The Best Supplements for Dachshunds According to an Owner

You want to keep your Dachshund healthy, so you may be wondering what the best supplements are for them.

I want to keep mine healthy too so I researched supplements for senior dogs, supplements for Dachshunds with back problems, supplements for dogs that are very active, and more.

I came up with a list of what I think are the best supplements for my Dachshunds.

The list of supplements I give them has changed over the years but I update this post when it’s significant.

UPDATED: originally published July 2016

Why I Give My Dachshunds Supplements

I admit I didn’t always give my Dachshunds supplements. At least not consistently.

But in 2016, I got a big wake-up call when my Dachshund Gretel hurt her back and was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).

The thought of never hiking with her again scared me, so I resolved to do everything I could to help keep her active and reduce the chance of re-injury.

This effort involves many things but supplements are a big part of it.

Also, my first Dachshund Chester developed dementia later in life. It was the most heartbreaking experience I’ve ever gone through with a pet.

I started looking into supplements to help his brain health at that time but I was also concerned about preventing it in my future Dachshunds as they age.

Like me, a lot of people don’t see the importance of giving their dog a supplement until something goes wrong.

But now I know better and make the effort to give my Dachshunds supplements every day (although we may skip a few days if we run out or are traveling).

I give my Dachshunds supplements:

  • Because my Dachshunds love to hike and are very active so I want to help keep them strong and energetic
  • Because my Dachshund Gretel has IVDD and I want to help prevent back injuries in my younger one Summit
  • To help with age-related pain and and joint inflammation and discomfort
  • My older Dachshund is 13 and considered a senior. I want to keep her healthy and comfortable as she ages.
  • To help protect my younger Dachshund from future health issues (she doesn’t have any currently).
  • To maintain a healthy skin and coat
  • To help manage nervousness and anxiety
  • To help maintain brain health and cognitive function
  • To help support a healthy gut and digestive system
  • To help reduce potty accidents due to incontinence (Gretel)
  • To help maintain dental health and promote fresh breath

I think it’s important to note that supplements are intended to support healthy body functions and are best used as a preventative to delay any potential health issues.

For example, a joint supplement is primarily intended to prevent, or delay, joint deterioration and discomfort.

With that being said, it’s possible that a dog will see benefits of using one after they already have arthritis.

Various dog supplements laid out on a dish

What Supplements Do I Give My Dachshunds?

I wrote the first iteration of this Dachshund supplements article back in 2016. 

Since then, my opinion on supplements has changed, the list of supplements I give my Dachshund has evolved, and I’ve attempted to organize the information in the most helpful way that I can.

Today, I think the best way to organize the information for you is to first give you a list of the supplements we use up front.

Then, I break the list down according to different health concerns, provide more details about each supplement (including what the purpose of each is), and mention any related ones I think are relevant.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we participate in). As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplements I give my Dachshunds daily:

In addition to these daily supplements, I rotate other supplements through their diet at times.

There is no real reason except I see these supplements as a bonus and not a priority.

I get on kicks where I give my Dachshunds something regularly until it runs out and then I may replace it, replace it with another similar product, or go without for a while. 

There are also some supplements that are only relevant when my dogs are experiencing a specific issue like constipation, diarrhea, digestion issues, or the like.

Intermittent supplementation includes:

While the supplements listed above are the brand or type I am currently using, when I break the list down by health concerns below, I also list alternatives if I think it’s relevant to do so.

I choose to rotate some supplements, like a probiotic, to get different ingredients and benefits from them over time.

I list alternatives that I’ve tried before and liked but am not currently using.

I may also mention one if it’s popular among Dachshund owners but I haven’t used it.

Supplements for Dachshunds By Health Concern

After my Dachshund Gretel’s back injury and diagnosis of IVDD, I went a little nuts with the supplements. I gave her everything that I thought would help, which was about 20 things.

After a while, I realized that many of the supplements had overlapping benefits.. 

I didn’t think some others were doing much for her or were that important.

You will notice that some of the same supplements are listed multiple times, but under different health concerns. 

Again, this is an attempt to better organize the supplement information from you.

That way, if you are seeking supplements to address a specific condition but not others, you can see which supplements you might want to give your dog for that.

