How to Hold a Dachshund Properly: A Comprehensive Guide to Keep Your Sausage Dog Safe and Happy

Dachshunds, known as "wiener dogs" or "sausage dogs," are among the most adorable dog breeds with unique bodies and characters. Their unusual proportions, long bodies, and short legs have made them famous pets. However, this cuteness also makes these adorable dogs particularly prone to spinal injuries. As a Dachshund owner, it is essential to know how to hold a Dachshund properly to avoid causing unnecessary stress or injury to their delicate spine. In this comprehensive article, we'll go through each step to properly handle your Dachshund, avoid common mistakes, and other helpful tips to ensure your wiener dog remains healthy and happy.

Understanding the Dachshund's Anatomy: Why Proper Handling Matters

Dachshunds are special dog breeds not only because of their stubborn characters but also because of their long spines and short legs, which make them more vulnerable to back issues. Unlike other dog breeds, Dachshunds are at a higher risk of developing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a common spinal injury caused by excessive strain on their backs.

If Dachshunds are not handled correctly, it can put a lot of stress on their spine due to their short legs placed on a long body. These long-bodied sausage dogs require full support when being held to prevent unnecessary pressure on their spine and leg joints. Even allowing them to jump off a couch without using dog ramps or lifting them incorrectly can lead to serious health issues.

Dachshunds rely on their spinal health for mobility, balance, and well-being. Therefore, learning the proper technique to lift and hold a Dachshund is crucial for any dog owner or dog lover. The appropriate method should be applied to young sausage dogs since the harm can build over time and show itself suddenly.

How to Hold a Dachshund: The Correct Technique

Now that we've established why handling your Dachshund is essential let's dive into the proper technique for holding it. Holding a Dachshund isn't rocket science, but doing it incorrectly can lead to long-term health issues for your pet. Follow these steps to ensure you're supporting your dog's body correctly.

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1. Support Their Upper Body

As a first step, when picking your Dachshund, always start by supporting your dog's upper body. Place one hand under the Dachshund's chest (just behind their front legs) to support the weight of the dog's upper body. This step is crucial to keep their front half stable and prevents them from feeling like they are about to fall.

2. Cradle the Rear End

The next step is to cradle your dog's lower body gently. Place your other hand under your dog's rear legs and lower body to provide proper support and balance. A main point to remember here is that both ends of the dog's body need to be supported evenly to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the spine.

3. Slowly Lift While Keeping the Body Level

Once you have a stable hold on both the upper and lower body, slowly lift your Dachshund while keeping the balance. It is extremely important to avoid any bending or twisting of the spine while lifting. Your Dachshund will feel balanced and supported while lifting your wiener dog into your arms.

4. Hold Them Close

After lifting your dog, hold them close to your body. Keeping your Dachshund close provides extra support and helps them feel more secure. This also minimizes their chances of wriggling free, which could result in them accidentally falling and hurting themselves.

5. Lower Them Slowly and Gently

Do it slowly and gently when it is time to put your Dachshund down. For the safest landing, maintain their body level as you lower them to the ground, and ensure that their back legs and front paws are firmly touching the ground before letting go. Letting them drop even a few inches can cause unnecessary stress on their spine and leg joints.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Holding a Dachshund

Despite the best intentions, many Dachshund owners make common mistakes when picking up or holding their dog. Those mistakes can lead to severe spine injuries or make existing conditions like IVDD or hip dysplasia worse. Let's look at common mistakes and learn how to avoid them.

Lifting by the Front Legs or Chest

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is lifting your wiener dog by its front legs or upper body alone. While this may be fine for other dog breeds, it is hazardous for Dachshunds. Holding them this way causes their lower body to dangle unsupported, placing unnatural stress on their spine.

Letting the Lower Body Dangle

Allowing your Dachshund's lower body to dangle without support is another common mistake. When holding your dog, you must ensure that both their upper and lower bodies are fully supported to keep their spine straight. Letting their back half hang unsupported puts extra pressure on their delicate spine, increasing the risk of injury.

Twisting or Bending the Spine

Twisting or bending your Dachshund's back while picking them up or putting them down might lead to severe injuries. Dachshunds have delicate spines, and twisting movements can lead to spinal damage. Always keep your Dachshund's body straight when lifting or holding them.

Dropping Them Too Quickly

Dropping your Dachshund from any height, even a few inches can cause injury. As a Dachshund owner (or holder!), always keep lowering them slowly and gently and ensure all four paws are on the ground before letting go. Sudden drops can cause stress on the spine and leg joints, which may lead to long-term health problems.

Teaching Children and Visitors How to Handle Dachshunds

Since dachshunds are adorable and have unusual proportions, you are not the only one who wants to hold them. That's why you must teach your family members and guests how to hold a Dachshund. Young children, especially, may need to be made aware of how delicate a Dachshund's spine is, and visitors might pick them up incorrectly as well.

If you have young children at home, make sure they are supervised and capable of lifting your Dachshund. Children are naturally excited to play with pets—like many of us, but they may accidentally lift the dog in ways that strain their spine. Instead of lifting and holding your dog, you can encourage your children to sit and play safely with your dog on the floor.

It is also essential to explain the importance of holding your Dachshund properly to your guests. You can demonstrate how to support the upper and lower body before letting them pick up the wiener dog. It is also a good idea to ask them to sit with the dog to minimize the risk of accidental falls.

