What Is IVDD and Why It’s Often Missed at First
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs is a spinal condition where the discs between the vertebrae weaken, bulge, or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure can cause pain, weakness, or even paralysis if not recognised early. The tricky part is that IVDD symptoms often start subtly — a bit of stiffness, hesitation to jump, or a short yelp when your dog moves. Many owners mistake these early signs for tiredness, ageing, or simple back strain.
Recognising the first symptoms of IVDD can make a huge difference. Catching the condition early can help prevent permanent damage and give your dog the best chance to stay mobile.
If you suspect IVDD, check our guides on diagnosis and tests and treatment options for your dog.
What Are the First Signs of IVDD in Dogs?
The first symptoms of IVDD in dogs are often easy to miss. Most owners notice small changes rather than something dramatic. A dog might seem stiff when getting up, hesitate before jumping onto the sofa, or move more cautiously on walks. You might also hear a quiet whine when you pick them up or see them freeze if you touch their back or neck.
These early signs are your dog’s way of saying something isn’t right. Many people mistake them for tiredness, ageing, or sore muscles, but they can be the first warning signs of spinal disc pressure. At this stage, the damage may still be mild - and acting early can prevent it from progressing to pain, weakness, or even paralysis.
If you notice any of these subtle changes, it’s best to limit jumping and seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
What Does Back Pain Look Like in Dogs with IVDD?
Back pain is one of the most common and telling symptoms of IVDD in dogs. It can appear suddenly or develop gradually, depending on how much pressure the damaged disc is putting on the spinal cord. Dogs in pain may tremble, arch their backs, or tense their muscles when they move. Some cry out when being lifted, while others become unusually still, refusing to walk or play. You might also notice your dog holding their head low, avoiding stairs, or struggling to find a comfortable position when lying down.
Many owners think their dog is just being ‘moody’ - but pain is often the first red flag of IVDD. Ignoring it can allow the condition to progress quickly, turning mild discomfort into serious mobility issues.
If your dog struggles to move comfortably, a small dog wheelchair can help reduce pressure on the spine and restore mobility.
How Do IVDD Symptoms Progress?
IVDD symptoms in dogs usually develop in stages, starting with mild pain and stiffness and sometimes ending in complete paralysis if left untreated. The speed of progression varies - for some dogs, it happens over days, while for others it can worsen within hours.
Here’s how IVDD symptoms typically progress:
- Mild pain and stiffness – your dog may hesitate to move, jump, or climb stairs.
- Wobbly walking – movement becomes unsteady, especially in the back legs.
- Weakness – your dog struggles to stand or slips while walking.
- Partial paralysis – limited control over one or more legs, difficulty staying upright.
- Complete paralysis – loss of movement and often loss of bladder or bowel control.
The earlier IVDD is recognised, the better the chances of recovery. If your dog already shows weakness or wobbly legs, read our guide on IVDD diagnosis and tests or rehabilitation and recovery
When Should You See a Vet for IVDD Symptoms — and What to Expect
If your dog is showing signs of pain, weakness, trembling, or sudden difficulty walking, it’s time to see a vet straight away. You should also seek urgent care if your dog struggles to go to the toilet, loses control of their bladder, or cries out when moving. These symptoms can point to serious spinal pressure, and delaying treatment can make recovery much harder.
It’s important not to try treating IVDD symptoms at home. Painkillers or rest alone won’t solve the problem, and only a qualified vet can assess how severe the condition is and what stage your dog may be in. During the appointment, the vet will perform a neurological examination and may suggest imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to confirm IVDD.
If you’re in the UK, reputable clinics such as Cambridge Veterinary Group in Cambridge can provide advanced diagnostics and expert care for spinal conditions.
Learn what tests confirm IVDD in our diagnosis and examination guide.
How to Help a Dog Showing IVDD Symptoms at Home
If your dog is showing IVDD symptoms, gentle care at home can make a real difference while you wait for a veterinary assessment. The goal is to reduce strain on the spine and prevent further damage.
First, limit all jumping, running, and climbing - even short jumps from the sofa can worsen disc pressure. Keep your dog on a flat, non-slip surface and use ramps where possible. Never lift your dog by the front legs or under the chest; instead, support both the front and back of the body evenly when carrying them.
A supportive sling or small dog wheelchair can help your pet move safely without putting extra stress on the spine. These aids not only improve comfort but also help maintain muscle tone during recovery.
Browse our mobility aids for dogs designed for pets with spinal issues.
FAQ: Common Questions About IVDD Symptoms in Dogs
What are the first signs of IVDD in dogs?
The first signs of IVDD are often subtle. Your dog may seem stiff, move slowly, hesitate to jump, or whine when touched on the back or neck. These early symptoms can appear mild but should never be ignored, as they may be the first sign of spinal disc pressure.
Can IVDD cause shaking or trembling?
Yes, trembling or shivering can be a sign of pain caused by IVDD. Dogs often shake when they are uncomfortable or anxious due to spinal pain. If trembling appears along with stiffness or mobility changes, it’s best to see a vet as soon as possible.
How do I know if my dog’s back pain is IVDD?
It’s not easy to tell at home, as back pain can come from several causes. However, IVDD pain often appears suddenly and may cause your dog to yelp, freeze, or arch their back. A vet can confirm IVDD through a neurological exam and imaging tests.
Do IVDD symptoms come and go?
Sometimes, yes. Some dogs experience flare-ups of pain that seem to improve and then return. This doesn’t mean the problem is gone — the spinal disc may still be unstable. Even if symptoms fade, it’s important to have your dog checked by a vet.
Can IVDD be mistaken for arthritis?
Yes, early IVDD symptoms can look similar to arthritis, especially stiffness and reluctance to move. The key difference is that IVDD often develops suddenly and can worsen quickly, while arthritis tends to progress slowly over time.
What should I do if my dog suddenly can’t walk?
If your dog loses the ability to walk or drags their legs, treat it as an emergency. Keep your dog still, avoid any lifting or bending, and go to a vet immediately. Prompt treatment gives the best chance of recovery.
Conclusion
Recognising IVDD symptoms early can make all the difference for your dog’s health and mobility. Even mild signs like stiffness, hesitation to jump, or back pain shouldn’t be ignored — the sooner the condition is identified, the better the chances of recovery and preventing paralysis.
For next steps, explore our guides on IVDD treatment without surgery, IVDD surgery in dogs, and rehabilitation to understand how to support your dog through every stage of recovery.
If your dog already struggles to walk, our Furria small dog wheelchair can make a life-changing difference.
We focus on helping owners support dogs with mobility and comfort issues.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary care.
