Is it safe to pick up an adult dog by the scruff of its neck?

This could potentially cause damage to his cervical spine and discomfort and I personally would consider it not necessary at all. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Dachshunds are prone to crippling/painful/expensive to treat intervertebral disc disease. IVDD affect approximately 20% of Dachshunds and is when the intervertebral discs bulge and compress on the spinal cord nerves often resulting in paralysis, crippling pain, incontinence. Surgery is often required and can easily cost $6-10K. Picking Luna up by her scruff leaves her back fully unsupported and puts her at risk for back/disc issues as she is no longer a small puppy/now weighs 15 lbs. Especially if she twists her back or struggles in the least while you are scruffing her, this injury could easily occur. A better way to pick her up is to fully support her legs and body with one arm while cradling her with the other. Starting her on VetriScience VetriFlex joint supplements now (available online), and looking into pet insurance now before she develops a ‘pre-existing condition’ also advised. Good luck!

Magnum is absolutely adorable! As puppies their moms will carry and lift them by the back of their necks and it doesn't hurt them. As an adult dog I typically do not recommend pulling them by their scruff (cats are different). He may have whimpered because he was scared or it may have hurt a little. Do not worry about it Magnum will be perfectly fine and you did nothing wrong. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm worried that Ivy has hurt her neck from being scruffed. This could be something like the skin got pulled away from the underlying soft tissue or it could be related to an injury to the vertebra or discs. Unfortunately, that's hard to know since Ivy can't talk. I recommend to have Ivy examined today. Not being able to lift her head indicates a lot of pain or even nerve damage. The vet will need to conduct a physical exam to begin figuring things out. The vet likely has COVID protocols in place so call ahead and find out when they want you to arrive. You will need to follow their instructions. Until Ivy is examined by the veterinarian, she needs STRICT rest so no walks, running, jumping, plying or stairs. Crate rest is best. A warm (not hot) compress applied for 5 minutes every 2 hours may also help. be very gentle when handling her. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Even though you could, it would be best to avoid any pressure on her belly. I would encourage you to pick her up by her chest and rear end. Good luck and have a great night!

Yes, scruffing can be an effective and safe method of restraint in cats. Mother cats transport their kittens by scruffing them. However many cats resist restraint and it may be difficult to shave Vicky properly with one hand while scruffing with the other. If you are able to have someone help you scruff her while you shave her, that would be ideal. Other options include swaddling her with a blanket or a towel for restraint, or purchasing a 'cat restraint bag' which has an opening for the head and usually a zipper down the back that can be adjusted to expose various parts of the body. If Vicky is a gentle cat and allows you to scruff and shave her without any resistance, that is wonderful and you are a lucky owner!

Most dogs feel uncomfortable when off the ground. This can lead to nipping or biting. The easiest solution is to not pick him up. If you must pick him up or have others pick him up, gradually acclimate him to this. Be sure to support his entire body and hold him for ever increasing periods of time. Praise and reward him as he progresses. If he wiggles or nips, put him down and wait until he settles down before trying again but don't force him.