Can you pick up a dog with IVDD? Yes, you can pick up a dog with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), but it must be done very carefully using a specific IVDD dog lifting technique. This guide shows you the best ways to lift and support your dog to prevent more injury. Keeping your dog still is the most important rule.
Why Careful Lifting Matters for Dogs with IVDD
IVDD happens when the discs between your dog’s backbone get hurt. These discs act like cushions. When they burst or slip, they press on the spinal cord. This pressure can cause pain, weakness, or even make your dog unable to move its legs (paralysis).
Moving your dog wrong can make the swelling worse. It can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. That is why every lift must be gentle. We need to keep the back straight at all times. This is the core of canine IVDD safe handling.
Recognizing the Signs of Acute IVDD
Before you lift, you must know if your dog is having a severe episode. Signs of acute IVDD include:
- Crying out in pain when touched.
- Not wanting to move or walk.
- Knuckling or dragging its feet.
- Crying when trying to stand up.
- Limping or showing weakness in the back legs.
If you see these signs, treat it like an emergency. Do not try to walk the dog. You must lift them immediately using safe methods.
Preparing for Safe Movement: Essential Supplies
Before you try to move your dog, get the right tools ready. Trying to lift without help or gear is risky for both of you. Think of these items as part of your dog back brace lifting plan, even if you are not using a brace yet.
Must-Have Support Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Why It Helps with IVDD |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy Blanket or Towel | Creates a makeshift stretcher. | Keeps the body flat and supported during the initial move. |
| Dog Sling or Harness | Provides a solid base under the belly/chest. | Essential for supporting dog with IVDD hindquarters or front end. |
| Firm Board (Optional) | Acts as a rigid stretcher for very weak dogs. | Ensures zero bending of the spine during transport. |
| Crate or Carrier | A safe, confined space for transport. | Limits movement once the dog is picked up. |
If your dog is small, things are a bit easier, but the rule of keeping the back straight is the same. For lifting small dog with IVDD, a thick towel rolled snugly around the body can work well as a temporary sling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lifting Small Dogs with IVDD
Small dogs are often easier to move, but owners sometimes get careless because they are light. Never rush this process.
Using the Two-Person Towel Method
This is the best way for lifting small dog with IVDD during the initial emergency move.
- Calm Your Dog: Speak softly. If possible, have one person gently stroke the dog’s chest to keep it calm.
- Slide the Support: Gently slide a thick, folded bath towel or firm blanket under the dog’s body. Position it so the support runs from behind the front legs to under the hips.
- The Count and Lift: Both people kneel on the same side of the dog. On a count of three, both people lift at the exact same time.
- Keep it Level: The goal is to lift the dog as a single unit. The back must stay completely flat, like a board. Do not let the middle sag.
- Move to Safety: Carry the dog directly to its crate or a prepared safe space. Do not carry it far.
Using a Dog Sling for IVDD Support
A proper dog sling for IVDD support is highly recommended. These slings often have handles and go under the chest and hips.
- Positioning the Sling: Gently slide the chest harness/sling under the dog while it is lying down. Move slowly to avoid startling it.
- Securing the Handles: Fasten the chest and rear parts of the sling. Make sure they are snug but not tight enough to cut off breathing.
- Lifting the Hind End: If the dog cannot use its back legs, lift the rear handle only. Lift just enough so the back legs clear the floor. Keep the spine straight.
- Lifting the Front End (If Needed): If the front legs are also weak, the second person can lift the front handles. Lift together, keeping the whole body level.
This method is crucial for carrying dog with paralyzed hind legs safely across a room.
Advanced Technique: How to Lift Larger Dogs with IVDD
Moving a large dog requires more planning. If you have a large dog with severe back issues, you might need specialized equipment or a third helper. This is how you safely lift dog with spinal cord injury that is heavy.
Employing the Two-Person Stretcher Technique
For dogs over 40 pounds, a rigid surface is ideal for how to move dog with severe back pain.
- Prepare the Stretcher: Use a piece of plywood, a sturdy cafeteria tray, or a commercially made rigid pet stretcher. Place it right next to the dog.
- The Roll: One person stands on each side of the dog. Gently guide the dog to roll slightly towards the person on its side.
- Slide Under: While the dog is slightly tilted, the person on the open side slides the board underneath the dog. Go slowly, moving the board inch by inch until it is centered under the dog’s body.
- The Lift: Both handlers kneel close to the board. Grab the edges of the board firmly. On a three-count, lift upwards, keeping your backs straight. Lift the board level, ensuring the dog does not slide or twist.
- Transport: Carry the stretcher directly to the car or vet. Do not stop or pause mid-walk.
The Role of a Dog Back Brace Lifting Strategy
If your vet recommends a dog back brace lifting routine, the brace must be applied before you move the dog, if possible. The brace restricts bending and twisting, which helps stabilize the injured area during the lift.
- Apply Brace: Carefully secure the custom-fitted brace while the dog is lying down comfortably.
- Use Sling with Brace: Attach lift handles or a sling that works in conjunction with the brace. This keeps the brace properly aligned while you lift.
- Lift Gently: Use the brace handles for lifting. This ensures that force is applied evenly around the torso, reducing strain on the spine.
This is a key part of safe lifting strategies for disc disease dogs once they are stable enough to wear supportive gear.
Specific Considerations for Different Levels of Injury
The level of paralysis or weakness affects how you must approach the lift.
Handling Dogs That Can Stand But Are In Pain
If your dog can bear some weight but is clearly painful:
- Use a belly sling under the abdomen.
- Lift just enough weight off the back legs to allow them to swing freely without bearing full weight.