I consider the supplements included in this article to be high-quality and in most cases there is at least strong anecdotal evidence that they are effective for a lot of dogs, if not actual scientific studies.

Please remember that I am not a veterinarian and I am not qualified to give advice about what supplements you should give your dog. I’m just sharing what works for us.

Always check with your vet first before giving your dog a new supplement if you are at all in doubt.

Supplements for Dachshunds with back problems

Both Dachshunds who have been diagnosed with IVDD, and those that need a preventative, can potentially benefit from these supplements.

VetriDisk

The supplement I choose to use specifically for spinal health is VetriScience VetriDisk.

Vetri Disc combines bovine tracheal cartilage with amino acids, mineral sulfates, vitamins, pepsin, and horsetail rush (Equisetum arvense) to support back health and the spine’s connective tissues.

I’ve recently been informed that VetriDisk may not be available outside of the US so you may need to look for an alternative.

It’s the only supplement I know of specifically for spinal health and that includes that particular combination of ingredients.

However, the two primary ingredients in VetriDisk are bovine tracheal cartilage and vitamin c and both of these are available for dogs separately.

Note: dachshund back problems have been treated with liquid vitamin c injections (source) but there may be some benefit to it in powder form too.

Other IVDD supplements

Other supplements that generally support joint lubrication, tendons, and that can help reduce inflammation include:

  • Glucosamine joint supplements
  • Omega fish oil
  • CBD

I go into more detail about each of these in the joint supplement section below (spinal health and joint health are related).

Joint Supplements for Dachshunds

Proper joint support is more than just giving your Dachshund glucosamine.

A well-rounded joint health supplement protocol includes a high-quality joint supplement plus other supplements that support muscles, connective tissues, and help to reduce inflammation.

Glucosamine is important but there are also many other compounds that also benefit joint health including chondroitin, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), and green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). Omega fish oils, and CBD.

Joint-specific supplement

My dog joint supplement of choice is Glycoflex Plus from VetriScience.

In addition to glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), it contains DMG, green lipped mussel (perna canaliculus), manganese, selenium and grape seed extract.

These ingredients help cushion joints, promote cartilage building and alleviate discomfort caused by normal daily activities.

Glycoflex is clinically proven to increase hind leg strength by up to 41% in just four weeks. (source)

It comes in a small dog formula so you don’t have to break the chews in half to get the proper dose.

Another favorite joint supplement is ActivPhy Joint, which has many ingredients similar to GlycoFlex Plus.

It doesn’t contain green lipped mussel but does contain blue green algae extract. It also doesn’t contain chondroitin.

Although I have not tried it because I don’t think the ingredients are as good as in GlycoFlex Plus, I’ve seen many dog owners recommend Nutramax Dasuquin.

Omega-3 oil

Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which acts as an anti-inflammatory dog joint supplement to increase mobility, and helps to relieve pain and inflammation.

We primarily use Grizzly Salmon Oil™ , which is made from Wild salmon oil, contains high levels of the Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, as well as Omega 6 and Arachidonic fatty acids.

These components not only support healthy skin and coat, but also cognition, vision, immunity, other nerve-based functions, and healthy hair and skin (more on that later).

Note: if you give your dog oil primarily to improve their skin and coat, the Grizzly Wild Pollock Oil (which contains high concentration of EPA but very low DHA) is significantly cheaper.

If you or your dog are vegetarian, flax seed oil also contains omega-3 oils.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

There are a whole slew of good things this ground root can do for your dog but the two biggest are reducing inflammation and pain associated with aging and damaged joints.

This is important to help alleviate any soreness if Gretel’s IVDD gets aggravated and any discomfort she experiences due to getting old.

Not only is turmeric good for a dog with IVDD, it helps keep any inflammation at bay so my younger Dachshund can perform at her best.

Turmeric has been found to be more effective if it’s turned into a “golden paste” first.

The recipe for golden turmeric paste I use calls for turmeric powder (make sure you use organic), pepper, and coconut oil for dogs, which has its own health benefits including improving skin health, aiding in digestion, and helping with arthritis or ligament problems.

Hemp CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD for pets is all the rage right now. It is touted as somewhat of a cure-all.

CBD is derived from industrial hemp and contains almost no THC, the compound that produces a “high”, so it’s safe for dogs (CBD even been found safe even in high doses).

