Dachshunds were bred short-legged and long-bodied, and the same genes that give them their shape also make their spinal discs age early. In these chondrodystrophic breeds, the cushioning discs between vertebrae can harden and bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord. Estimates suggest roughly one in four dachshunds will show signs of IVDD in their lifetime, most often between three and seven years old.

The disease can come on slowly or overnight. Knowing what to look for, and acting quickly, makes a real difference to the outcome.

Early warning signs

• Reluctance to jump on furniture or climb stairs.
• A hunched back or a tense, tucked belly.
• Yelping when picked up or touched along the back.
• Trembling, panting or hiding without an obvious cause.
• Holding the head low or refusing to lower it to eat.

If your dachshund suddenly won’t jump onto the sofa, treat it as a symptom, not a mood.

With severe cases, the chance of a good recovery after surgery is highest when treatment starts within the first day or two. Keep your dog still, carry them with the back supported and call your vet or an emergency clinic.

Lowering the risk

You can’t change genetics, but you can reduce the load on the spine: keep your dachshund at a lean weight, use ramps instead of letting them jump, walk them on a harness rather than a collar, and support both ends of the body when you lift them.