and ensure their comfort. In this article, we will go over the best techniques and precautions to take when picking up a dachshund with back problems. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your furry friend is safely and comfortably transported while minimizing the risk of injury.
What Causes Back Problems In Dachshunds?
There are several potential causes of back problems in dachshunds, including:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This is a common cause of back problems in dachshunds, as they have long backs and short legs, which can put extra strain on their spine. IVDD occurs when the discs between the vertebrae become damaged or degenerate, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
- Trauma: Accidents or injuries can cause back problems in dachshunds. This can be caused by a fall, car accident, or any other trauma that results in damage to the spine.
- Genetics: Some dachshunds may be more prone to back problems due to inherited genetic factors.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on the spine, leading to back problems.
- Poor nutrition: A poor diet or lack of exercise can lead to muscle weakness and poor overall health, which can contribute to back problems.
- Age: As dachshunds age, they may be more prone to back problems due to degenerative changes in the spine.
How To Prevent Back Problems In Dachshunds
- Always Have Ramps for Furniture
The back of a dachshund is put under a lot of stress as it jumps on and off of furniture. Dr. Gaemia Tracy, a veterinarian with North Star Vets, advises getting a pet ramp rather than prohibiting your dog from using the couch or your bed. Pet steps are still steps, and they could call for unnatural motion. In his words, “Dachshunds grow annoyed with them and frequently leap off in the middle of their trip up or down.”
Dachshunds find ramps to be considerably simpler. According to Tracy, they typically proceed all the way up or down the ramp without jumping.
- Carry Your Dachshund on Stairs When You Can
Due to the twisting, extending, and turning necessary to climb stairs when one stair may be taller than his shoulders, climbing stairs can be difficult for your Dachshund’s back. It might take quite a bit of jumping to get downstairs. Carry your Dachshund upstairs whenever you can because stairs are the trickiest obstacle in his path. If not, reduce the number of trips he needs to make upstairs, advises neurology expert Skeen. Dogs, he continues, “will be dogs.” “You can limit how frequently kids jump and climb, but you can’t regulate every stair they climb.”
- Use Baby Gates
Although installing baby gates on your staircases won’t prevent your Dachshund from using the stairs, Skeen says doing so will give you more control over how frequently he attempts to do so.
Help Your Dachshund Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Really emphasize food as love by restricting treats and increasing activity that doesn’t require jumping and stair climbing, Tracy advises. It only takes being overweight by 10% of their ideal body weight to cause extra strain on their bodies. For a 14-pound Dachshund, that’s only 1.4 pounds.
- Ask for a Neurologist Referral When Necessary
The severity of dachshund back issues ranges from 1 to 5. According to Tracy, level one of this is back ache. There is a movement problem at level two. Dachshunds are unable to move their legs at level three. Dogs can still feel their toes at level four, but by level five they have become paralyzed and are unable to feel their toes. The optimum course of action to reduce your dog’s pain level and increase mobility will be determined by a veterinary neurologist whenever your dog has more than a level one condition, he advises.
- Try Painkillers First, Then Nonsurgical Options
According to Tracy, in certain cases with modest back discomfort, giving a dog opioids and other meds to help them rest may be all that’s required to resolve a back problem. The idea is to just anticipate minor pain relief from medicines. According to him, surgery or laser treatments may be needed for severe pain. Herniated discs can be treated by some veterinary neurologists by inserting laser fiber. The average cost of a laser procedure is half that of a full surgery, and it only takes 35 minutes.
- Get surgery as soon as you realize you need it.
When surgery is performed as soon as it is known to be necessary for Dachshunds, mobility outcomes can be better than when it is postponed as long as feasible in humans. According to Skeen, if a pet can still feel its toes, they have a 90% probability of being able to walk once more. Once a dog has a level five back issue, there is only a 50% chance that it will recover.
What Are Ways To Pick Up A Dachshund With Back Problems?
- Use a sling or harness: A sling or harness can be worn around the dachshund’s body and used to gently lift and support its hind end. This helps to distribute their weight evenly and reduces the strain on their back.
- Use a ramp or stairs: If the dachshund needs to be lifted onto a bed or couch, try using a ramp or stairs to help them get up and down. This will allow them to walk and climb at their own pace, reducing the risk of injury to their back.
- Ask for help: If the dachshund is too heavy to lift or you are unsure how to safely lift them, ask for help from a family member or friend. Two people can work together to gently lift and support the dachshund, reducing the risk of injury.
- Use a crate or carrier: A crate or carrier can be used to transport the dachshund from place to place. This can help to reduce the amount of lifting and carrying that is required, reducing the strain on their back.
- Consult with a veterinarian: If the dachshund’s back problems are severe or you are unsure how to safely lift and carry them, consult with a veterinarian for advice and guidance. They may be able to provide you with additional tips or recommend a harness or sling that is specifically designed for dogs with back problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, picking up a dachshund with back problems requires extra care and attention. It is important to support their body and avoid lifting them by their tail or hind legs. Using a harness or a sling can also be helpful in assisting with the lift. It is also important to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for proper guidance and to ensure the safety and well-being of the dachshund. By following these steps, you can safely and comfortably pick up a dachshund with back problems.
