Our guy has had flare ups, when it happens we crate rest him for 2-3 weeks and give him a good hit of metacam during that time. I also ice his back twice a day and did some stretching with him. We’ve been really lucky so far! He’s 9 now and cruises around great. We try to limit his jumping off furnature at all costs.

Go online and start searching for nonprofits that assist with back issues. Limiting most movement unless going to bathroom or eating. Crate rest. If nothing else. Save $$, call every Vet you can and ask. Also inquire about paying in installments. Good luck to you and your pup

Mine had some similar back issues a few times and luckily a combination of steroids, gabapentin (med that treats nerve related issues & can be given at very large doses) and cbd fixed her up both times. Look into cbd drops to go in his mouth. There is some specifically related to seizures/muscle spasms and at least will be like a muscle relaxer.

Look for veterinary schools near you. Often they have clinics that might be lower cost.

This site has info on IVDD that can help. Crate rest is a must. Keep him as inactive and restrained as possible for at least 2 weeks.

I had a 7 yr old that recovered after a bar stool fell on his back. The vet gave him steroid treatments.

Our boy is a little over 7 and he is doing some recovery after a scare. He's on 4 weeks of crate rest with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory before his follow-up. His case is mild but some dogs can experience partial or total paralysis. Some dogs never have trouble, but it is extremely common in the breed. The condition is called IVDD, for which there are two types (1 and 2).

Keeping them from running up and down stairs and from jumping on and off of furniture is probably the most effective prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as well.

They are wonderful. We adopted him at age 2 and he is the most loyal, loving and hilariously stubborn dog. Total Napoleon tough guy, but he's such a lover.

I've had 3 and have had no back issues. I don't let them get fat and I try to keep them from jumping.

The majority I've owned have developed a back issue or two.

It’s the luck of the draw when it comes to dachshunds and IVDD. Knowing the medical history of the parents is important if you are getting a puppy from a breeder. My dachshund is 13 and she has IVDD. One episode at 3 was serious and meant surgery. She has had a few more over the years but nothing too serious requiring surgery until about 2 years ago when she was 11. I found an awesome vet who suggested a less invasive and less expensive procedure involving a 3 day stay at the animal hospital and laser therapy. I had never heard of it before so I did some research before I agreed to it. Several weeks later she was as good as new without having surgery. If I had it to do all over again knowing what I would be in for I 100% would.

A few tips... Train your dog early. It’s a great way to bond with your dog and build trust. You learn how to read their cues sooner. Set money aside for emergencies. Get doggie stairs to encourage not jumping off furniture. And this one can be hard but for a dog with IVDD, it’s best they do not sleep in the bed with you. They need something more stable and supportive for their back. Be willing to spend the money on a high quality diet to maintain a healthy weight.

These are my experiences with dachshunds. My parents have had 4 over the years so I’ve learned a lot.

We go on walks with my 11.5 year old girl who also has IVDD at least 4 times a week when it’s warm enough and it’s been very good at keeping her healthy.

Health weight, good nutrition, and lots of kisses/hugs.

Exercise and keeping the weight down helps.

I rarely see wire hairs adorable baby

My girl is 14 now and activated her back issues about 6 I think. You minimize the risks which sounds like you’ve got that covered. Just watch him for when he’s got some discomfort. We’ve got a round of meds now that keeps our girl steady, but I rub out her legs and lower back if she seems stiff, she runs the backyard when she feels up to it, I take her to the vet if it doesn’t ease up after a day or two. And when she’s feeling defiant she’ll jump off the couch instead of using the ramp.

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!

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

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.

If I’m not mistaken the statistic is 1/4 but this is generally due to weight and stairs. Keep the Doxie fit and use ramps for beds, couches or stairs and you are good ��

Many many times, it’s genetic with a dash of jumping. There are many things guardians and owners can do to lessen the chances of their Doxie’s backs experiencing issues. (Ramps , stairs, training not to jump to name a few).

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To reduce the likelihood of getting a dog with health issues you should go through a Reputable breeder that does the recommended health testing. Here are the tests the parents of any future puppy should have done: https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=DH&var=

In addition, the parents scores on those tests should be public and they should have an OFA # you can use to look up the individual dog in the database.

Health issues can still pop up in puppies of health tested parents, but are less likely to pop up when the breeder has done everything they can to ensure their puppies are genetically healthy by doing the recommended health tests.

I second what u/thesecondparallel said.