There are many Benefits of CBD for dogs, including helping to reduce inflammation and pain. 

This clinical study found that over 93% of dogs (in the study) experienced decreased pain, scores, improvements in mobility, increased energy, and increased focus.

I’ve tried over 10 different brands of CBD for dogs for my Dachshunds Summit and Gretel.

One of the best pet CBD brands I’ve seen and used is Pet Releaf.

Bone broth

Bone broth naturally contains glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and chondroitin, which are important for helping to strengthen and repair joints. 

It also contains amino acids, including glycine and arginine, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 

While you can make bone broth yourself, I buy what we use.

This is another supplement on the list that I vary a lot. I constantly use different brands since they are largely the same.

Of note though, is the Honest Kitchen instant bone broth (beef or turkey flavors available). 

It has a long shelf life and you can make it in small amounts for your Dachshund as needed.

Sometimes I buy liquid bone broth though and freeze it in protons so that it doesn’t go bad before we use it all.

Skin and Hair Health Supplements

As I said earlier, a lot of supplements do double (or triple) duty so there is no need to feed multiple supplements to cover each specific issue.

Most of the supplements listed below are also listed under other health concerns here so you may already be covered.

Omega-3 oils

If the biggest health concern for your Dachshund is itchy skin, adding an oil to their food can really help.

Specifically, Omega-3 oils (fish or flax) or coconut oil are the most helpful.

Omega-3 oils can help with skin allergy relief, reduction of shedding & dander, and making the coat shiny.

Advantages of coconut oil are that you can rub it directly on any areas of your dog that are dry or cracked and it has antimicrobial properties.

My first Dachshund Chester had really itchy skin but it stopped about a week after I started adding omega-3 oil to his food.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM can help to alleviate discomfort caused by allergies, and (skin) inflammation.

This naturally-occurring, sulfur-rich compound is also found in most joint supplements so if  you’re using one of those, your dog is probably already taking this supplement.

Other dog skin and coat supplements

Although omega-3 oils and a joint supplement are enough to help most Dachshunds, sometimes those things aren’t enough.

In those cases, owners may need to consult with their veterinarian and experiment with additional supplements.

Some options might include:

  • Giving your dog both omega-3 and coconut oils
  • Adding evening primrose oil (it’s high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that may help to relieve dry, itchy skin and  inflammation).
  • Adding Quercetin, a bioflavonoid often referred to as ‘nature’s Benadryl’.

Digestive Health Supplements for Dogs

Proper digestion is essential for your dog. If the food isn’t sufficiently broken down in the stomach and intestines, your dog can’t fully absorb the nutrients.

Digestive bacteria and enzymes

There are three main supplements that help support proper digestion.

  • Prebiotics – special plant fibers that help healthy bacteria grow in the gut.
  • Probiotics – live yeasts and good bacteria introduced into the digestive system to help counteract bad bacteria.
  • Digestive enzymes – proteins that help to break down food in the digestive system when the body’s enzymes are not sufficient

You can introduce prebiotics to your dog’s diet by adding fresh vegetables (that’s what I do) or by using a digestive supplement that contains them.

I prefer to feed probiotics to my Dachshund in natural food form by giving them plain greek yogurt or raw goats milk with live cultures. 

But sometimes I give them the VetriScience® Vetri Mega Probiotic.

The advantage of using a pill or powdered supplement over goat milk or yogurt is that the former contains few or no calories.

I typically buy goat milk in liquid form from the pet store but sometimes I use this powdered goat’s milk for dogs (this is especially handy when traveling).

For digestive enzymes, which include papaya leaf and papain, I give my Dachshunds the Honest Kitchen Herbal Digestive Supplement.

Apple Cider Vinegar

While I don’t do it every day, I periodically add Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar to their food.

There are several benefits to giving your dog apple cider vinegar like aiding digestion, helping with gas and constipation, and helping with joint problems and arthritis.

It’s important to use apple cider vinegar that has the “mother” still in it. 

The mother is the dark, cloudy substance in the apple cider vinegar that contains some of the best parts of the apple.

Vinegars with the mother contain enzymes and minerals that other vinegars may not contain.

