TL;DR
Comfort and Support
Dachshunds, especially those with back issues, require beds that provide ample support and comfort. Many owners have found success with cozy doughnut beds, which offer a snug and secure environment that can help alleviate anxiety and provide comfort [3:1]. These beds allow the dog to curl up comfortably, supporting their spine and joints.
Heated Options
For additional comfort, especially during colder months, consider incorporating heated blankets or pads into your dog's sleeping area. Heated pads can be placed under the mattress cover of a crate or bed, providing warmth without direct contact [2:5]. This setup can be particularly beneficial for dachshunds with arthritis or other joint issues, as the warmth can soothe discomfort.
Durability and Size
Given the tendency of some dachshunds to shred their beds due to anxiety or behavioral issues, durability is an important consideration. Some owners opt for large, rectangular beds from stores like Costco, which are oversized and durable enough to withstand wear and tear [3:2]. Blankets can also be used as an alternative to traditional dog beds, offering a washable and replaceable option
[4:1].
Behavioral Considerations
For dachshunds with anxiety or past trauma, creating a comforting environment is crucial. Providing a bed that allows them to feel secure, such as one with high sides or a cave-like structure, can help reduce nervous behaviors [4:1]. Additionally, ensuring the bed is placed in a quiet, safe location can further ease stress.
Additional Recommendations
While these discussions highlight various options, it's also important to consider consulting with a veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dachshund's specific health needs. They may suggest orthopedic beds designed to support dogs with back problems or recommend specific brands known for quality and comfort.
What/which dog beds has anyone found that their doxies prefer, are durable, comfy, and soft? He loves getting under the covers so he probably would love a Snoozer. Are the cheaper versions any good? He has a small wipeable rectangle dog bed that he can stretch out on but he likes to get on my Catahoula’s bed because it is softer. Idk if he would prefer a round one to curl up in or what I should get him. Also does anyone know which cooler beds are any good for the summer when he comes inside from walks, outside play time, etc.? At night he sleeps with me or my son when possible. Ty. 💞
You are the best dog mattress! That's what they prefer.
He is the best snuggle buddy ever!
Definitely! 🥰
Exactly 🌟
He is the best snuggle buddy ever!
Big and plush, so they can really sink into it. Preferably get them a blanket too for true comfymaxxing. Mine has a snorlax plush *
Such a cutie btw! 💞
What did you go with to fill it? It comes unfilled right?
Has anyone successfully gotten their Doxie out of their bed? I love my dog, but I’m starting to have severe back pain. In the beginning it was just a bit when I woke up but now it’s to the point I’m walking up in the middle of the night over it. Whenever I move throughout the night he moves, behind my legs, in between them, or right in the middle of my back. When I’m sleeping it’s always at a weird angle, it wakes me, I move him over and adjust myself then I fall back to sleep- hes basically sleeping almost half under me? I don’t know how to describe it but it seems the only thing I can really do is put him back in his own bed at this point. Has anyone had any luck with a transition like that?
Both of mine sleep in the bed, but they have their own dog beds on the bed that they sleep in. They will snuggle with me for a little bit, then retire to their beds until morning. Maybe give that a shot? We tried to crate them after letting them sleep in the bed but that was a disaster, so the beds on the bed is a great compromise for us.
I also developed back pain due to my little sleeping buddy. I bought him a round Comfort bed and his own blanket to burrow and placed it on the foot of the bed. A bed on a bed! Problem solved! 😊
Mine slept in my bed for 3 years but I had the same issue and have a baby on the way so we moved our beloved daxie into a crate in our bedroom. We thought it would be a huge struggle but she has been fine from day 1!
We put an electric heated blanket in the crate and made sure it’s warmed before she gets in and she gets a special treat once she is in the crate with the door closed! I do miss having her in the bed but I am sleeping much better.
Mine loves his heated blanket so much
Which heated blanket do you have? I’ve been looking at some but can’t find a good quality one
It’a actually more of a heated pad with a cover on it now I think of it:
It’s good because it has a few temperature settings and timers on and it shuts off automatically.
So I place the heat pad inside the mattress of the crate but on top and put a blanket on top because the heat pad can be a bit lumpy.
We bought an inexpensive bedside newborn bassinet and put his dog bed in it. It’s right next to the bed. He prefers the big bed but will settle and sleep willingly in his cradle.
Edit to add pic
We did the same thing. I bought the bassinet when I had two dogs and there just was not enough room for them both in the bed. It has a heating pad under the mattress cover so he sleeps in there to warm up. Which is better than him trying to use me as his electric blanket.
The only thing that concerns me is those steps have a sizeable distance to travel between them. That would be very hard on a Dachshund’s spine.
I,don’t suppose you have a link to that crib? It looks like just the thing we need for our two…who have relegated me to sleeping on the sofa whilst my wife and them have the bed. (I wish I were kidding).
