If you notice that your dog is arching his back or shivering when he tries to move, he may have disc pain. Neck stiffness and swelling can also be a symptom of back pain. This swelling can also impact the condition of the ears. These symptoms indicate that your dog need might need back support.
Additionally, you may notice that your dog limps or lags behind other pets. He may struggle to walk effectively; the back legs may not move as easily and they may fall or stumble frequently. If your dog is small and he suddenly cries when you pick him up, it could be a spinal problem.
Getting The Right Diagnosis
Diagnosing a damaged spine will take x-rays and may require a dye insertion to check the most severe areas of damage. In the early days of the diagnosis, you may be instructed to reduce the dog’s exercise program. If your dog enjoys the water, you may be instructed to get him in a cool tub of water to reduce the pressure on his spine.
Another simple way to make things easier for your dog is to check how far he has to bend or reach to get to his water and food. Make sure the bed is fluffed and comfortable. If your dog is prone to sleeping on a tile floor when they’re hot, try putting a cooling pad down for their tummy so they can sleep on their bed without overheating.
Get The Best Support For Your Dog
If your dog is having trouble with his back legs, a rolling cart may be a good choice. You will need to size it to suit the shoulder height so the back stays flat as he runs on his front feet and roll on those back legs. As your dog gets used to the motion and develops strength without pain in his front legs, you will see his personality and sparkle come back. Whether he can learn to function again on all four feet or spend his days on wheels, he can enjoy life again.
Should your vet find that the injury can be overcome with a bit of bracing and focused exercise, best dog back brace will stabilize the spine to reduce inflammation, take the pressure off pinched nerves and allow the disc to settle as the swelling goes down.
Breed Considerations
There are dog breeds that are more prone to back injuries. This is not to say that mixed breed dogs can’t suffer a spinal injury as they age. However, breeds that are sensitive to this injury can develop it as puppies. Generally, disc injury is a risk if a dog or a breed has
- a long back
- short legs
- poor core strength
Often, young dogs simply aren’t strong enough to do tricks such as standing on their back feet and begging. If your dog loves to jump up and put their paws on your legs, their core strength is coming along. Of course, as you train them not to hop up on people, you will need to boost their core strength with other exercises.
How To Avoid Back Injury For Your Dog
Your dog needs regular exercise to protect their spines. Additionally, regular exercise and a size-appropriate diet will reduce your dog’s risk of spinal injury. Obese dogs will develop not only spinal problems but may suffer from sore feet and legs over time.
If your dog is especially lean despite eating a healthy diet, he may well need to build muscle. Start with some walking training. If your dog tends to follow you around, ask a friend to join you for a walk. Let him hold the leash while you set the pace. If you notice your dog panting or if he just gives up and lays down, offer water and a treat before turning heading back home. Work to extend the length and pace of your walk. Work on stairs as well to build core strength and endurance.
A healthy dog will generally love to get out and go for a walk. If you notice that your dog is limping or showing symptoms of pain but don’t want to quit, don’t allow him to push on. Injured dogs will often push past the point of discomfort into an injury if they love to be outdoors with you.
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