Bragg apple cider vinegar is pretty much the “holy grail” of healthy vinegars.

Regulating poo consistency (diarrhea or constipation)

Besides being a prebiotic, pumpkin has the magical ability to firm up a dog’s poo or make it softer.

Pumpkin is high in soluble fiber, which can add bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water and help manage loose stools.

Be sure to use only unsweetened pumpkin (I prefer the pureed stuff that comes in a can) and start with ½ teaspoon and see how that goes (no pun intended) before adding more.

Note: Sweet potato has similar properties. Some people have found more success using sweet potato to firm up stool, and using pumpkin as a laxative.

Supplements intended to help with health bowel movements, and the prevention of anal gland issues, like Glandex, are too harsh for Summit and cause constipation, so I use pumpkin for this purpose instead.

Stomach irritation and IBS

I add a little (extra*) slippery elm bark powder to my Dachshund’s food any time they seem to have an upset stomach.

*the Honest Kitchen digestive supplement already contains a little bit.

The active ingredient is a mucilage – a substance that becomes viscous and gel-like when mixed with water – so it can act as a protective coating in the stomach and intestines.

I also give it to them if they eat something that I think might need a little help going through their digestive tract smoothly, like when we are camping and Summit chews on sticks (she spits most of the pieces out but just in case).

Supplements for Senior Dachshunds

The majority of supplements on this list are also good for senior Dachshunds.

Some of the biggest challenges senior Dachshunds face are arthritis, joint inflammation, digestive issues and cognitive decline (Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), sometimes called “doggy dementia”), and a less robust immune system.

I addressed supplements for joint health and digestion above. That leaves…

Brain health

I give my senior Dachshund Gretel lion’s mane mushroom (hericium erinaceus) to support cognitive health.

It’s been reported in many studies that lion’s mane mushroom can help stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that promotes the growth and normal function of nerve cells in the brain.

There are many mushroom complexes for dogs out there but be sure to look at the label as many incorporate several different mushrooms except lion’s mane.

One exception is the Super Snouts Super Shrooms blend.

You can also buy lion’s mane mushroom powder as a separate supplement.

Senilife is another supplement containing a unique blend of antioxidants that support brain function in elderly dogs including phosphatidylserine, ginkgo biloba extract, and resveratrol (grape extract).

The product claims that it can help reduce changes in behavior related to aging in as little as 7 days but I will note that I gave to my first Dachshund Chester after he had moderate dementia and I didn’t notice a difference. It may be best used in the early stages.

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), found in coconut oil, can also help support healthy brain function.

MCTs have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older pets.

Immunity protection

I’m a big fan of mushrooms for immune system support, for both myself and my Dachshunds.

Specific mushrooms that help to support and protect proper immune function include:

  • Reishi (ganoderma lucidim)
  • Shitake (lentinula edodes)
  • Turkey tail (trametes versicolor)

My supplement of choice is the Canine Matrix Daily Immune Support Supplement.

Note: I use this supplement plus a separate lion’s mane mushroom powder or the Super Snouts Super Shrooms to replace both – both of these are mentioned above under brain health.

Special-Use Supplements

There are a couple supplements I use that address issues not listed above.

There are also a couple I only use on an as-needed basis.

A Supplement to Help Incontinence

I give my senior Dachshund Gretel Vet Classics Bladder Incontinence Support.

Incontinence Support includes a blend of plant-based precursors, botanicals and phytoestrogens to support bladder muscle tone and function for spayed and senior female dogs. 

Gretel occasionally leaks when she sleeps but she rarely has accidents since giving her this supplement (I had tried others previously that didn’t seem to do anything).

An “Energy Shot” for Active Dogs

On days we hike, or during prolonged periods of high activity (like my 3-day backpacking trip with Gretel), I give my Dachshunds VetriScience® Vetri DMG.

DMG, an adaptogen that helps the body cope with various forms of stress, supports immune system function, helps maintain healthy circulation, increases oxygen utilization, decreases lactic acid build-up, and improves performance/stamina.

Dental health support

While I don’t consider dog dental products a traditional supplement, I mention it because it’s important.

People often ask me how I care for my Dahcshund’s teeth and, if you have been following us for a while, you know I don’t brush my Dachshund’s teeth.

