{"id":9255,"date":"2025-02-21T08:04:46","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T08:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/?p=9255"},"modified":"2025-02-21T08:04:46","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T08:04:46","slug":"breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Breeds Prone to IVDD &amp; Back Problems: What Dog Owners Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Does your dog hesitate before jumping on the couch or show signs of stiffness after playtime? If so, they might be at risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a painful spinal condition that affects certain breeds more than others<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between a dog\u2019s vertebrae break down, leading to pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. This guide covers the top five breeds most affected by IVDD, their symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent spinal issues before they become severe.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#1_Dachshunds\" >1. Dachshunds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Why_They_Are_at_Risk\" >Why They Are at Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Signs_of_IVDD_in_Dachshunds\" >Signs of IVDD in Dachshunds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Treatment_Options\" >Treatment Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Prevention_Tips\" >Prevention Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#2_French_Bulldogs\" >2. French Bulldogs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Why_They_Are_at_Risk-2\" >Why They Are at Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Signs_of_IVDD_in_French_Bulldogs\" >Signs of IVDD in French Bulldogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Treatment_Options-2\" >Treatment Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Prevention_Tips-2\" >Prevention Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#3_Corgis_Pembroke_Cardigan\" >3. Corgis (Pembroke &amp; Cardigan)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Why_They_Are_at_Risk-3\" >Why They Are at Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Signs_of_IVDD_in_Corgis\" >Signs of IVDD in Corgis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Treatment_Options-3\" >Treatment Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Prevention_Tips-3\" >Prevention Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#4_Beagles\" >4. Beagles<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Why_They_Are_at_Risk-4\" >Why They Are at Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Signs_of_IVDD_in_Beagles\" >Signs of IVDD in Beagles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Treatment_Options-4\" >Treatment Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Prevention_Tips-4\" >Prevention Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#5_Shih_Tzus\" >5. Shih Tzus<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Why_They_Are_at_Risk-5\" >Why They Are at Risk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Signs_of_IVDD_in_Shih_Tzus\" >Signs of IVDD in Shih Tzus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Treatment_Options-5\" >Treatment Options<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Prevention_Tips-5\" >Prevention Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/breeds-prone-to-ivdd-back-problems-what-dog-owners-need-to-know\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Dachshunds\"><\/span><b>1. Dachshunds<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_They_Are_at_Risk\"><\/span><b>Why They Are at Risk?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dachshunds are the most commonly affected breed, with studies showing that up to 25% develop IVDD. Their elongated spines and short legs put extra strain on their vertebral discs, making them highly vulnerable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_IVDD_in_Dachshunds\"><\/span><b>Signs of IVDD in Dachshunds<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden reluctance to jump or climb stairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arched back or stiff posture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whining or crying out in pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Weak or wobbly back legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Loss of bladder or bowel control<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options\"><\/span><b>Treatment Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mild cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Strict crate rest for 4-6 weeks, pain medication, and physical therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Severe cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Surgery to remove damaged disc material and relieve pressure on the spinal cord<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Tips\"><\/span><b>Prevention Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep their weight under control to reduce spinal stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use ramps instead of letting them jump on\/off furniture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoid rough play or excessive running<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide orthopedic bedding for spine support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_French_Bulldogs\"><\/span><b>2. French Bulldogs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_They_Are_at_Risk-2\"><\/span><b>Why They Are at Risk?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">French Bulldogs are prone to both IVDD and hemivertebrae, a condition where their spinal bones develop abnormally. Their compact, muscular bodies make them more vulnerable to disc degeneration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_IVDD_in_French_Bulldogs\"><\/span><b>Signs of <\/b><b>IVDD in French Bulldogs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here are some Signs of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.austincaninerehab.com\/blog\/ivdd-in-frenchies-english-bulldogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">IVDD in French Bulldogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Back pain and muscle stiffness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difficulty standing or sudden weakness in the hind legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dragging back legs or wobbling while walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lack of enthusiasm for playing or walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden paralysis in severe cases<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options-2\"><\/span><b>Treatment Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mild cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and acupuncture<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Severe cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Surgery, followed by a strict rehabilitation plan<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Tips-2\"><\/span><b>Prevention Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prevent obesity by feeding a balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Limit jumping and high-impact activities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use a supportive harness for walks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Schedule regular vet check-ups to catch early signs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Corgis_Pembroke_Cardigan\"><\/span><b>3. Corgis (Pembroke &amp; Cardigan)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_They_Are_at_Risk-3\"><\/span><b>Why They Are at Risk?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Corgis have long bodies and short, sturdy legs, making them highly prone to IVDD. Their playful and energetic nature can also put extra strain on their spine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_IVDD_in_Corgis\"><\/span><b>Signs of IVDD in Corgis<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difficulty walking or sudden weakness in hind legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain when being picked up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yelping when moving or playing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hesitation to run, jump, or use stairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden loss of coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options-3\"><\/span><b>Treatment Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mild cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Crate rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and laser therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Severe cases: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Surgery, followed by physical therapy and controlled rehabilitation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Tips-3\"><\/span><b>Prevention Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep playtime gentle and avoid rough handling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use ramps instead of stairs to prevent jumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide joint supplements to support spine health<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Monitor their movement for any early signs of discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Beagles\"><\/span><b>4. Beagles<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_They_Are_at_Risk-4\"><\/span><b>Why They Are at Risk?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beagles are energetic dogs that love to run and jump, but their active lifestyle increases the risk of spinal injuries. While not as prone as Dachshunds or French Bulldogs, Beagles still face a significant risk of IVDD, especially as they age.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_IVDD_in_Beagles\"><\/span><b>Signs of IVDD in Beagles<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sudden yelping during movement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reluctance to play or run<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stiffness in the back and legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hind leg weakness or wobbliness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dragging of the hind legs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options-4\"><\/span><b>Treatment Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mild cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Pain management, rest, and rehabilitation therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Severe cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Surgery, followed by hydrotherapy and controlled exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Tips-4\"><\/span><b>Prevention Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep them from jumping off furniture or high surfaces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strengthen their back muscles with low-impact exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Monitor their weight to prevent added spinal pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide a soft, orthopedic bed for support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Shih_Tzus\"><\/span><b>5. Shih Tzus<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_They_Are_at_Risk-5\"><\/span><b>Why They Are at Risk?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shih Tzus have a compact build that makes them prone to IVDD and other spinal problems. Their short legs provide less support for their long backs, increasing stress on their discs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_IVDD_in_Shih_Tzus\"><\/span><b>Signs of IVDD in Shih Tzus<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pain when being touched along the spine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wobbly gait or unsteady walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trouble getting up or lying down<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crying out when jumping or running<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Incontinence (loss of bladder\/bowel control) in severe cases<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options-5\"><\/span><b>Treatment Options<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mild cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and gentle massage therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Severe cases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Surgery, followed by strict post-operative care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_Tips-5\"><\/span><b>Prevention Tips<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep their weight in check with a controlled diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use harnesses instead of collars to avoid neck strain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide ramps to prevent unnecessary jumping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take them for regular vet check-ups to monitor spinal health<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">IVDD and back problems are serious concerns for these breeds, but early detection and proper care can make all the difference. Watching for signs like pain, stiffness, or mobility issues can help you take action before the condition worsens. As a responsible pet parent, staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring your dog leads a happy, pain-free life.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does your dog hesitate before jumping on the couch or show signs of stiffness after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9256,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9255"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9255\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9257,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9255\/revisions\/9257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newpawsibilities.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}