Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44
Should I keep dachshund from jumping to protect her back? | Ask A Vet
 

 


Dog ate chocolate?

ask a vet

Keep dachshund from jumping?

Species: Dog
Breed: Miniature Dachshund
Age: 6-12 months
Hello,
About 2 months ago I woke to find that my dachshund could not move her hind legs. She also had diarrhea. My other dog, a Maltese Shih tzu, also had diarrhea at the same time.
We took both dogs to the Vet and they were each given the all-clear, suspecting that it must have been something they ate which gave them the upset stomach. The Vet also seemed to think that Frankie's paralysis and diarrhea were unrelated. We took Frankie home that day and made sure she had plenty of rest. By that evening she had full function of her legs again.
I am terrified of this happening to her again as she is a very active little dog, who can now jump on and off the couch. She also stands on her hind legs and sits.
Is it dangerous for her spine if she stands on her hind legs? Is it dangerous if she sits? I know she should not be allowed to jump on and off any furniture, but I'm confused as to how to prevent this.
We also have 2 steps in our backyard leading from the patio to the garden. Should I put a ramp there instead?
What do you suggest is the optimum diet for a dachshund, as I do not wish for her to put on any more weight.
As you can see I'm a little confused as to how to ensure I protect Frankie's back and minimize any harm. Would really appreciate your expertise on this matter.


Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

The situation that you have described where Frankie's legs were not working and then started to work a few hours later is quite unusual. Dachshunds are very prone to back problems but it would be very strange for a back problem to go away that quickly. I really don't have an explanation for you as to why Frankie lost control of her hind legs.

It is true that if a dog is recovering from a serious back problem that we should keep them from jumping and doing stairs. However, for a healthy dog, as long as it is not a crazy distance, she is fine to do small jumps and stairs. My line of thought is that if a dog has a back that is that unstable that a small jump is going to affect it then it really is going to cause problems no matter what. In other words, if she's brewing a back problem, if you keep her from jumping she may avoid a back problem today but it's just going to happen at some time in the near future.

It really should not be dangerous for her to stand on her hind legs.

Regarding food, you are right to try to keep her a healthy weight. I see so many overweight dachshunds and this is definitely not good for their backs. There is no particular brand of food that I would recommend but I would say that whatever food you choose, measure out how much she gets instead of estimating. Also, be very sparing on treats. Usually treats and table food are what get a dog to be overweight.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Marie.



Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

Liver shunt or MVD Hello Dr. Maria. I have a 6 month old male Dachshund. He went in to get a neuter... (17448 views)

7 week old puppies have fleas. my puppy is getting eatin alive by fleas he is only 7 weeks old and is a very tiny... (12710 views)

Crusty cat nipple. My 8 year old male cats nipple was hard and crusty. I pulled it and it came out and... (86454 views)

In pain after anal gland surgery. my pet just got an anal gland removed and he dosent want to get up to eat. he has... (11207 views)

Ovarian remnant syndrome hi i had my cat spayed a year ago and she went back into heat (full blown moaning... (21410 views)

Wheezing, sneezing kitten. my kitten is 3 and a half months old recently she has been sleeping a whole lot and... (15987 views)

Is my cat diabetic? Ollie is consuming lots of water, and peeing a lot. There has been a marked increase... (7960 views)

Dog shedding. Why is our dog shedding so... (12329 views)

Howling when trying to pee. We took Ferna to the vet a few months ago for vomiting and they prescribed hairball... (12405 views)

Arthritis in a Newfie. My ten year old Newfie mix is eating less and seems very stiff and sometimes... (13304 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.