Environment & lifestyle factors

Why it is that we are now seeing an explosion of IVDD, particularly over recent times? As we already know, IVDD has a strong genetic (chondrodystrophy short-legs) and heritable (runs in families) aspect. The fact that Dachshunds are a short-legged breed remains the...

Neuropathic pain

Disorders of the somatosensory* system such as neuropathic pain commonly result from an injury or disease (eg IVDD) relating to the body’s nerves and how they function, or within the spinal cord itself. The assessment of neuropathic pain in humans relies heavily...

Sand – why soft sand should be avoided

IVDD is a lifelong condition; once a spine is affected, it remains susceptible to further issues. While many dachshunds with IVDD recover well over time, there’s a significant risk of severe permanent damage that can be life-changing or life-threatening. In...

Nails

Keeping nails at a safe length Most Dachshunds get away with long nails because they are too smart for their own good! They fool their owners into thinking that nail clipping or dremeling is devil torture. Don’t let the little darlings fool you, when you hear...

Slippery Floor Syndrome

A no-no for dogs and a BIG NO NO for IVDD hounds! Our hounds can be ticking time bombs when it comes to the health of their spines. Statistics tell us that 1:4 will be affected during their lifetime, some worse than others. As an owner, it’s important to...