If you're a Dachshund owner, you know how much they love to play and run around, but their long bodies can be prone to back problems. This is especially true for senior dogs or those with pre-existing conditions.
A well-designed back brace can provide the necessary support and comfort for your Dachshund to live a happy and healthy life. According to our research, a good back brace should be adjustable to fit your dog's unique body shape.
Some back braces come with additional features such as extra cushioning or breathable materials that can help keep your dog cool and dry. This is especially important for Dachshunds that are prone to overheating due to their short legs and long bodies.
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IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a deterioration disease that affects your dog's spinal cord and is responsible for a painful range in motion. It's most common in breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, and American Cocker Spaniels, but it can be found in any other breed as well.
Dogs with IVDD experience a ruptured or bulging herniated disc. This can cause nerve damage, pain, and even loss of bladder or bowel control.
IVDD occurs as the discs between a dog's vertebrae gradually harden, leading to a loss of cushioning. These hardened discs can bulge and compress the spinal cord.
If your dog is whining or crying when you pick them up, this could be a sign that they are in pain and beginning the stages of IVDD. If your dog is unwilling to move or is reluctant to move, if they are weak or uncoordinated in their hind legs, or if they are dragging their legs and are losing control of their bladder or bowels, you should bring your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Here are some common symptoms of IVDD in Dachshunds:
• Whining or crying when picked up
• Reluctance to move
• Hind leg weakness or uncoordination
• Loss of control over their bladder or bowels
Prompt treatment upon diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible damage. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and back braces.
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Support and Treatment
Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible damage to your dog's spine. Treatment for IVDD needs to begin as soon as possible once your dog is diagnosed.
For mild to moderate IVDD, your dog may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication or a steroid to help reduce pain or swelling. Rest is vital during medication, and your dog's activity should be restricted for about four to six weeks.
Surgery is usually recommended for dogs with severe cases of IVDD when resting and medication is not helping. The hardened disc that is pressing on your dog's spinal cord will be removed during surgery, and recovery takes approximately six to eight weeks with restricted activity.
A back brace can provide comfort and support to your dog's spine, but it's essential to consult your veterinarian for a comprehensive treatment plan. A high-quality back brace, especially tailored for Dachshunds with back problems, supports the spine and adjacent muscles.
Here are some common treatment options for IVDD:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids can reduce pain and swelling.
- Surgery: Severe cases may require surgery to remove the disc material pressing on the spinal cord.
- Back Braces: While not a cure, back braces can provide comfort and support to your dog's spine.
It's essential to understand that a back brace is not a substitute for medical treatment, but rather a supportive device that can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Disease Prevention and Recommendations
To prevent back problems in your wiener dog, regular and moderated exercise is essential for healthy dogs. This can be as simple as a daily walk or playtime in the yard.
A good and healthy diet is also vital to avoid obesity, which causes several health issues. Obesity can lead to back problems, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial.
Back Braces can be suitable to maintain a stable spinal cord and overall health of your little friend. These braces can provide comfort and support to your dog's back.
Here are some ways to prevent back problems in your wiener dog:
- Provide a healthy and balanced diet
- Encourage regular and moderated exercise
- Consider using a Back Brace to maintain a stable spinal cord
- Consult a veterinarian to ensure your dog's overall health and well-being
Customer Reviews
Our customers' feedback is a testament to the effectiveness of our wiener dog back brace. Many owners have seen significant improvements in their dog's mobility and comfort.
The brace is well-made and durable, with a hook and loop system that is extremely sticky and unlikely to wear out. I've seen firsthand how this can provide peace of mind for owners who want to ensure their dog's brace stays in place.
Some owners have reported that the brace has helped their dog's walking and reduced the frequency of flare-ups. My dachshund friend's owner noticed a significant reduction in his dog's arthritis symptoms after using the brace.
While some dogs may not be thrilled about wearing the brace, many owners find that it's a necessary step to help their dog feel more comfortable. The brace has even helped calm some dogs that exhibit food aggression or other behavioral issues.
Overall, the feedback from our customers is overwhelmingly positive, with many owners recommending the product 100% and expressing gratitude for the benefits it has provided their dog.
When to Consider Using
If your weiner dog is exhibiting any of the following behavioral and physical signs, it may be time to consider using a back brace.
Back pain is a common indicator that your dog needs a back brace.
Paralysis, arched back, difficulty urinating normally, inability or difficulty walking, reluctance to play, run, or jump, shivering, and neck stiffness are all signs that your dog's back may be bothering them.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of these symptoms and get an accurate diagnosis.
Your veterinarian may recommend a back brace as part of the treatment plan.
Some common tests used to diagnose IVDD and other back problems include X-rays of the dog's spine, complete neurological tests and examinations, myelography, and MRI or CT scans.
Here are some signs that may indicate your weiner dog needs a back brace:
- Back pain
- Paralysis
- Arched back
- Difficulty urinating normally
- Inability or difficulty to walk
- Reluctance to play, run or jump
- Shivering
- Neck stiffness
- Constant crying when picked up
Frequently Asked Questions
Do back braces work for Dachshunds?
Back braces can be a valuable tool in helping Dachshunds recover from IVDD, but a comprehensive treatment plan from a veterinarian is essential for a successful outcome. Consult a vet for guidance on using a back brace as part of your Dachshund's recovery plan.
Do back braces for dogs work?
Back braces for dogs provide spinal stability and comfort to alleviate back pain, but they don't cure underlying conditions like IVDD or disc issues. They can offer relief and protection for your pet's back, making them a valuable tool in managing their discomfort.
Sources
- Instagram (instagram.com)
- Pinterest (pinterest.com)
- L'il Back Bracer - Dog Back Brace (lilbackbracer.com)
- intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). (doghealth.com)
- Dachshund Back Brace – The 15 best products compared (wildexplained.com)
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