Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is by far the most common health problem in UK Dachshunds: around 1 in 4 may be affected at some stage in their lives. Whilst many recover well in time, there is significant risk of permanent damage so severe it is life changing or threatening.
You are the proud owner of a Dachshund (or maybe more than one!). Can you prevent your dog from developing IVDD? The answer, sadly, is not always, because some dogs are predisposed either through inheritance or shape, but as a responsible owner, you can reduce the risk through the lifestyle choices you make for your dog.
What works for one dog, may not work for another, but the best lifestyle advice is to keep your Dachshund well-exercised, fed a balanced diet and at an ideal body condition (not too lean and not overweight).
Lifestyle Advice:
- Keep your Dachshund fit, not fat
- Adopt a mixed regime of on and off-lead exercise
- Increase the amount of exercise you give your Dachshund as it grows from puppy to adult
- Feed a well-balanced diet, appropriate to your Dachshund's life-stage
- Ask your vet to check if your Dachshund has an ideal Body Condition Score
- Allow your Dachshund to mature fully before considering neutering (unless there is a strong health reason to do this before 12 months)
You can find a whole range on information on the Dachshund IVDD website. Please take time to visit and study the site and make yourself familiar with the signs, symptoms and outcomes of IVDD.
.png)
Comments