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Resources
At Legacy Lane Dachshunds, our commitment to our puppies extends far beyond the day they go home. We believe educated owners are empowered owners, so we strive to provide current research, veterinary guidance, and breed-specific health information.
While no website can replace individualized veterinary advice, we hope these resources help you make informed decisions throughout your Dachshund's life. Feel free to reach out with questions about these, or any other Dachshund specific topics not yet addressed here, as this page is always being expanded.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds
Understanding IVDD
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common health concerns affecting Dachshunds. Due to their unique body structure, Dachshunds are significantly more likely to develop IVDD than many other breeds. Research suggests that approximately 20–25% of Dachshunds may experience an IVDD-related event during their lifetime.
IVDD occurs when the discs between the vertebrae degenerate, bulge, or rupture, placing pressure on the spinal cord. Symptoms can range from mild pain and reluctance to move to complete paralysis.
Signs of IVDD may include:
• Reluctance to move
• Pain when touched or picked up
• Trembling or muscle spasms
• Weakness in the rear legs
• Knuckling or dragging feet
• Loss of coordination
• In severe cases, loss of the ability to walk
Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential whenever IVDD is suspected.
Can IVDD Be Prevented?
No owner or breeder can completely eliminate or predict the risk of IVDD. However, research suggests that certain lifestyle factors may help reduce risk and improve long-term spinal health.
-Maintain a Healthy Weight-
Excess weight places additional stress on the spine and joints. Keeping Dachshunds lean throughout life is one of the most important steps owners can take to support spinal health.
-Encourage Regular Exercise-
Moderate daily exercise helps develop strong muscles that support the spine. Research has shown that Dachshunds receiving regular exercise tend to experience lower rates of IVDD than those with limited activity.
-Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle-
While many owners are advised to completely restrict activity, research has not consistently supported keeping healthy Dachshunds inactive. Appropriate exercise and muscle conditioning appear to play an important role in maintaining spinal strength.
-Use Proper Handling Techniques-
Always support both the chest and rear end when lifting a Dachshund. Avoid allowing children to carry dogs without supervision.
-Do Not Use a Harness-
Despite the vast amounts of misinformation on this subject, harnesses are NOT appropriate for Dachshunds, and can in fact cause neck and spine injury. Please use a slip lead or martingale style leash instead.
-Responsible Breeding Matters-
Modern IVDD screening programs are helping breeders identify dogs with lower levels of disc calcification, allowing informed breeding decisions that may reduce IVDD risk in future generations.
*We look forward to increased availability of these screening tools in the US. In the meantime, we continue to participate in AKC conformation competitions to ensure that our dogs are bred with the correct structure to support their long spine and help prevent the occurrence of IVDD.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity and may include:
• Strict crate rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Pain management
• Physical rehabilitation
• Surgical intervention in severe cases
Many Dachshunds recover successfully, particularly when treatment is started quickly.
IVDD Myths vs. Facts
Separating Evidence from Common Advice
If you spend any time in Dachshund groups, you'll hear plenty of advice about preventing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD.) While many recommendations come from a place of genuine concern, some commonly repeated beliefs are not strongly supported by current research.
It is important to remember that IVDD is a complex condition influenced by genetic structure, age, body condition, and environmental factors. No single lifestyle choice can completely prevent IVDD, but evidence-based decisions may help reduce risk.
Myth #1: Stairs Cause IVDD
Fact: Current research has not demonstrated that normal stair use causes IVDD in healthy Dachshunds.
In fact, studies examining owner-reported lifestyle factors found that Dachshunds allowed to use stairs regularly had lower odds of IVDD than those that never used stairs. Researchers believe this may be related to improved muscle development and overall fitness rather than the stairs themselves.
This does not mean owners should encourage reckless stair use or allow unsafe falls. Instead, it suggests that normal, controlled activity may not be as harmful as once believed.
Myth #2: Dachshunds Should Never Jump
Fact: There is no conclusive evidence proving that routine jumping directly causes IVDD.
