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Originally Posted On: https://wiggleless.com/blogs/blog/back-brace-for-dachshund

The Best Dachshund Back Brace

The WiggleLess® back brace for dachshunds helps “Jackson” curtail twisting, relieve stress and offer comfortable, firm, back support for those days when his back is stressed.

Dachshunds are known as a “chondrodystrophic” dog breed and they often need plenty of dachshund back support. Carrying a long back on such short legs can cause back problems.

He wears his WiggleLess® to help support his back when he takes long walks with his mom, loves his family, plays with his sister, sniffs out badgers and just plain ol’ has fun throughout the day! Wearing his WiggleLess®  gives his family “peace of mind” whenever he wears it!

IVDD or a herniated disc can cause mobility loss, paralysis, and severe pain in your beloved pet. The support from a dachshund back support brace can relieve your dog’s pain and help them stay active for a longer amount of time. Deciding if you want a back brace for your dog can be difficult, but it is important to understand how the best brace for dachshunds with back problems works and how it will help your pet.

Does Your Dog Need a Back Brace?

If your dog has a herniated disc or an IVDD diagnosis, they will most likely need a back brace. Back braces will offer your dog support, help to alleviate any pain from IVDD, and will help your dog stay active.

What is IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)

Intervertebral Disc Disease is a deterioration disease that affects your dog’s spinal cord and is responsible for your dog having a painful range in motion. Dogs with IVDD experience a ruptured or bulging herniated disc, but it is most common in dachshunds, beagles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, basset hounds, and American cocker spaniels, but it can be found in any other breed as well.

What causes IVDD?

IVDD is caused when the discs between the vertebrae of your dog slowly begin to harden overtime and eventually the vertebrae becomes uncushioned. The discs that harden usually begin to bulge and will restrict the spinal cord. When this happens, your dog’s nerve impulses will become damaged and he may not be able to control his bowels or bladder.

Sometimes if your dog jumps and lands poorly, their hardened disc will burst and press on their nerves in the spinal cord, causing your dog to feel pain, have nerve damage, or even become paralyzed.

Symptoms of IVDD in Dachshunds

Usually between ages three and seven, dachshunds will start exhibiting symptoms. 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 dachshund 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 and purchase a dachshund back brace. These symptoms can be subtle or severe, but should be taken seriously either way.

Treatments for IVDD

Treatment for IVDD needs to begin as soon as possible once your dog is diagnosed. Delays in treatment can lead to irreversible damage.

Medication

If your dog has mild to moderate IVDD, your dog may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication or a steroid to help reduce pain or swelling. When taking this medication, their activity should be restricted for about four to six weeks.

Surgery

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. Your dog will take about six to eight weeks to recover and their activity should be restricted.

Back Braces

A back brace will not cure IVDD in your dog, but it will help your dog feel more comfortable. The back brace will provide comfort and protection to your dog’s spine and surrounding muscles and will help relieve their pain.

How do back braces work?

The best harness for dachshunds with back problems will help support your dog’s spine and any other muscles surrounding it. This will help your dog to feel more stable and relieve their back pain. The brace will wrap around your dog’s body and conform to its back for spinal support using memory foam. Metal support rods are usually placed along the spine and the sides of the spine to help restrict their movements so they do not become injured.

Benefits of a back brace for a dachshund

A dachshund back harness or brace for your dog is recommended for pets that are diagnosed with IVDD. Here are some ways a back brace will help benefit your dog:

• Stabilize their spine
• Provide spinal support
• Alleviate their pain
• Safely restrict their motion
• Relieve pressure on their spine

Back braces can provide so much comfort to your beloved pet when they are going through a tough time, especially when they have IVDD. Wiggleless’s back brace has changed thousands of pets’ lives. It’s time to change yours, click here to get one today!