Why does my dachshund hurt when I pick her up? Is it her back?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Sprinkles evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Sprinkles feel better. In the meantime, reduce her activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Chichi! When a dog pees or poops, they often lower their back end towards the ground. This will put extra pressure on the back legs, and that could be why the pain is worse when she poops and pees. Dachshunds are also prone to back problems, and that would also cause increased pain when peeing or pooping. If she isn't getting better, I would recommend taking her back into the vet and having an x-ray done on her spine just to make sure there isn't a problem there as well. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Poor Maxx! He is a handsome boy. In Dachshunds, back problems are very common due to their elongated spine, and he could be painful at his back by his tail, leading to sensitivity when touched around that area. A painful back would keep him from jumping on the couch and whimpering when picked up. I would rest him tonight and tomorrow, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead, and bring him right back in when he's done. I would take him into the vet first thing Monday morning for a physical exam and x-rays. The vet can diagnose if he does have a problem with his back, and how best to treat it. Unfortunately, Dachshunds frequently need surgery to repair their back problems. I hope this helps!

Dachshunds are notorious for hurting their backs due their conformation. They have very long backs compared to other breeds. This makes them more susceptible to injury. They will often walked hunched and scream when picked up. Usually these dogs need strong pain medications, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. These back issues can become serious as they can herniate a disc and end up paralyzed. Minnie really needs to see a vet for this issue. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Minnie!

It sounds like she could have a problem with her back. Intervertebral disc disease is very common in the dachshund breed and she may have a disc that is starting to herniate. She needs to be examined by a vet to evaluate her back and determine the best treatment plan. Your vet may need to take an x-ray of her back. Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, and pain medications are used to treat this condition, as well as strict rest. No jumping, running, or playing for 3-6 weeks. Please call your vet and have her seen as soon as possible. Hope she feels better soon!

Since Lola is in obviously in pain I suggest you take her to a veterinarian right away for an exam. Suspecting back problems the vet will want to take x-rays in order to inspect the discs in Lola's spine. A prolapsed disc would be very painful and she would need pain medicine and rest in order to improve.

I am sorry to hear about your dachsund! We worry with shivering and whimpering about pain. It can be difficult to determine where a dog is painful at home. One common cause of pain in a dachsund is neck or back pain. Unfortunately these guys are prone to getting herniated disks in their back, where the slipped disk presses on the spinal cord causing discomfort. In mild cases we just might see pain. In more severe cases we can see weakness or even paralysis of the legs. This is just one possible cause of pain, but it is a definite possibility in this breed. The lump in her armpit may be totally unrelated to her pain. We could have a soft tissue growth/tumor which could be benign, like a lipoma (fatty tumor), or a more aggressive tumor. It could be an enlarged lymph node, a cyst, or an abscess (pocket of infection). I would recommend an examination by your vet ASAP. If Chloe seems weak, disoriented, if her gums look pale in color, or she cannot rest/relax comfortably then an exam at the emergency vet may be wise because she could be in discomfort all night.