A dachshund's long back is a big part of their charm, and the reason they need a little extra care. They're the breed most often affected by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Genetics play a large role, so you can't remove the risk entirely, but the way your household handles your doxie every day really does matter.
- Always lift with two hands: one under the chest, one under the back end.
- Keep the spine level, like carrying a tray.
- Use ramps, gates and floor-level beds to cut down on jumping and stairs.
- Sudden wobbliness or weakness is an emergency. Call your vet straight away.
How to pick up a dachshund, step by step
- Get down to their level. Crouch beside your dog rather than bending over and scooping.
- One hand under the chest. Slide it under the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
- One hand under the back end. Support the hindquarters and back legs with your other hand or forearm.
- Lift evenly. Both ends rise together so the back stays horizontal.
- Hold them close. Bring them against your body, still supporting both ends.
- Put them down the same way. Lower both ends together so all four paws land at once.
How not to pick up a dachshund
- Under the front legs or armpits only, with the back end dangling.
- By the scruff, collar or harness handle.
- Upright like a baby, without supporting the back end.
Each of these lets the long spine sag or bend under the dog's own weight.
Children love to carry dachshunds. Show them the two-hand method, or better still, have them sit on the floor and let the dog come to them.
Stairs
Vets commonly advise limiting how often a dachshund uses stairs, especially going down, where the front legs and spine take the impact.
- Use baby gates to block stairs when you're not around.
- Carry your dog on stairs you use often.
- Keep their bed, water and favourite spots on the main living level.
Jumping on and off furniture
Jumping down from a bed or sofa is one of the most common everyday strains. You don't have to ban the sofa, but you can make it easier on their back.
- Add a ramp or pet steps with a gentle slope and a non-slip surface, and reward your dog for using it.
- Lift them up and down if a ramp isn't practical.
- Give them a better spot on the floor. A cosy bed with raised sides is often what finally tempts a doxie off the couch. See the best bed for a dachshund.
Cars, floors and walks
In the car
Lift your dog in and out rather than letting them leap. Use a secure car seat or crate, and clip restraints to a harness, never a collar.
Slippery floors
Tiles and polished wood can cause slipping and splaying, which twists the back. Put rugs or runners on your dog's usual routes, and keep nails and paw fur trimmed for better grip (our grooming guide shows how).
On walks
A dog that lunges on a collar puts sudden force through the neck. A well-fitted harness spreads it across the chest instead. More in collar vs harness and how to stop pulling.
Weight and fitness
Extra weight adds load to the spine, while regular walks build the muscles that support it. See the weight guide and exercise guide.
Contact your vet promptly if your dachshund:
- Yelps when picked up or touched
- Has a hunched back or tense belly
- Won't jump or climb a step they normally manage
- Holds their head low, or won't lower it to eat
- Shakes or trembles for no obvious reason
- Is wobbly, drags their paws or has weak back legs
Sudden weakness or inability to walk is an emergency. See a vet straight away. Fast treatment can make a big difference.
Doxie Gang Harness
A padded chest plate keeps pressure off the neck and spine on every walk. Sizes XS to L.
Shop the harnessCommon questions
Can dachshunds use stairs at all?
Many manage a few steps without problems. The general advice is to keep regular stair use to a minimum, particularly going down, and to carry them on long or steep flights.
Is it OK to lift a dachshund by the harness handle?
A handle is useful for guiding or steadying your dog for a moment, not for lifting their full weight. Use two hands under the chest and back end instead.
Can a dachshund with IVDD live a normal life?
Many do, with treatment, rest and good management. Your vet or a veterinary neurologist can advise on your dog's specific case.
General guidance only, not veterinary advice. If your dachshund shows any signs of back pain, contact your vet. Cover photo by Peter Jochim on Pexels.