However, I don’t neglect them either.

I created a routine that includes the ProDen PlaqueOff supplement to soften plaque and tartar on their teeth and then a natural chew to help scrape it off.

Stress and anxiety

Gretel has persistent anxiety and both of my Dachshunds experience elevated stress levels on occasion.

I’ve tried several natural calming products for them but most didn’t work.

The one that’s been the most effective, and has the most additional benefits, is Hemp CBD for dogs.

Our current favorite brand is Pet Releaf.

I’ve also had some success with VetriScience Composure.

How I Administer These Supplements

All of the supplements above are either liquids, pastes, powders, or chews.

I either add the chews to their dish at meal time (mostly so I don’t forget) or give them as a treat during the day.

I mix the liquid, powder, and paste supplements into their food either at breakfast or dinner.

Now that I have a routine down, it literally only adds another minute or two to what I’m already doing.

However, I DO feed them raw food so it’s super easy to mix in with their meal.

If you feed kibble or freeze-dried raw, you may have to get more creative.

Final Thoughts

Supplements are a way to add nutrients to your Dachshund’s diet that are not produced naturally in the body (at all or in the required amounts) or contained in their food.

They have the potential to help prevent or delay potential medical issues or support specific conditions your dog suffers from.

I consider supplements to be a “good faith” practice though because, except in rare circumstances, they work internally where you can’t see it.

In other words, you will likely not be able to detect a visible difference between the times you give your Dachshund the supplement and when you don’t.

Supplements are a subtle, long game and you just have to trust, based on science and/or personal belief, that they are doing their job.

But sometimes, like in the case of CBD for anxiety or pumpkin for constipation, you will see an immediate difference.

Using a lot of different supplements can get expensive but, luckily, Dachshunds are small so they only need small doses.

If you can’t afford all of the supplements you want to use at once, I suggest you make a list and rotate the ones you give – feeding one to your Dachshund until it’s gone, moving to the next, and eventually making your way back to the first one.

Giving the supplement occasionally can help compared to not giving it at all.

Supplements are a way to add nutrients to your Dachshund’s diet that are not produced naturally in the body (at all or in the required amounts) or contained in their food. They have the potential to help prevent or delay potential medical issues or support specific conditions your dog suffers from. After years of research, see which dog supplements I decided to give my Dachshunds.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a Dachshund sitter, President of the largest social Dachshund club in Washington State, a dog trainer in training, and I’ve been a Dachshund owner for 20 years. I have over 150,000 hours of experience with the breed. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.

37 Comments

  1. I adopted Wilson 10 years ago when he was 2 and found out later he had been diagnosed with disc disease. He had 1 episode shortly after being adopted where his hind legs just seemed to give out. I crated him for approx. a month and on the advice of my vet and a very nice lady in the waiting room who also had a doxie I started Wilson on Vetri-Disc. I give him one each day wrapped in a pill pocket or peanut butter. I also sprinkle a teaspoon of Missing Link with glucosamine on his dinner. Wilson also has a ramp to his chair and a Hound-About bike trailer/stroller–He is a little wobbly on his back legs– but has never had another episode where he was unable to walk nor does he ever seem in any pain. Definitely happy with the Vetri-disc.

  2. What a great, informative post! Anyway, I have a question…because back problems can be very severe and are common in Dachshunds, how can back problems be prevented? I have a very active and healthy 2 year old miniature smooth Dachshund and though I don’t let him jump off couches, beds, or down the stairs (he can go up stairs without falling though) but what are some other ways to prevent back problems?

    1. That’s a great question and a common one. The best thing you can do is read these posts that I wrote:
      http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/the-truth-about-dachshunds-and-back-problems/
      http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-help-a-dog-with-back-problems/

      The bottom line is, most Dachshund back injuries are brought on by Intervertebral Disk Disease. It’s genetic so there isn’t any way to prevent a back injury if your dog has it. That being said, you can certainly hope to delay and effects and minimize injuries when they do occur. The articles above will tell you about the disease and what you can do.

      1. I found a product at my holistic pet store called Pain Away and it works wonders for my 16 year old dachshund. He was 10 when back issues arose. Prior to using this product he was taking muscle relaxants and acupuncture sessions with my vet, who thought surgery was necessary. I was opposed to surgery! The Pain Away powder has kept my pup active for 6 years and still counting. The product is human grade with boswellian root, devils claw, and glucosamine as ingredients. So happy I discovered it.

