Are you a dog owner with a Dachshund breed? If so, you must make yourself aware of IVDD. This type is more susceptible to the IVDD condition than other dogs.
If your pet is suffering from IVDD or you are afraid of the dog contracting the disease, you’re in the right place. This is because we know everything about it and will be guiding you. So here is all the information you need about Dachshund IVDD crate rest.
What Is IVDD?
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition that affects the spine alignment of various dog breeds. It is an inherited disease that about 25% of Dachshunds suffer from. Not only that, but this breed is most likely to get this condition than other dogs.
The condition occurs when a disc slips or rupture in the middle back part of a dog. It is a result of progressive degeneration of the dog’s intervertebral disk. A key feature of this component is that it separates various vertebrae in the Dachshund’s spine.
Crate rest is the top treatment that veterinarians prescribe for this disease. Here is everything you need to know about it with regards to Dachshunds.
IVDD Crate Rest
Crate rest is the most prevalent treatment for IVDD that can allow your Dachshund to recover relatively easily. It involves putting your pet in a cage for a prescribed period.
You should follow strict crate rest enforcement to help your dog get rid of the IVDD sooner. This means that you should not let the pet out of the crate unless it has to use the washroom. Besides that, you can take the dog out sometimes. However, you must keep it leashed.
The primary purpose of crate rest is to limit your dog’s movement. This is so that it doesn’t cause additional damage to its spine. It is advisable to pick up your dog when taking it to the bathroom. Additionally, you should ensure not to let the pet walk long or engage in high physical activity.
How Long Should A Dog Be Crate Rest With IVDD?
The duration your dog needs to be in crate rest depends on the severity of the IVDD and the prescribed time by the vet. If the condition is mild, you will have to keep the pet in the crate for a few days. However, you must still ensure to prevent them from running for at least three weeks.
Meanwhile, if the IVDD is severe, you will have to keep the dog in the crate for three to eight weeks. Sometimes it can even take months for your pet to recover. This is why you must get your dog checkout by a veterinarian.
How Do I Keep My Dog Happy During Crate Rest?
Dogs are active animals that love to play around and engage in physical games. This is why crate rest can be overwhelming for them, mainly because they don’t understand IVDD. So here are some tips that will help you keep your Dachshund happy during crate rest:
Perform Crate Training
If you have a Dachshund, you should get them trained to use a crate. This is regardless of whether they have been diagnosed with IVDD. Regular training will allow your pet to adjust to crate rest easily when the time comes.
When your dog becomes familiar with the crate, it will experience less anxiousness during the actual period. Besides that, training can allow you to enjoy some relaxing hours without worrying about your pet.
Cuddle The Dog With The Leash
During crate rest, your dog should not be able to run away from you or to the door when the bell rings. This is why you must always keep the leash on them, especially when cuddling. Even when holding the pet in your hands, it is essential to keep the leash.
The leash will help you prevent the dog from running to places. Additionally, it will allow your pet to adjust to the situation more easily. This approach will also help you control the dog from making sudden movements due to pain or other reasons.
Change Place Of The Crate
A dog loves to follow its owner throughout the home and snuggle with them. This is something that crate rest prevents your pet from doing. That is why you must compensate for it.
By changing the place of the crate from time to time, you can allow your pet to be happier. It is also advisable to keep the cage near you and talk to your dog sometimes. The interaction will allow your pet to remain connected with you and feel loved.
How Do You Carry A Dachshund With IVDD?
The right way to hold a Dachshund with IVDD is to lift them gently. Additionally, you should keep one hand near their chest for support. Meanwhile, the other should be close to the hind part.
Besides that, you should keep the Dachshund against your chest to ensure smooth spine alignment. You must also keep your pet on the floor gently without causing any pressure.
How Do IVDD Dogs Sleep?
IVDD dogs sleep like normal pets and lie down with stretched bodies. This is why you must provide them with a large crate. The big size will offer the space they require to sleep comfortably.
How To Avoid IVDD In Dogs?
IVDD is an inherited condition, so you cannot avoid the disease entirely. However, you can reduce the risk of occurrence by taking the following precautions:
- Make sure your Dachshund is not obese
- Reduce activities that result in high impact
- Keep your dog in a crate from time to time
- Put the harness on while walking your pet
- Handle and hold your dog with care
- Avoid breeding as IVDD is a hereditary condition
- Don’t get your pet neutered very early
Final Words
This is everything you need to know about Dachshund IVDD crate rest. All these precautions and tips apply to other dog breeds as well. So you don’t have to worry about limitations.