- Support the center of gravity.
- Walk slowly, keeping the dog close to your legs.
Safely Lifting Dogs with Hind Limb Paralysis
When the rear legs cannot support weight, you must support the whole rear section. This is often the hardest part of supporting dog with IVDD.
- Front Support: Use one arm or a chest sling to support the front end.
- Rear Sling is Key: Use a belly sling or specialized rear harness placed well under the pelvis.
- Lift Rear First: Lift the rear end first, ensuring the back remains straight. The hind legs will dangle.
- Level Lift: Once the rear is clear, gently lift the front end so the whole dog is level and supported from chest to hips.
Moving an Unconscious or Severely Injured Dog
If your dog cannot move at all, or seems unresponsive, assume the worst injury.
- Always use a rigid board or stretcher.
- Have at least two strong adults.
- Log-roll the dog onto the board very slowly. This means turning the dog as one single, stiff unit, not allowing the spine to bend sideways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lifting IVDD Dogs
Even with the best intentions, owners often make simple mistakes that worsen the injury. Avoid these pitfalls at all costs.
Do Not Twist or Torque the Body
Twisting is the fastest way to cause more disc damage. Never pivot or twist the dog’s middle part while holding its shoulders or hips. If you need to change direction, move your entire body, not just your hands.
Avoid Lifting by the Front Legs Only
Lifting only by the front legs pulls the spine into an arc, stressing the discs in the mid-back. Always support the rear end, even if the front legs seem fine. This is crucial for proper IVDD dog lifting technique.
Never Rush the Process
Speed leads to jerky movements and poor positioning. A few extra seconds spent preparing a good sling or getting a second person is worth avoiding severe injury. Calmness transmits to your pet.
Do Not Let Them Fall
If you feel yourself losing grip, lower the dog immediately onto the floor or your leg, rather than trying to catch them mid-fall. Better a soft landing on the floor than a snap in the spine during a jerky recovery.
Post-Lift Care and Confinement
Once you have successfully moved your dog, the care does not stop there. The next few hours are critical for recovery.
Immediate Confinement
Place the dog directly into a crate, exercise pen, or a small, secure room. This area must be padded with soft bedding. The goal is strict crate rest as advised by your veterinarian. No running, jumping, or using stairs.
Monitoring for New Symptoms
Watch your dog closely for the next hour. Look for:
- New signs of severe pain.
- Inability to urinate or defecate.
- Increased weakness in any previously functional limb.
If you see any worsening, call your vet immediately. Tell them precisely how to move dog with severe back pain was done and what symptoms developed afterward.
Long-Term Handling Strategies: Life After the Initial Crisis
After the acute phase passes, you will still need careful handling routines for weeks or months. This is where consistent application of safe lifting strategies for disc disease dogs becomes routine.
Managing Stairs and Ramps
Stairs are banned until your vet gives full clearance. For short rises, use a two-person lift or a sturdy, supportive harness. For slightly longer slopes, consider a ramp placed on a gentle incline. Always supervise them closely.
Bathroom Breaks
Potty trips must be managed with a sling or harness for support until the dog regains full strength. Support the hips slightly to encourage them to stay standing long enough to relieve themselves.
When to Consider a Wheelchair
For dogs with permanent hind limb paralysis, a dog wheelchair becomes the primary mode of movement. However, you still need to lift the dog into the chair. Always use a sturdy sling to lift the rear half and gently guide the front half into the chair cradle. This transition requires practice but is safer than trying to walk or drag the hind end.
Deciphering the Need for Physical Therapy Support
Rehabilitation is vital for IVDD recovery. Physical therapy often involves gentle handling that reinforces the correct lifting and support motions you are already practicing.
Therapists teach specific ways to support the dog during exercises, which can translate into better daily lifting skills. They often introduce specialized tools like slings that help the owner practice supporting dog with IVDD during assisted walking.
Equipment Spotlight: The Canine Back Brace
While the brace helps stabilize during a lift, it is also part of the rehabilitation phase. It encourages the dog to use its core muscles correctly without overextending the spine. Always follow the therapist’s instructions on when and how to use the brace during movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I restrict my IVDD dog’s activity after an episode?
Strict crate rest is usually required for four to six weeks initially, especially after surgery or severe acute episodes. Always follow your veterinarian’s specific timeline. Any deviation from strict rest can undo the healing process.
Can I use my arms to lift an IVDD dog if I don’t have a sling?
Only as a last resort in an emergency, and only if you can keep the back perfectly straight. For small dogs, wrap a thick towel snugly around the chest and belly and lift that way. For larger dogs, try to slide a large, firm object underneath first. Never use one arm under the chest and one under the rear hips unless you are perfectly coordinated, as this often leads to twisting.
Is it okay for my IVDD dog to jump off the couch?
Absolutely not. Jumping up or down puts extreme compressive force on the discs. You must lift them on and off furniture every single time. Use the appropriate IVDD dog lifting technique for every transfer.
My dog is dragging its back legs. Can I still lift it myself?
Yes, but you must support the entire rear end via a sling or harness handle. Ensure the legs are positioned so they do not scrape or twist underneath the body during the lift. Keep the dog close to your body to maintain control and straight alignment.
What if my dog yelps when I try to lift it with a sling?
Stop immediately. If the dog yelps, you may be inadvertently causing pain through improper positioning. Gently lower the dog back down. Reassess how you are positioning the sling or where you are gripping. Try again much slower, ensuring the spine stays straight before applying any upward tension. If the yelping continues, seek emergency veterinary attention, as the injury may be worse than initially thought.