  3. What raw food are you feeding them? I can’t seem to find the article about that! (Or maybe there isn’t one?)

    1. Hi Lindsay. I have a whole blog post series about what I feed them. The series covers their transition from junk kibble to raw. You can find the post in that series specifically on the raw food here: http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/transitioning-from-freeze-dried-raw-to-a-full-raw-diet-for-my-dogs/

      The bottom line though is that I feed them a variety of raw foods. Some of our favorites are Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw, Vital Essentials, and Darwin’s Naturals.

  4. I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am that I found this blog! I live in a rural county where most dogs sleep in the mud out back and people look at me like I’m a crazy person because I do so much for him…I think I need to move to Seattle haha! I use Bonnie&Clyde fish oil – its a combination of fish plus sunflower seeds…”The Missing Link” supplements which I plan on switching to Nupro, golden paste, and I make a batch of bone broth every month. I also puree green smoothies and freeze into ice cube trays or I make an orange smoothie which consist of carrot, apple, ginger, and turmeric. My dog is my entire world – hiking partner, mountain bike chaser, therapist haha…Thanks for starting this blog!

    1. Awww… thanks Jess! I’m glad you are so active with your pup. I do experience a bit of culture shock when I travel away from the west coast. I forget that a large oprtion of the country doesn’t treat their dogs like children.

  5. Hi, have a mini dachshund of 8 years having some problems with several discs in her column, not surgery yet thanks God. I give her a daily supplement of glucosamine and MSM Phycox, sent by her vet, but I’m worried because every few months she keeps showing problems in new discs. I see you give your dogs Vetridisk with very good reviews on Amazon. I know you are not a vet but would like to know if you use this last product on a daily basis in conjunction with the other ones? Can it be used as a preventative to help my dog avoid major IVDD problems or is it just to be used in extreme cases? Thanks so much.

    1. Hi Carlos. Yes, I give my pups VetriDisk along with their other supplements on a daily basis. To me, it’s like glucosamine. You can’t prove that it’s working but you hope it does and the ingredients are knows to help build cartilage and/or keep it healthy. It’s just a supplement without studies (not that I’ve found anyway) so no medical claims can be made. Again, like glucosamine, it’s something that might help but it’s in no way considered a fix to “avoid major problems”. My hope is that it will help keep Gretel’s back healthy and help any further incidents to be less frequent or less severe. Something major could very well happen in the future though even with the supplement. If it doesn’t’ happen, I’ll never know for sure if the supplement helped or if it was just luck. Make sense?

    1. Hi Cheryl. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve been sick with a cold.

      We were only given a 7-day trial sample of the SierraSil for each dog. I think I wrote this article before we were done. We finished the 7 days and, like most other joint supplements, I didn’t see a “huge” difference. However, I never do. Gretel doesn’t have any visible joint issues and any weakness Chester has if very mild (hard to believe at 14, I know). I’ve learned that one doesn’t see a “huge improvement” if there was really nothing to improve in the first place 🙂 When we ran out, we went back to the GlycoFlex plus. That one is my favorite. If I was going to get something else though, I would definitely try the SierraSil again. I’ve even considering giving them both – alternating days. I’m a true believer in helping an issue with multiple products (to “cover the bases”) since they contain different ingredients.

      1. Thank you Jessica!
        I went ahead and ordered the Sierra Sil and looking at alternating with the Glucosamine and Chondroitin as well. I’ll keep you posted !

        1. Please do, thanks. Also, you’ve inspired me to buy some and start alternating it with the GlycoFlex 🙂

  6. Hi – I’ve enjoyed reading blog. I have two mini short haired reds and they are my world;) I just recently switched to raw food and started these supplements http://peterdobias.com
    My male had some back issues and I bought those same scalloped steps. Thanks for a lot of great info.

  7. Hi have you ever tried any thermal therapy products like back on track ect to help with stiffness and cirulation ? im looking in to getting a thermal therapy mesh coat and leg wraps for my dashound she has elbow dispalysia and arthritis i have seen lots of good reviews but was wanting to know if you have tried it or heard any good things about it with people you know ?