Would you please share a pic of him in his cradle? 🥹 Edit: He’s precious and thank you!!
My Doxie has almost been successful in getting me to not sleep in the bed
Sadly, he isn’t into the pocket beds. No matter how much I’ve tried to show him, he cannot fathom getting under the top part of fabric by himself. Does anyone have any bed recommendations? I’ve been looking at the calming beds (they sort of look like a donut) and I’m wondering if anyone has tried those with their dachshunds. My boy is particularly long and he’s pretty anxious, so I’m wondering if that would be a good fit for him.
We have a couple of those big, rectangular dog beds from Costco. They're comically oversized, but our two senior dachshunds love them.
I gave up on actual dog beds for mine. I've just accumulated old shirts and blankets for him that he loves to sleep in. I usually throw an older dirty work shirt in sometimes so it smells like me and he seems really happy.
The cozy doughnut beds are awesome! I didn’t believe the hype, but my crew fell in love with a friend’s while we were visiting, so I ordered one for them to have at home. As soon as I pulled it out of the box, two were in it snuggling up. It’s by far the most popular bed here!
YAY! So glad your babies loved it! ❤️ We have a bean bag that they’re obsessed with, so I’m thinking they may like the donut bed.
I have yet to find a bed that my dog prefers over the fluffy blanket throws.
That’s what my dog loves, too!
I’d stick with it. Much easier to wash.
We love the cozy caves but the secondary bed that I have is the Kirkland huge bed that I throw blankets on top of.
Hello there! I'm looking for advice regarding my wonderful baby boy willow, he is 4 years old, an in-betweenie (17-18 pounds), with some mild behavioral issues from past abuse (my late fathers doing). Willow is often a nervous shredder, destroys plush toys, we've gone through over 6 beds (recommendations are HIGHLY welcomed), he pees nervously when voices are raised or loud noises happen, pees out of excitement, runs and snaps at his harness and collar despite attempted exposure therapy, and whines when put in a room even with his sister with access to see his people. If anyone has toy, bed, or any sort of behavioral suggestions please leave them here! Thanks!
I don't have any advice, other than to say this will require patience. I have a boy who just turned 3, and he's a standard. He is reactive, but he's great inside or on our property with his humans and doesn't have accidents or episodes of tearing up the toys or beds (he has had two beds and we just got rid of the first one because it was getting a little ratty even after washing it). Where he can be challenging and unpredictable is when he's out and about around new people and other dogs while on leash.
One positive thing is that you still see him as a wonderful baby boy -- seeing the good is key when you have a challenging dog.
I had to use blankets with mine until they got done with shredding beds.
You can buy fleece throw blankets in bulk (Amazon), throw a couple down & he'll probably be just fine with that. If he shreds them it will be less money to replace them.
Weens are shredders though, especially if they have anxiety.
Look for toys that are specifically for super chewers. Balls are good & a worn-out ween is a lot easier to deal with. Thick bones to chew on, just check the quality/ingredients.
As far as the happy pee, he might grow out of it, mine did eventually.
A good urine-removing spray & paper towels...the biggest packages you can get.
I think I'm also going to get a diaper pail when I get my next doggo.
He sure is a cutie!
My wife really wants a Dachshund and so I've have been keeping an eye on our local shelter waiting for one to show up. In the meantime I've been reading a lot about them and joined this subreddit in the process. I noticed some posts talking about back issues and how they sometimes need pain killers for it and how they shouldn't be jumping on/off couches, beds, etc.... We've had many dogs throughout our lives and currently have two, a Jack Russel and a mix who are both on and off the furniture. I'm concerned our new Dachshund would be following their lead which would cause troubles for it. Are the back issues really that prominent or are they actually not so common?
My female mini dachshund who I lost last year in April slipped a disk aged 6. She was able to walk again after physio over 6 months albeit she walked a bit wonky. She passed aged 15 without having any more back issues I had a male mini who passed age 10 from cancer and he had no back issues during his life.
My grandmother only picks dachshunds and they’ve all had arthritis problems. She keeps a ramp to not let them jump up and down off of the bed and couches. Also my girl is a chiweenie and she had arthritis issues early. Btw I know it’s not part of your question, but one of hers was prone to get sick a lot with infections and three passed away from cancer. Two were over 13 and one was around 7. These things are common things for these dogs. But she still refuses get any other dogs because she says they give love the best. And she’s right! Mine has been the best companion ever. My recommendation, from the vet, is to keep their weight normal and regular check ups and clean their teeth every year. If they are heavy, they have more risks for things. My chiweenie is 14 and she’s still lively. I hope my comment didn’t scare you away from getting one, but I want you to know what we’ve had to deal with. They will be your best friend and the most loyal pup!
This is exactly what I was looking for, an honest opinion from an owner with a history with Dachshunds. Great information and it hasn't scared us off, we just want to be sure we know what we're getting into. Thanks a for the info, much appreciated.
