As we all know, dogs begin to enter old age after the age of 7, and all aspects of their body functions are declining, especially dogs with short limbs and long bodies such as Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Cocker Spaniel, and Corgi. Dogs are more susceptible to intervertebral disc disease in the thoracolumbar region.

The entire shape of the spine of this type of dog is arched, with the waist slumped down. In addition, this type of dog is easy to gain weight, and the weight of the internal organs will also pull the spine toward the ground, so close attention is needed.

The situation that happens to dogs is often more serious than that of humans, and there is even the possibility of paralysis. Don’t take it lightly!

If your dog becomes inactive, jumps, has its back arched, walks abnormally, and makes a cry of pain when picked up, this is an early sign of lumbar disc herniation. When the disease is severe, the hindquarters may suddenly become paralyzed. Incontinence of urine and feces, hind leg muscle atrophy and other symptoms.

Canine lumbar disc disease should be prevented in daily life. Although genetic factors are the main cause of herniated discs in dogs, daily behaviors may also contribute to the disease. As long as the dog owner pays more attention in daily life, he can reduce the incidence of intervertebral disc herniation in dogs.

1. Don’t let dogs go up and down stairs

Don’t think that dogs going up and down stairs every day can strengthen their body. In fact, going up and down stairs is very harmful to dogs. When dogs go up and down stairs, they must arch their waist to increase the activity of their lumbar vertebrae at almost every step, which puts the lumbar vertebrae in a state of bearing physical pressure. Doing so for a long time can induce the occurrence of lumbar disc herniation.

Therefore, it is best to hold your dog in the elevator with the correct posture when going up and down stairs, and try to avoid letting it take the stairs.

2. Hold the dog correctly

Picking up a dog suddenly will cause great harm to the dog's lumbar spine, and is an important cause of lumbar disc herniation. Dogs' movements and reaction abilities are not as flexible and agile as cats. Picking it up suddenly will cause the lumbar spine to twist left and right as the body shakes, irritating the lumbar intervertebral discs. The correct way to hold a dog is to hold the dog's limbs together with both hands, keeping the waist level and preventing the spine from being bent for a long time.

3. Do not train to stand

When the dog is still a baby, don’t let it stand often. Excessive burden on the waist will cause hidden dangers in the future.

4. Control weight

An overly obese dog will also cause excessive stress on the waist. It is necessary to maintain an appropriate amount of exercise, eat two meals a day, and control the weight within the normal range.

5.Don’t catch cold