My Dachshund Has Back Pain: The Solutions

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

My Dachshund has back pain: The solutions

Does your dachshund have back pain? Is it a muscular issue?

Are you worried they might be suffering from intervertebral disc disease?

Or perhaps you simply want to know which signs to watch out for?

Don’t worry, we will try to answer all your questions regarding the care of your dachshund’s back (kaninchen, miniature, or standard) and the treatment of spinal injuries.

-> Don’t miss our full article: Why are dachshunds so long?

NOTE: We are not veterinarians and this is not professional medical advice. This article is a guide and every dachshund is different. If you have concerns regarding your dachshund’s health or their lower back pain, consult your veterinarian immediately for professional advice.

Why are Dachshunds prone to back problems?

Dachshunds are bred with a form of dwarfism, or chondrodysplasia, which gives them their signature short legs, directly impacting their back.

This genetic mutation also leads to the deterioration of their spinal discs at an earlier age than other dog breeds with normal leg length.

This natural weakness of their long back means that dachshunds are prone to spinal injuries. They can hurt their back by being handled incorrectly or by doing something as simple as running up or down stairs.

Degenerative Disc Disease in Dachshunds

Degenerative disc disease occurs when a disc between the vertebrae of your dachshund’s spine deteriorates and calcifies, making it vulnerable to jolts and sudden movements (such as going up and down stairs or jumping onto furniture like beds or sofas).

It’s not just dachshunds that are predisposed to this painful and difficult back condition: beagles, bulldogs, corgis, and shih tzus are also at risk…

Can you treat a Dachshund for Intervertebral Disc Disease?

Yes, many dachshunds recover fully or partially from a herniated disc.

Dachshunds suffering from moderate back pain can often recover with strict rest, prescribed anti-inflammatories in some cases, and physiotherapy.

For severe and painful cases, there are medical and surgical options that require long-term home care.

👉 Check out our article on preventing dachshund health issues.

At what age do Dachshunds experience back problems?

In general, dachshunds are at higher risk of herniation between 3 and 7 years old when they are young and playful (and over time, their bodies will also be subject to arthritis, which manifests when they walk).

Back pain can happen at any age, so take precautions and don’t always let your dachshund run up or down stairs or jump off the bed or sofa!

A dachshund can use a special dog ramp to get on and off furniture to prevent back pain.

You can also provide relief by using dog gates to secure the stairs in your home and place extra ramps to help your dachshund get up and down.

Do everything you can to prevent them from making sudden, jerky, or repetitive movements that could hurt their back.

How to prevent back pain in my Dachshund?

To take care of your pup’s nerves, joints, and lower back, you can adopt a healthy lifestyle, for example by providing a suitable diet.

Indeed, being overweight puts extra pressure on the lower back and spinal cord, so prevent them as much as possible from jumping on objects and using stairs at any age.

Start today for their health

Prevent your dachshund from going up and down stairs, jumping on objects, or doing any activity that involves sudden stretching or bending of the neck or your dachshund’s back.

Properly carrying your dachshund from a young age is also a good habit to adopt. Their unique morphology, with a long back and short legs, deserves adapted support during outings, trips, or when they start to get tired.

A well-chosen special dachshund carrier helps limit unnecessary effort, repeated jumping, and poor posture, while preserving their daily comfort.

Adventure bag

Prepare your Dachshund for a routine

Establishing a routine when they are a young puppy will make their life easier. Keep them on the floor as much as possible by playing with them at their level and placing their bed next to your feet.

You want your companion to understand where you want them to lie down and that the sofa and bed are off-limits (unless you install a ramp or lift them up and down carefully).

See the ramp

So if you want your beloved dachshund to be on the sofa or bed with you, get a ramp and teach them how to use it.

This way, they can get up and down safely without damaging their already fragile back. 😉

Carry your Dachshund the right way

It is also very important that you learn how to handle your dachshund correctly and that all family members know how to pick them up safely.

Do not let your children or anyone else pick them up by their front paws: this could seriously injure them.

You must support their back by placing one hand under their chest and the other under their rump. Then, lift them gently and steadily so that their back is as flat as possible.

You will need to do this whether it’s to give them a bath, pick them up, put them in the car, or move them from point A to point B.

Keep your Dachshund fit and healthy

Exercise is important for every dog, and going out into the fresh air every day is a necessity for natural and optimal health.

Dachshunds are lively and dynamic hunting dogs, so they need at least 3 or 4 outings per day with exercise if possible.

This can obviously include playtime and walks!

Healthy and fit dachshunds can still suffer from back issues, but, just like for us humans, exercise will help them stay in better condition and live longer.

Final thoughts

Our dachshund friends are dogs prone to back injuries, and those who are overweight could be at higher risk due to the excessive pressure exerted on their intervertebral discs.

So be reasonable about what you allow them to do, monitor their posture, and maintain a healthy weight by asking your veterinarian for advice.

By knowing how to spot the signs of back pain and preventing them from jumping on objects, you are doing everything you can to limit the risk of back problems, sciatica, and lower back pain.

Remember: at the first sign of joint problems, limit your sausage dog’s movements and head quickly to the vet.

The sooner you talk to a specialist, the better the chances of recovery for your pet. 🐶

The DoxieLife team – 💚 Last modified 05/07/26

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Dachshund bags