How to Protect Your Mini Dachshund from IVDD
by Doris Washington
Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, impacts mini dachshunds at a high rate and causes too many to be put down every year. If you have a mini that you'd rather keep away from this back problem, please read on to learn more.
IVDD in Mini Dachshunds
IVDD is a disease that impacts the spinal column when the discs between the vertebrae burst. This is common in a variety of dogs, including the dachshund, due to their long back. This is especially true in mini dachshunds that like to run up and down stairs and perform other activities that may hurt them.
When this disease hits your dog, they are going to show a variety of symptoms, such as whimpering in pain, having a hunched back or neck, decreased energy level, bowel troubles, and an unwillingness or inability to jump. The mini dachshund will slowly but surely develop trouble getting around the house and show a lot of pain, and they will eventually be unable to move.
Keeping the Weight Off Your Mini Dachshund
A mini dachshund should weigh no more than 10–12 pounds, or else they can end up hurting their back and developing IVDD. Try to limit your dog's intake of fat by keeping it at about 10 percent in dry food. This will give them the fat they need to have a little energy while avoiding putting excessive weight on them. Exercise, including half an hour of walking every day, is also beneficial.
It's also good to encourage your mini to "sit up and beg" the way that many individuals of the species will do. Not only does this look cute, it actually strengthens their core muscles and back, helping to fend off the degeneration of IVDD. This may cause excessive begging behavior, but it's worth tolerating to keep their back strong.
Handling Your Mini Properly
The lengthy back of the mini dachshund makes it imperative that you pick them up properly. Improperly picking them up will put a lot of strain on their back and lead to IVDD. This is especially true if your dog is a little heavier than it needs to be and is struggling to lose weight. Follow this simple guideline when picking up your mini:
- Place one hand under their chest and support their legs
- Place the other hand underneath of their behind, supporting their legs
- Lift evenly to keep their back parallel to the ground
- Avoid letting them "dangle" off of your hands
- Hold them in place should they start squirming
Thankfully, the mini dachshund should be light enough to easily carry. Try to correct them if they show poor posture when lying on the couch, such as through letting their body hang off the couch or even on your bed. If they want to jump up and down from your furniture, build them a small ramp which they can climb.
Following these tips will help keep your mini dachshund's back strong and keep them out of the vet. There's nothing worse than taking your beloved mini to the vet to find out their back is out and that they may have to be put down for their own sake.
Talk to a professional, such as one at Metzger Animal Hospital, for more information.
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