Also, don't shy away from exercise. Many Dachshund owners hear "too much exercise is bad" and end up under-exercising their dachshund. Extra weight and low muscle tone does the body no favors. By keeping a dachshund slim you put less pressure on their back and then muscle helps support it.

I've (unfortunately) been dealing with IVDD for about 20 years .. you're not alone in not being given proper information and care instructions. They've done it to me too! But I promise you that this is the best thing and it'll help prevent it getting worse. It can get better quickly, but it can get worse quickly too.

They can look better on the medication but you must keep them on crate rest because it takes about 8 weeks for the disk to heal fully and all the swelling go down.

If you need help to keep her quiet the vets sometimes will prescribe a sedative.

It's hard.. I get it. They're dogs doing what dogs do. But some go their whole life without having another episode! The best thing is once the crate rest is over keep them a healthy weight and fit and strong. That'll give them the best chances. You can encourage them not to jump and play but dachshunds are hard headed aren't they ! So for safety just gotta keep their muscles strong in the hope you've done everything you can. 💞

My wife had a doxie when we met, and he came down with IVDD at age three. Her vet prescribed prednisone and muscle relaxants, and he recovered to the point where surgery wasn’t needed. He lived to age 12.

So prednisone can work.

Sending prayers for you and your little one.

It’s very hard to tell. Our dachshund had a spinal issue but a few days of steroids and muscle relaxers was sufficient for it to move back into place, and he was fine for 15 happy years after that.

But just be mindful that if it is more severe, crate rest will be the right route to take.

My doxie just got finished with about 10 weeks of strict crate/bed rest for this. We still have some trazodone on hand in case he suddenly thinks he’s Superman, but he’s almost done a complete compared to how he was 10 weeks ago!

He went from acting a little hesitant to full on losing all function of his back legs in less than 24 hours. We were devastated because he’s only 5, and we didn’t want him to go through surgery.

I turned to Reddit during this time and read DOZENS of comforting stories of other doxies and their owners battling the same condition, who all made a great turnaround after lots of crate rest/meds.

You got this! It’s a tough 8 weeks, but it will/should help. Sending all of the healing love to your girl!!!! 💕

This is called IVDD and happens to 1 in 4 dachshunds.

The most important thing other than making sure their pain is controlled is they need strict crate rest for at least 8 weeks. This helps the disk to heal but also prevents it from getting worse. .. so they're in their crate all day and night except for 5 minute potty breaks on a lead.

If you lift them you must support the whole spine.. don't allow any running, jumping or slippery surfaces whilst they're healing. This is why it's important that they're on a lead for potty breaks.

It's hard, but it is the very best thing for them

The Dodgers List Website has all the information you'll need to care for them , and The IVDD Handbook by Marianne Dorn is also excellent.

Heat helps their pain but you need to be careful they don't get burnt if you use a heating pad.

If they seem to still be in pain after their meds please let the vet know ; the pain needs to be fully controlled so no crying etc.

Good luck, my guy is currently on crate rest too!

You pup definitely needs crate rest. A comment above explained it very well. Also tons of advice on r/IVDD_SupportGroup.

Absolutely no stairs. No jumping. It’s hard but my pup, who had the surgery 4 years ago, is doing fine. We’ve taught her no jumping. Previously she jumped all over the furniture. Into the car. You name it. Do everything you can do to avoid surgery. It’s rough!

Take the crate rest seriously. It is hard, especially if they cry and want to be let out. But the more they rest, the better they will be in the long run.

Don‘t choose a xxlong doxie! Ask if the parents and siblings had IVVD if yes look for another breeder. Keep the muscles well trained without overdoing. Jumping down is worse than jumping up. Use a harness instead of a collar. Don‘t let them play with bigger dogs. Lift your dog with both hands ( under chest and butt). Please be aware for double dapple too. Double dapple

Being overweight is a huge concern, here.

Mine is up to about 10 years old and she's a wrecking ball. I got her a ramp to get up on the bed.

Get pet insurance!

Our breeder recommended a dig pit, to satisfy the need to dig and strengthen muscles. Oh, and don't neuter early, they need to grow fully!

Teach early potty, they have small bladders and will need to go often. Also you will go fully mad the first few months but it’s all worth it in the end.

Congratulations your puppy is a cutie pie!🥰

You will want to teach people to pick him up properly - this video explains. Also, even though you have ramps, you really should supervise when they are on the furniture -- they can get excited and still want to jump, so it's best that you anticipate that and direct to the ramp or lift them down.

I have a typed out doc of my dachshund tips. They might be helpful.

I also have some potty training tips.