    1. I have not. I got acupuncture and laser treatment for Gretel though.I don’t have faith that products like back on track would work well for us – both because I doubt they would be more effective than the accupuncture and laser and that Gretel would not like to wear it.

    2. Hi Rebecca. I have not tried that product. I hear it’s very popular in the agility field for keeping a dog’s muscles warm and flexible between bouts of exercise though. It’s not very useful for my application though because all it does is keep muscles warm. I wanted something that could help with pain and inflammation (reduce and potentially lessen). I found cold laser therapy to be much more useful. I got many treatments at our veterinarian during Gretel’s rehab for her back injury. Now we have a home unit. This is the laser I have: http://www.laser-riffic.com/MY-PET-LASER-PROGRAM.html My rehab vet did recommend something that is used more like the thermal therapy but is considered laser therapy. It’s cheaper than a cold laser home unit but I didn’t have as much confidence in it. This is what she recommended though: http://equinelighttherapy.com/shop-online/. Good luck.

  8. My 4 year old French Bulldog just had surgery last week for a herniated disc in his neck. He has multiple thoracic hemivertabrae and IVDD. The ER vet said there is a 15-25% chance of a recurrence but that there were no supplements or anything that could be done to help with these issues except for minimizing stair use and jumping on/off furniture. I am in the Seattle area also and over the weekend bought some CBD Hemp Oil. Some of the supplements you mention sound promising and I think I might order a couple on the chance that they will help. I was also wondering if acupuncture and/or laser therapy would help.

    1. Hi Citty. I am sorry your dog has to deal with IVDD. In my opinion, although there has been no scientific evidence that I know of showing certain supplements to help IVDD, if a supplement has the potential to help joints and pain (which studies HAVE been done on) then I don’t see how they could hurt for IVDD. I’m glad you found my blog post. I wholeheartedly endorse acupuncture and laser therapy. I have done both for Gretel and know many Dachshund owners that have used it on their dogs with great success. I haven’t written an article about acupuncture but you might want to read this one I wrote on laser therapy: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-cold-laser-therapy-benefits-dog/

      1. Thank you for your response! I am trying to learn all I can about this disease and your blog has been very helpful, especially the post “Do You Need to Treat Your IVDD Dog Like Breakable Glass?” I don’t want to live every day in fear that something is going to happen again. I am definitely going to give some of these supplements a try. And I just looked and my vet does do acupuncture and laser therapy! So once Jax has fully recovered from his surgery, I am definitely going to make an appointment with his regular vet to discuss options.

  9. You mentioned Chester being weak in the hind legs. My doxie, Sebastian, before he passed, was weak in the hind legs In fact, he was lame. I read where serratiopeptidase (an enzyme made by the silkworm) would help but it would take a couple of months. I bought some off Amazon and gave it to him, and almost exactly in 2 months, he was up and walking like normal. Just FYI.

  10. Thank you for this site. Very informative. I have an 8-year old pup 3 1/2 weeks into conventional treatment for a herniated disc. He’s on muscle relaxer and NSAID now. I’ve ordered and received CBD product for him but am unsure if I can give it to him while he’s on his meds or should wait till he’s off. Any advice?

    1. I would check with your vet. It’s my understanding that CBD does not interfere with the effectiveness of most medications but I think it does a few. I don’t know what those are, sorry.

  11. Hello ! HANK YOU SO much !! Our Winnie dog is 8 and we do have a lot of stairs up the bedroom.. like 12! I am not clear if climbing stairs is bad for his back or is it the jumping on and off furniture . Any advice to keep him as injury free as possible .

    1. The jumping is definitely the no-no. Gretel has IVDD so I don’t like her to jump at all but before I knew my rule was no higher than her body was long (because them it was more like a step down than a jump). We literally have a fence around our couch, and piles of pillows on the chairs, so she can’t jump on them (the couch does have a gap in the fence with a ramp). Stairs are ok in most cases according to our rehab vet in most cases (but I would ask your own vet if you are concerned). Going UP the stairs can actually build strength. It’s the down that has the most impact on their joints and when they are most likely to fall and twist their neck/back, which is the real danger. In any case, a fit, healthy weight and keeping him strong through exercise, are the best ways to prevent back injuries.

