I’ve been hiking my Dachshunds for over 15 years.

I got lucky with my first Dachshund Chester. Even though Dachshunds are prone to back issues, he never experienced any.

I wasn’t so lucky with my second Dachshund Gretel.

In March of 2016 she hurt her back and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) a genetic disease that affect approximately 1 in 4 Dachshunds (it can affect other breeds too).

I already knew a lot about the disease and Dachshund back issues. However, I have learned way more than that through my own experience and education since Gretel’s diagnosis.

This page was created so you could find all of the articles I have written about it, and all of the resources and articles I’ve found helpful over the years, in one place.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

To be clear: I am not a veterinarian

I do consider myself an expert on the topic of IVDD but can’t know everything and the information I share should not take the place of  advice from your veterinarian.

My aim is to arm you with information so you know what questions to ask him or her and to supplement what you learn from them.

My experience with IVDD comes from running a 500-member Dachshund club for 6 years, extensive research on IVDD, and personal experience with my own Dachshund as well as several others I’ve walked and dog sat over the years (both surgery recovery and conservative treatment).

About Back Problems in Dachshunds and Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

How to Help Your Dachshund Recover from IVDD and Help Them Live Injury Free

• Layman’s Guide to Buying a Cold Laser for Your Dog

• LumaSoothe: IVDD Light Therapy at Home

• Supplements for Active Dogs, Senior Dogs, and Dogs Recovering From IVDD

• Exercises for Strengthening, Balance and Body Awareness in Dogs (Especially with IVDD)

• What’s the Minimum Exercise Required to Help Keep a Dachshund’s Back Strong?

Can a Dog With IVDD Live a Normal Life?

• Rant: Don’t Tell Me I’m Doing Too Much with My IVDD Dog!

Other IVDD Resources

Dodgerslist

One of the definitive resources on IVDD compiled by a woman’s whose beloved dog was euthanized because of lack of knowledge about IVDD treatment.

Her mission is to teach people about the disease and what their treatments options are.

K9 Backpack

A very knowledgeable and supportive group of folks that make it their mission to help you.

Dealing with an IVDD diagnosis can be devastating and dealing with potential long-term effects can be trying. These kind folks are here to help you.

IVDD and Other Back Disorders in Dachshunds Facebook Group

Note: you must request to join and be approved)

This group is for people who are interested in IVDD and other Back Disorders in Dachshunds. People in this group are among some of the most knowledgeable.

It’s a great place to get support, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes with other owners of IVDD dogs.

IVDD Dachshunds / IVDD Funds Facebook Group

Note: you must request to join and be approved)

This is a non-profit group whose goal is to help raise funds for conservative treatment so they can help needy Dachshunds, and small dogs, and their owners.

People in the group share their experiences thru the IVDD treatment process.