I called to asked, she said bad teeth was her biggest issues besides the cancer treatments. Shorty was 13 and Lucy was 17 when they passed. She is particular about food and believes that causes a lot of things. Natural and clean foods. She also suggests a holistic vet.
A lot of this is about breeding. Getting a pet from a responsible breeder with healthy strong bloodlines and no overbreeding makes for a much different experience in any dog. Jmo.
We’ve never gotten our dogs from breeders, always animal shelters. And no, if you look online or talk to vets, they will say it’s just common from certain breeds.
You can GREATLY reduce issues by keeping the dog at a healthy weight. When picking the dog up, also support upper and lower half so as not to put strain on one section of back
Noted, I'll keep the weight issue in mind. It gives some extra incentive to keep them at a healthy weight which is good. Thanks for your input.
Also, IF you have small children, don't let them play hard with the dog (leaning on its back with too much weight). My old pig is just about 9 years old and she flies around like a puppy, but now I escort her to and from the floor when it comes to furniture. She'll still jump...I just have to stop her and make her wait for me.
They aren’t bad about jumping down as long as you train them to use steps or ramps. I have had 3 and no issues with backs. But if you have two dogs that are not using ramps it might be hard to train them all to use ramps.
I foster for a dachshund rescue and IVDD is quite common - statistically 1 in 4. As people have mentioned, keeping their weight down and using ramps rather than letting them jump helps, but genetics and other things factor in too. I have 3 dachshunds currently, and 2 have had back surgeries. No lasting effects for them thankfully, but it is expensive and stressful going through it.
Sorry to hear you had to go through that but glad your puppers have mended well. I hope you have many years ahead together. Thanks for the info, very helpful.
I read something that GD need proper bedding to help prevent joint problems later on, so I am just looking for recommendations. Preferably something that is able to go in a crate
We have two K9 Ballistic beds (one orthopedic and one nesting) that are great. Amazing quality. BoJack likes to dig in his beds and can’t destroy these!
We just got this one for our boy and it’s great: FurHaven Two-Tone Deluxe Chaise Orthopedic Dog Bed w/Removable Cover, Stone Gray, Jumbo Plush: https://app.chewy.com/RJUb4vJXNcb
I have a KURANDA bed on order now, 50x36 (aluminum "indestructible" model, 40 mil. top). I know they also offer a PVC / mesh top outdoor version as well. Came recommended from a boarding kennel in my area. Haven't tried it yet, but it should be coming in this week. Can definitely keep you updated.
Probably a king size. When they are young you might be able to get away with a queen but they grow fast!
We started with Dr Foster's Smith beds until the company was acquired and the quality dropped. Most recently we have had really great experience with the Big Barker Beds.
We have several. one for outside. Two for downstairs and one for upstairs.
I still havent solved the problem for an outdoor water proof cover. The water proof covers at big baker and most beds are great but designed for moisture from the dog not not the rain and elements.
I would also be interested to know if anyone has a good solution for water proofing outdoor beds.
Our 16 year old dachshund has a potential ruptured spinal disc (her back legs wont work, but she has some feeling in them, can stand w assistance, and wagged her tails a few times), she went to the vet and got a steroid shot and prescription for anti inflammatories and pain meds. She wouldn’t eat anything other than treats but now has accepted some kibble a few hours after her steroid shot. The vet prescribed strict bed rest but we are really having issues with her, barking and shuffling in her crate when nobody is nearby, we moved the crate to the living room where she can see she isn’t alone, but she is still upset at being locked up while her brother (also 16 year old dachshund) is free lol. We have her on a dog bed currently with someone sitting with her constantly, however she just wont settle. When she was well, it was typical for her to sleep in her kennel for hours on her own accord, however now she refuses to lay down (stays sitting) and tracks every movement with her eyes (she is hard of hearing).
We went through this with her brother 1.5 years ago, but he was a good bed rest patient as he is naturally cuddly and more compliant LOL. However his back issue seemed less severe (he could move his legs more) and he recovered quickly to walk again (although somewhat wobbly). She has always been more independent and has retained puppy like qualities into old age (like sprinting around the house).
Any advice would be helpful, especially because if we see no improvement euthanasia is likely the next step, as recommended by the vet (due to her age, low surgery success rate, cost of surgery with low success rate, as well as she has already undergone general anesthesia twice in the past two years (teeth removal and spleen removal)).
My current thought is to keep her next to me in bed all day so she has to sleep without distraction, but idk, any other ideas would be great.
Mine (3 yrs old) has trazodone for such anxiety after his recent surgery for this very issue, and it does help some.
Beat of luck for you and your furbaby. These issues are very heartbreaking.
Oh dear! I wish her well. Good luck.
