How To Care for a Dachshund With a Back Problem at Home

Dachshunds come in smooth, wire and long-haired varieties.

Dachshunds are lovely little dogs with a sweet temperament suitable for many first-time dog owners. They are low-maintenance and muscular, moving gracefully through life with a movement that has been developed over the years to help them cope with their unusual structure. Admitted to the AKC in 1885 having been bred in England, dachshunds make wonderful family dogs. If yours is suffering from a back problem, as so many dachshunds do, your vet may recommend some tips to keep him comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Crate

Instructions

Diagnosing Back Injuries

1. 

   Know the signs of back injury trouble so you can get your dog to the veterinarian right away.

   Know your dog very well and watch for signs of pain. Dogs have high pain thresholds and can easily mask the symptoms. Observe your dog, especially after rough play or activities that involve jumping.

2. 

   An inability or not wanting to bend toward his dish is another sign of back trouble.

   Understand the signs of back injury. Your dog may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms: shivering, refusal of play and/or food, even after coaxing, yelping when you try to pick him up, adopting a strange body position such as pulling in his head or arching his back, limping or dragging of the back legs.

3. Rush your dog to the vet immediately if you see any of the above symptoms, as there is no time to waste. Your dog will most likely require surgery to correct the disk herniation. Surgery of this kind has a much better success rate on a dachshund than it does on a human with a similar injury.

After-Surgery Care

1. 

   Give your dog special care after surgery.

   Confine your dog to the crate on a soft pillow for as long as your veterinarian recommends. It is imperative that your dog rests post surgery and for some time after that. Confinement in a crate is the best way to ensure your dog will not have too much activity. The crate should be just big enough for your dog to stretch out, turn around and stand comfortably, but no bigger. Jumping is strictly prohibited.

2. 

   Dachshunds got their name from the German word for badger, literally "badger dog."

   Check the incision regularly, at least two to three times a day for signs of infection. The incision may be red and slightly swollen, but in time this should decrease. If you see an increase in swelling or redness, the incision feels unusually hot to the touch, or there is oozing, call your vet immediately. A warm, moist compress will usually feel good for your dog and will rush blood to the area, hastening healing.

3. Support your dog with your hands or a sling when he needs to urinate. Many dogs will find getting in the position to urinate and defecate quite difficult after disc surgery, so he will need help from you. Create a sling or use your hands to support him.

4. Give your dog all the medications the vet has dispensed as prescribed. Your dog will most likely need pain medications and prophylactic antibiotics. Make sure he gets his medicine every day.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't put your dog down just because he is paralyzed, there are many happy, healthy dogs living with wheelchairs made especially for dachshunds.

• Never wait to see if the problem will correct itself. It won't. If money is an issue, speak with your local humane society to see if there is money available for help for animals who need vet care. See resources for more information on help for dogs who need surgery but their owners cannot afford to pay.

References

• Eukanuba: Dachshund
• Rescue Every Dog: Dachshund
• Dummies: Spinal Disk Injury in Dachshund
• Center for Veterinary Surgical Care: Discharge Instructions

Resources

• Red Rover: Relief Grants