  12. Hi Jessica,
    Our 9 year old Doxie is currently recovering from a minor IVDD flare-up with crate rest, meds and laser therapy. In January 2018 he fully ruptured a disc and was paralyzed in his back legs. I wish I would have found this blog back then. I have already started him on the Vetri disc supplement twice a day and he’s been on it about two weeks now. I also have CBD oil from Pet Releaf. I was wondering how far apart you administer Gretel’s vetri disc and cBD oil? Or if you give them at the same time? My vet has no information on either of these products. They refer to Cooper as a miracle dog because they gave him less 10% chance of any recovery during his first incident. I still feel hopeless sometimes but feel IVDD can be a liveable disease as long as we’re on top of it. I do as much research as I can on my own.

    Thank you!!

    1. I’m so sorry about Cooper but that is amazing and wonderful that he recovered with such a low chance of success. I don’t worry about giving the CBD and VetriDisk separately. I hear that CBD can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications but it hasn’t been an issue with any that Gretel takes. Since VetriDisk is a supplement, I expect there are very little no differences in effect if given together. Thanks for reading my blog and let me know if you have any other questions.

  13. Hi I have found this info very helpful. I have been giving Our Dachund/Rack Russel turmeric. I to have been taking it for some time, for I’m 67 and getting achy. Anyway our Jenny is 14 years old and I hadn’t realized that IVDD was the problem. what I worry about is she is wanting to eat all the time and I feel as if she doesn’t get enough to eat. I feeding my dog science diet for dogs over 5 and mix the small cans Purina Beneful to there dry dog food. I been starting to give her dry food at night as well. She still goes outside often and digs in the dirt. I have Italian prunes laying around the ground, she may be eating those. Is that healthy for her? She seems to be craving more than what I feed her. I have been considering getting CBD. She growls and bites at us when we pick her up. she may have anxiety or just hurts still. anyway thanks for the info.It was very helpful. I do have two other dogs along with Jenny, but they are other breeds. We may get a another baby Dachund/rack Russell the end of the year.

    1. Hi Laurel. If you haven’t already, I would take your pup to the vet for some bloodwork. Something similar happened to my Chester when he got old and his behavior was a combination of digestion problems (nutrient absorption) and dementia.

  14. I read with interest the various comments on IVDD. I am an adherent of evidence based medicine, and the fact is, rest and time and pain relief are the best primary treatments during the acute phase. A lot depends on where the injury has occurred. Lower back injuries tend to heal best. Cervical worst. Supplements to prevent calcification of the spine seem to be relatively harmless but largely unproven. However, there is one important scientific trial that looks at improvements in the useage of nutraceutical products to reduce synovial fluid protaglandin E2 in horses, and a comparison of the nutraceutical to carboprofen in dogs. https://nz.interpath.global/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20130603-science-brochure-final.pdf As an owner for the last 46 years of pure-bread doxies, I have concluded that most supplements are harmless but largely ineffective, but there is evidence in this study, which as paid for by the manufacturer (Caution intended), which does signal for osteoarthitris at least, benefit in both species. It seems to me the primary need is to select for breeding dogs and bitches with low or no calcification (as shown on Xray), breed out or reduce, IVDD tendency. I also found it important that physiotherapy accompany recovery especially hydrotherapy, but supervised by a qualified vet. Unfortunately euthanasia is often the only outcome for more catastrophic injury.
    Finally, I am very critical of the tendency to selectively breed for appearance rather than strength. The extra-ordinary back length of some show dogs is unfortunate. The short leg (which is itself due to an inherited genetic defect) does not well support such a lengthy spine). I would rather prefer conformance for shorter more robust backs.

  15. Cosequin DS, sold at Sams Club and Walmart, is EXCELLENT for joints. It is made in the USA too. I will have to try the Turmeric paste. I have 3 long-hair dachshunds!!! God bless!!

    1. I’ve heard good things about Cosequin DS but I compared it to the Vetriscience Plus we use and Vetriscience has the same ingredients (two of the 3 are at higher levels) plus some other ingredients proven help joint mobility. Most notable is the addition of the green-lipped mussel. I just never bothered trying Cosequin because of that.

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