Research has shown that Dachshunds allowed to jump on and off furniture had lower reported rates of IVDD than dogs that were never allowed to do so. Researchers caution that these findings do not prove jumping is protective, but they challenge the belief that all jumping is inherently dangerous.
That said, preventing repeated high-impact landings and reducing the risk of falls remains a reasonable precaution.
Myth #3: Restricting Activity Prevents IVDD
Fact: Regular exercise and good muscle tone appear to be beneficial.
Studies have found that Dachshunds receiving less than 30 minutes of exercise daily had increased odds of IVDD compared to dogs receiving more regular activity. Dogs described as moderately or highly active also demonstrated lower rates of IVDD.
Strong muscles help support the spine and maintain overall physical conditioning.
Myth #4: Weight Doesn't Matter
Fact: Maintaining a healthy body condition is one of the most important things owners can control.
Excess weight places additional stress on the spine, joints, and supporting structures. While poor genetic structure remains the primary driver of IVDD risk, keeping Dachshunds lean is widely recommended by veterinarians, neurologists, and breed health organizations.
Myth #5: IVDD Is Caused Only by Lifestyle
Fact: Genetics play a role.
Lifestyle factors matter, but IVDD is also a genetic disease. Dachshunds are predisposed to early disc degeneration because of inherited traits affecting their structure.
This is why responsible breeding programs increasingly utilize health-focused breeding decisions to reduce risk in future generations.
Myth #6: If a Dachshund Gets IVDD, It Must Be Because the Owner Did Something Wrong
Fact: Many IVDD cases occur despite excellent care.
Some Dachshunds develop IVDD despite maintaining an ideal weight, receiving regular exercise, using ramps, and living in carefully managed homes. Conversely, some dogs exposed to every "risk factor" never experience a spinal problem.
Owners should focus on evidence-based risk reduction rather than guilt. Good management can help support spinal health, but it cannot completely eliminate genetic risk.
What We Believe
At Legacy Lane Dachshunds, we believe the best approach combines responsible breeding, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, proper conditioning, and informed decision-making based on current research rather than fear.
As new research becomes available, our understanding of IVDD prevention continues to evolve. We encourage all owners to stay informed and work closely with their veterinarian to make the best choices for their individual dog.
Supporting Studies, Articles, & Useful Links
-Research of IVDD in Dachshunds & Improved Recovery-
T-exas A&M Clinical Trial on New IVDD Treatment-
-Dachshund Health UK Research Library-
-DachsLife 2015 Study (Open Access)-
Delayed Spay and Neuter in Dachshunds
Why We Discuss Timing
At Legacy Lane Dachshunds, we encourage puppy families to have a conversation with their veterinarian about the timing of spay and neuter procedures.
Historically, many dogs were altered at a very young age. However, more recent research has suggested that early removal of reproductive hormones may influence growth, musculoskeletal development, and certain health outcomes.
What Research Has Found in Dachshunds
A retrospective study examining Dachshunds found an association between early spay/neuter and an increased risk of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH/IVDD). The increased risk was most notable in dogs altered before reaching full physical maturity.
Researchers concluded that neutering before 12 months of age was associated with a higher risk of IVDD compared with dogs altered later or left intact.
It is important to understand that delaying spay or neuter does not change a dog's genetics. Instead, the theory is that allowing dogs to mature naturally may support normal musculoskeletal development before reproductive hormones are removed.
Our Recommendation
We encourage puppy buyers to discuss the most current research with their veterinarian and make an informed decision based on:
• Individual health considerations
• Household management capabilities
• Breeding restrictions in the purchase contract
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Veterinary guidance
Every family and every dog is different. The goal is to make a thoughtful, responsible decision based on current evidence, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Important Note
This information is provided for educational purposes and should not replace individualized veterinary advice.
Supporting Studies, Articles, & Useful Links
-AKC Study on Early Spay/Neuter-
-UC Davis Study on the Benefits of Delayed Spay/Neuter-
-Canine Health Foundation Study on Early Spay/Neuter-
-Neuter Status as a Risk Factor for IVDH (Open Access)-
-Dachshund Health UK – Neutering and IVDD Information-
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