Additional Tips for Preventing Dachshund Back Injuries

Correct handling is one of the most important parts of keeping your Dachshund healthy; however, there are several other preventative measures you can take to protect your Dachshund's spine health from injury.

• Use Dog Ramps and Limit Jumping

Like many other dogs, Dachshunds love to jump onto couches and beds, but jumping is one of the biggest enemies of their spine and leg joints since it puts lots of strain on their fragile bodies with unusual proportions. Investing in dog ramps or pet stairs is quite affordable and essential for Dachshund owners. You can help your dog safely access higher surfaces via the dog ramps or pet stairs. Limiting jumping would help prevent back injuries in the long run.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

Dachshunds have a big appetite compared to their body; therefore, keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight is crucial to reducing strain on their delicate spine. Excess weight puts additional pressure on their back and can worsen existing conditions like IVDD. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are key to maintaining your Dachshund's ideal weight.

• Provide Soft Bedding

Wiener dogs need a comfortable bed as much as we do. Orthopedic and comfortable beds provide extra support for their rear end and can help relieve pressure on the spine and joints while they sleep.

We totally understand—your Dachshund is full of spunk, and playing a little rough is tempting. But their long and fragile spines are not designed for twisting and jumping! As a Dachshund owner, you should stick to gentler games (like fetch or sniffing games, definitely not wrestling). Additionally, keeping an eye on playtime is also essential.

• Regular Vet Checkups

Your Doxie may be challenging, but regular vet checkups are non-negotiable for keeping their spine in tip-top shape. Don't play doctor if they start acting weird—refusing to jump or giving you the side-eye when you try to pick them up. Call the vet! Early diagnosis can make all the difference between a minor hiccup and a significant back issue.

Recognizing Signs of Discomfort in Your Dachshund

Dachshunds tend to be overdramatic, but they are generally pretty intelligent dogs that can communicate with you. Here are some common signs to look out for:

1. Whining or Yelping

If your sausage dog whines or yelps when being lifted, it may be a sign that they are experiencing pain or discomfort.

2. Reluctance to Move

A Dachshund who is reluctant to move, jump, or climb stairs may be experiencing back pain. If your dog avoids activities they usually enjoy, such as bouncing around as a happiness ambassador, they may be trying to avoid putting strain on their spine.

3. Arched Back or Tense Muscles

An arched back or tense muscles indicate your Dachshund is in discomfort. If you notice your dog holding their back in an unusual position, it's a good idea to check for signs of spinal injury.

4. Wriggling to Escape

If your Dachshund tries to escape when you hold them, it could be a sign of discomfort. They could be trying to escape the pain, not just your hugs (though, let's be honest, maybe it's both). Make sure you hold a Dachshund correctly, and if they continue to wriggle, consider that they may be in pain and consult a vet.

Common Back and Spinal Issues in Dachshunds

Dachshunds have an adorable shape—long like a hotdog—but also make their backs vulnerable. As mentioned, Dachshunds are prone to back issues because of their elongated spine and unusual proportions. The most common back problems in Dachshunds are spinal injuries, which can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.

One of the severe health issues Dachshunds face is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is often triggered by improper handling, excessive jumping, or other strains on their long backs. IVDD occurs when the discs between the spine's vertebrae herniate or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. It is a serious health injury and can cause pain, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Regular checkups and proper handling should be adopted from a young age, and they can help prevent or reduce the severity of the conditions. However, Dachshund owners should always be aware of the symptoms of back problems and seek veterinary help if needed.

What Is IVDD and Why Dachshunds Are Prone to It

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a spinal condition primarily affecting dog breeds with long bodies and short legs—such as the lovely Dachshunds. Dachshunds are genetically prone to IVDD, and their fragile spines are very vulnerable to the pressure caused by even minor injuries or innocent but rough plays.

The symptoms of IVDD can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common signs include:

• Pain in the neck or back, often indicated by whining or yelping.
• Stiffness or reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs.
• Loss of coordination, especially in the hind legs.
• Paralysis in severe cases, where the dog cannot move its hind legs.

Mild cases of IVDD can often be treated with crate rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. However, severe cases may require surgery to remove the ruptured disc material and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Preventing IVDD is all about proper care. By learning how to hold a Dachshund correctly, using ramps or pet stairs, avoiding excessive jumping and rough plays, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce the risk of IVDD and keep your Dachshund healthy and happy.

Conclusion: Holding Your Dachshund Correctly for a Healthy, Happy Life

Dachshunds are great household companions, but their unique anatomy requires special care, particularly when handling them. Knowing how to hold a Dachshund properly can make all the difference in preventing spinal injuries and keeping your dog comfortable and happy.

By following the proper technique—supporting their upper body, cradling their hind legs, and keeping their spine level—you can minimize the risk of back problems. Avoid common mistakes like lifting by the front legs, letting their body dangle, or dropping them too quickly. Additionally, supervise children and visitors and teach them the correct handling methods, listen to your dog's body language, ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight, and provide ramps and supportive bedding; you're taking significant steps to protect your sausage dog's spine.

Your Dachshund's health and happiness are directly tied to how well you care for them, and by following these tips, you'll help ensure that your furry friend enjoys a long, active, and healthy life.