Why Dachshunds are more prone to IVDD

If you share your life with a Dachshund, you may already be aware that the breed is more prone to health problems that can affect welfare and reduce quality of life because of selective breeding. This includes intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which is linked to inherited traits that affect the way their spinal discs develop.

IVDD affects the cushioning discs between the bones of a dog’s spine. It causes pain and discomfort and, in some dogs, may lead to more serious problems with movement. In severe cases, IVDD can result in paralysis.

The good news is that knowing what to look out for can help you recognise when something isn’t right and get your dog the vet care they need.

Here’s what pet parents should know about IVDD, from the early warning signs to treatment.

Table of contents

• What is IVDD?
• Why are Dachshunds more prone to IVDD?
• What are the signs of IVDD in dogs?
• How is IVDD treated?
• Can IVDD in Dachshunds be prevented?
• Is IVDD covered by pet insurance?

What is IVDD?

Think of the discs in your dog’s spine as little shock absorbers. They sit between the vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spine) helping to cushion movement. With IVDD, these discs can harden, bulge, or rupture. When that happens, they can put pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

How a dog is affected depends on where the problem occurs and how severe it is. Some dogs may simply seem sore or reluctant to move, while more serious cases can cause weakness, difficulty walking, loss of movement, or paralysis.

Why are Dachshunds more prone to IVDD?

Inherited traits and body shape both play a role

Those short legs and long bodies may be a Dachshund trademark, but they’re also associated with health and welfare problems that can affect a dog’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. These characteristics are linked to chondrodystrophy, an inherited trait that affects the way cartilage and spinal discs develop, increasing the risk of IVDD.

Dachshunds, along with breeds with similar body shapes such as Basset Hounds or Welsh Corgis, have exaggerated physical features that can be associated with health and welfare problems over a dog’s lifetime.

Changes can happen before there are any obvious signs

A Dachshund can be young, energetic, and happily zooming around the house while changes are already happening in their spine.

Research shows that changes to the spinal disc can occur long before a dog shows any obvious signs of IVDD. Some Dachshunds may have evidence of disc degeneration despite appearing healthy and having no history of back problems.

That doesn’t mean every Dachshund will go on to develop clinical IVDD. However, it highlights the importance of recognising the early signs of the condition and seeking veterinary advice if you’re concerned.

What are the signs of IVDD in dogs?

Signs of IVDD to keep an eye out for include:

• Being reluctant to jump, climb stairs, or be picked up
• Walking with a hunched back or lowered head
• Vocalising or showing discomfort when touched or moving
• Seeming unusually stiff or reluctant to move
• Wobbliness or weakness in the legs
• Dragging the back legs
• In severe cases, suddenly being unable to walk or losing bladder or bowel control

If your dog is showing any of these signs, contact your vet for advice. IVDD can be an emergency, and getting vet attention quickly is very important.

How is IVDD treated?

There isn’t one treatment plan for every dog with IVDD. The type of treatment your vet may recommend will depend on factors such as where the affected disc is, how severe the symptoms are, and whether your dog can still walk and feel their legs.

For some dogs, treatment may involve strict rest, medication, and careful monitoring by a vet, while more serious cases may need surgery. Your vet will recommend an approach based on your dog’s individual circumstances.

Can IVDD in Dachshunds be prevented?

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent IVDD. However, there are simple things you can do to support your dog’s overall health.

For example:

• Keep your dog at a healthy weight and provide regular, appropriate exercise
• Keep up with regular vet check-ups to help spot and address any changes early

Ask your vet for advice on the right type of harness, whether ramps may help improve accessibility around the home, or appropriate, gentle ways to handle your dog. While these measures may support your dog’s comfort and wellbeing, they can’t prevent IVDD from occurring. If you’re unsure what’s best for your individual dog, have a chat with your vet. They can give you advice based on your dog’s age, health, weight, and lifestyle.

Because genetics plays an important role in IVDD, it’s also important to research health conditions and welfare issues associated with the breed before welcoming a Dachshund into your household. If you’re considering acquiring a Dachshund, the RSPCA recommends checking animal welfare and rescue organisations first. If you decide to acquire a puppy, choose a welfare-focused breeder and ask about inherited health conditions in their dogs, including whether they consider spinal health when planning litters.

For more information on what to consider before getting a new pet, click here.

Is IVDD covered by pet insurance?

IVDD treatment can involve vet consultations, diagnostic imaging, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation, depending on your dog’s needs. Pet insurance may help manage some of these costs by covering a portion of eligible vet expenses, subject to your policy’s terms and conditions.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your cover by choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that suit your needs and budget.

Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts. So, while you’re helping to protect your own pet, you’re also making a difference for other animals in need.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 11 September 2026.

References 

[1] Springer Nature Link. DachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40575-016-0039-8

[2] Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Incidences of intervertebral disk degeneration-related diseases and associated mortality rates in dogs. Available at: 10.2460/javma.240.11.1300

[3] National Library of Medicine. Evaluation of intervertebral disc degeneration in young adult asymptomatic Dachshunds with magnetic resonance imaging and radiography. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10523717/

[4] RSPCA Australia. What do I need to know before I get a new pet? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/choosing-a-pet/what-do-i-need-to-know-before-i-get-a-new-pet

[5] Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. Comparison of Clinical Features of Intervertebral Disc Extrusions in English Cocker Spaniels, French Bulldogs and Dachshunds. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/4/602