Have you ever seen your dog do a strange pose for no apparent reason and it turned out to be the most hilarious thing you have ever seen?
Well, the dog in this story surely has, and he seems to spend a lot of time standing upright while looking out the window.
However, some would argue that this is a cause for concern. Is there really any reason to think that this means a dog has some sort of health problem?
Well, the answer is not as simple as one might think and that is something that will be talked about throughout the story.
Miniature Dachshund And Back Problems
As someone might suspect upon seeing a Miniature Dachshund, they are known for having a very long spine and small legs.
However, how often does this correlate with health problems? Well, it might be a lot more than people think.
According to Niam Lingley, developing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is common in Dachshunds. One research paper estimated that 1 in 5 dachshunds will be affected by IVDD in their lifetime.[1]
However, it’s important to note that IVDD is just one of the diseases that a Dachshund might develop over his lifetime.
There are quite a few others and they can all be a big problem for the dog if the owners don’t notice them on time.
Another thing that really affects whether your dog will develop problems or not is their age. It’s most common for many of them to start having back problems around middle age.
Simple ways you can notice if your Dachshund has back problems is if he has difficulties getting up, or if he is walking with his back humped.
Even if you have a small suspicion, it might be a good idea to go and see a veterinarian who can safely establish if your dog has back problems.
How To Prevent Back Problems For A Dachshund
As one might guess, there are ways to prevent these back problems from developing in the first place, and there are a few tips you can follow to make sure they don’t develop any problems.
1) Massaging is one way to help your Dachshund to prevent back problems, and it is really underrated.
More often than not, their muscles can get compressed and it can lead to back problems developing. A massage can ensure proper blood flow and also reduce stiffness in the back.
2) Stop them from crawling into tight spaces that require them to be in an uncomfortable position for longer periods of time.
3) A proper diet is fundamental to your Dachshund not developing any back problems, as being overweight can lead to strain on the spine, and subsequently back problems.
4) Exercise. While it’s an obvious one, it’s important not to ignore it. Your dog’s physical activities can significantly reduce his chances of developing back problems and that’s why it’s important to never overlook it.
How Long Does It Take For Their Back To Heal
If your dog develops a back problem, then it’s important to take him to a veterinarian who will establish the severity of the problem.
Should the issue be a mild one, then simple therapy and physical activity would suffice, and the recovery time would be around a week or two.
If the issue is a serious one and demands surgery, such as in the case of a problematic case of IVDD, then it might vary.
According to one study by Hady and Schwarz, the average recovery time for a Dachshund is 16 days, but many of them would stay around 40 days in the rehabilitation program.
They continue by saying that underwater treadmill sessions would help the dog’s chances of recovering a lot.[2]
So, while it’s important to note that the time of recovery varies depending on the dog, it’s also crucial to actively engage in prevention methods to reduce the chance of developing back problems.
In the end, you just have to stay very attentive to your Dachshund and help him with any problems.
If he ever does stand upright in front of a window, it might not mean anything serious, but it never hurts to check.
References:
[1] Lingley N. (2021, November 6). Do crossbreed dachshunds get back problems, or is it just purebreds? Vet Help Direct.
[2] Hady L, Schwarz P. Recovery times for dogs undergoing thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy with fenestration and physical rehabilitation: A review of 113 cases. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health.