How to avoid lower back injuries for your pup!

How to Help Your Dog Avoid Low Back Injuries (Especially Those Couch-Jumpers)

One of the most common reasons I see dogs for low back pain? Jumping off furniture.

It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for certain breeds—especially long-backed, short-legged dogs like dachshunds, corgis, and a lot of the toy breeds—that leap off the couch or bed can lead to some serious trouble. We're talking about disc injuries that are super painful and sometimes even require surgery.

The problem is all in the way they land. When dogs jump down from a high surface, they can hit the ground at such a steep angle that their spine gets a sort of whiplash motion—too much flexing and extending in the low back all at once. That sudden movement is what can blow out a disc.

The good news? There are a few super easy things you can do to help prevent this:

• Doggy stairs or a ramp – These are lifesavers. Place them next to your couch or bed so your pup has a safer way up and down.

• Pick them up – If they’ll let you and you can do it safely, just lift them off the furniture instead of letting them jump.

• Add a step – No stairs? Try moving a sturdy ottoman or bench next to the bed as a middle step to soften the landing.

At the end of the day, your dog just wants to be close to you—they’re not thinking about back injuries. But a few small changes can keep them comfy, mobile, and out of the vet’s office for something totally preventable.

If your dog is showing signs of back pain or you just want to make sure your home setup is safe, we’re here to help. Give us a call at Dr. Dina LiVolsi Animal Chiropractor or message us on Facebook or Instagram. You can also schedule an appointment directly through our website: https://www.drdinalivolsi.com.

Let’s keep those tails wagging—safely!