Dachshund IVDD Risk Screener

Track Your Doxie’s Risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is one of the most common and heartbreaking health issues in dachshunds. Whether you’re caring for a a young or senior dachshund with slowing steps, understanding your dachshund’s risk is essential for prevention.

Our IVDD Risk Screener is a quick, guided tool that helps dachshund owners assess lifestyle, weight, breed type, and environmental factors to estimate their dog’s susceptibility to IVDD. It’s not a diagnosis — but it’s a helpful place to start if you want to protect your dachshund’s spine and mobility.

Want to learn more about the condition? We recommend this trusted overview by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for a clinical look at IVDD in dogs.

Take the IVDD Risk Screener

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Why IVDD Awareness Matters for Dachshunds?


Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to IVDD due to their long backs and short legs. It’s not just about age, lifestyle choices, weight, jumping habits, and even furniture height can all play a role in increasing risk.


Many cases are preventable with the right support early on.


From a slipped disc after a staircase tumble to a sudden yelp mid-play, IVDD can appear without warning. This tool is designed to give you better clarity, not fear around what to watch for and how to plan ahead.


The American College of Veterinary Surgeons estimates that Dachshunds alone account for 40 to 75% of all cases of IVDD. Dachshunds may be clinically affected by 3 to 6 years of age.


Want to learn more about the condition? We recommend this trusted overview by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for a clinical look at IVDD in dogs.


Senior dachshund lying on the floor looking tired, showing early signs of IVDD back problems

What You’ll Learn from the IVDD Risk Screener


  • Your dachshund’s estimated IVDD risk level (Low, Moderate, or High)


  • Personalized tips based on age, activity, weight, and home environment


  • Guidance on ramps, joint support, and daily habits that reduce spinal stress


  • When to talk to your vet about advanced screening


Once you complete the screener, you’ll receive a summary tailored to your answers. It’s not medical advice but it’s made to help you ask better questions at your next vet visit or plan improvements at home (like furniture ramps or better weight management routines).


This screener isn’t about overreacting it’s about staying informed and empowered as your dachshund’s biggest advocate. It takes just a few minutes, and could help you make choices that protect their mobility and spinal health for years to come.

Three dachshunds sitting together outdoors wearing collars, showing breed traits and back health risk factors

Prevention Starts Here

DoggoRamps Couch Ramp

Based on your IVDD risk score, reducing impact matters. This ramp removes one of the biggest daily stressors on your dachshund’s spine, getting on and off the couch. Designed for long bodies and short legs, it supports safer movement without sacrificing couch time. Easy to use. Easy to store. A simple upgrade that protects your doxies future mobility.

Black and tan dachshund using a wooden dog ramp to climb onto a sofa in a cozy living room with leather couches and a potted plant.

IVDD Support Back Brace & Vest Harness

Designed to stabilise the spine and reduce painful movement

This back brace is designed to stabilise the spine, reduce unnecessary motion, and support your dachshund during walks, rehab, and day-to-day movement. It provides gentle compression and structure without restricting breathing or comfort. Designed for long backs. Built for controlled movement. Best used alongside vet guidance and recovery plans.

dog brace ivdd dachshund

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IVDD Risk Screener

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