CBD
The unsettled behavior is likely the pain she is dealing with from the ruptured disc material impacting the sensitive nerves along the spine.
When a disc is ruptured and causing pain with ataxia and loss of use... crate rest won't fix this.
Bare minimum the vet should be prescribing a heavy sedative, nerve pain medicine (also prescribed for neurological issues), as well as a heavy pain medication.
Medication such as:
Carprofen - light pain med
Methocarbomal - muscle relaxer
Gabapentin - stronger pain meds; can help nerve pain
This morning, my 3 year old miniature dachshund cross American cocker spaniel jumped on the sofa and immediately started whining. He lifted his back leg and didn't want to put any weight on it. I crated him for a couple of hours to rest and after that he could put weight on it, but wasn't himself. I made an appointment with the vet for this evening and took him outside for a wee before we left. His back end went really wobbly and he flopped himself down on the floor. The vet has diagnosed him with low grade IVDD. We have pain and anti-imflamitary medication and strict instructions to crate rest until further notice. I'm terrified right now of it getting any worse (and I know in the grand scheme of things, it could be a lot worse!) Luckily, he is used to being in his crate at night and any time I leave the house and he absolutely loves it. He usually just has blankets in there so I have ordered an orthopedic bed to go in his crate. Any tips of how we can get through the next few weeks of crate rest and beyond? I'm single and live alone so it's all on me and I want to do the best I can for him. Any help and support would be very much appreciated!
Ask your vet about the possibility of cold laser therapy for your dog. It was a game changer for my boy Max. He went from paralyzed back legs, to back to normal in about 6 weeks.
I miss him so much
I'm sorry. It's a terrible disease 😔
Same.
TY! For posting this
You're welcome. I know nobody wants to think about it but the sooner it's spotted the better the outcome can be.
Dash jumped on the sofa and wouldnt put any weight on his back leg. I thought he just hurt his leg so I crated him for a couple of hours. When he came out, he seemed to be walking fine, but wasn't himself.
I called the vet and managed to get a same day appointment. As we were setting off, I tried to get him to do a wee and his whole back end just toppled over. I scooped him up and got him straight there.
I thought I knew the signs, but I didnt know the early warning signs as well as I should have. Thanks for sharing!
Zeus is currently using my previous dog's bed, and I know he's going to outgrow it soon. What type of dog beds are the best for their joints etc.
Big Barker beds
This is the only answer for our household. We have four and they are worth every penny. Our oldest one was bought in 2013 , for three years, it sat in front of the closet, where I (I am NOT a petite woman by any means) had to stand on the dog bed anytime I wanted anything in or out of that closet. Yet this bed and the other three are all in perfect condition. They support like they were bought yesterday. My grandkids even asked to make pallets using them when they want to stay the night because they are that comfortable.
That's the only one that has survived our two Danes (so far). They fight over who sleeps on it. Gotta get another one to keep the peace.
Not only is the mattress good, their covers last well too.
Twin mattress, mattress protector, fitted sheet.
Mine is small enough that a toddler mattress works well
Our 112 pounder fits on a crib mattress (use foam; the coil spring mattresses suck).
Our 125 pound puppy (8 months and growing!) is outgrowing the crib size, but is still in a "destroy all things, even the ones for my comfort" phase.
Amen !
Second this. We have a traditional dog bed in one room and a twin mattress with a mattress topper in another. Our dane heavily favors the twin mattress. It's so much easier on their joints, higher off the floor, and way more comfy.
Honestly…a crib mattress. Sturdy, firm, and plenty of room for those joints to recover from holding up that frame.
Big Barker beds
A cot mattress is a cheap option
best dog beds for dachshunds with back issues
Key Considerations for Dog Beds for Dachshunds with Back Issues:
Supportive Design: Look for orthopedic beds that provide proper support for the spine. Memory foam or high-density foam can help alleviate pressure on the back.
Low Profile: Choose a bed with a low profile to make it easier for your dachshund to get in and out without straining their back.
Size: Ensure the bed is appropriately sized for your dachshund. It should be spacious enough for them to stretch out comfortably but not so large that they feel insecure.
Washable Cover: Opt for beds with removable and washable covers to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Non-Slip Bottom: A bed with a non-slip bottom can help prevent sliding, which is important for dogs with mobility issues.
Recommendations:
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed: This bed features a solid 4-inch memory foam base for support, a water-resistant cover, and a non-slip bottom. It's designed for comfort and durability.
Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed: Specifically designed for larger breeds, this bed offers excellent support and is great for dachshunds with back issues. It has a 7-inch thick foam base that helps alleviate pressure on joints.
K&H Pet Products Ortho Bolster Dog Bed: This bed combines orthopedic support with bolstered sides, providing a cozy and secure space for your dachshund. The removable cover is machine washable.
Choosing the right bed can significantly improve your dachshund's comfort and help manage their back issues. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.
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