What Does Living with a Dog with IVDD Really Mean?
Living with a dog diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) can feel overwhelming at first. It changes daily routines, how you move around the house, and how you care for your dog. But IVDD doesn’t mean the end of a happy life together - with the right adjustments, your dog can still enjoy comfort, independence, and love for many years.
This guide focuses on everyday life after diagnosis - how to help your dog stay mobile, comfortable, and emotionally well. If you’re still unsure about what IVDD is or how it’s treated, explore our detailed guides on IVDD symptoms, diagnosis and testing, conservative treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and prevention. They explain each stage of the condition, while this article helps you understand what comes next - how to live with a dog that has IVDD.
How Do You Take Care of a Dog with IVDD at Home?
Caring for a dog with IVDD at home is mostly about making small, consistent adjustments that protect the spine and make movement easier. The goal is to keep your dog comfortable, stable, and safe from further injury.
Start by helping your dog move carefully. Support their back legs when they stand up or walk, especially on slippery floors. Use a towel or a soft harness to lift and steady them if they lose balance. Avoid letting your dog jump on or off furniture — even small jumps can cause strain on the spine.
Create a safe space at home. Lay down non-slip rugs, use ramps for getting onto the sofa or into bed, and block access to stairs. A soft, orthopaedic bed helps relieve pressure on the spine and keeps your dog warm and supported.
You don’t need to push physical activity too soon. Instead, focus on gentle, controlled movement and rest. For specific exercises and safe ways to rebuild strength, visit our detailed guide on IVDD rehabilitation and recovery. It covers physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and daily routines to help your dog regain mobility step by step.
What Changes Should You Make at Home for a Dog with IVDD?
When a dog has IVDD, your home environment plays a big role in keeping them safe and comfortable. Simple adjustments can prevent further spinal strain and make daily life much easier.
Start with the floors. Use non-slip rugs or yoga mats on slippery surfaces so your dog doesn’t slide or lose balance. Keep food and water bowls slightly elevated to reduce bending and pressure on the neck and back. Set up a soft, flat resting area away from drafts or hard floors - ideally an orthopaedic bed that supports the spine evenly.
Safety should come first. Block off stairs with baby gates, and use ramps to help your dog get onto furniture or into bed if needed. Avoid high surfaces altogether where possible - even a short fall can cause another disc injury. Keep toys and essentials within easy reach so your dog doesn’t need to stretch or twist awkwardly.
Once your home is adapted, it’s important to maintain these habits to prevent new injuries. For more tips on long-term care and preventing flare-ups, explore our guide on IVDD prevention and risk reduction.
How to Help a Dog with IVDD Walk and Move Around?
Dogs with IVDD still need movement - it keeps their joints flexible, muscles active, and circulation healthy. The key is to support safe, gentle motion without putting pressure on the spine. Let your dog move at their own pace and avoid forcing them to walk if they seem tired or unstable.
If your dog struggles to stay balanced or can’t walk independently, mobility aids can make a life-changing difference. A well-fitted Furria small dog wheelchair supports the back legs, allowing your dog to walk, explore, and regain confidence. Many owners find that even short sessions in a wheelchair help improve both mood and mobility.
For dogs in earlier recovery stages, supportive harnesses, slings, or rear-lift straps can help you safely assist them during short walks or trips outside.
You can explore more mobility tools and accessories designed for dogs with IVDD at the Furria store - each product is made to help dogs move safely and stay active.
How to Keep a Dog with IVDD Happy and Mentally Stimulated?
Keeping a dog with IVDD happy is just as important as managing their physical care. When mobility is limited, mental stimulation becomes essential to prevent boredom and anxiety.
Choose activities that don’t strain the back. Short, gentle walks on flat ground help maintain confidence and let your dog enjoy familiar smells. Interactive toys, snuffle mats, and treat puzzles are great ways to challenge their mind without physical stress. You can also teach simple commands or scent games while your dog is lying down — it keeps their brain active and strengthens your bond.
Dogs with IVDD often rely on routine for emotional security. Keep feeding, play, and rest times consistent, and spend time simply sitting with your dog. Calm touch, eye contact, and quiet presence reassure them that life is still full of love and connection.
To learn how safe movement and mental activity support long-term recovery, see our full guide on IVDD rehabilitation and recovery.
Can a Dog with IVDD Live a Normal Life?
Many dogs with IVDD can live long, comfortable, and happy lives once their condition is managed properly. The outcome largely depends on the stage of the disease and how quickly treatment began, but most dogs adapt incredibly well with the right care and support.
Some dogs may regain full mobility after treatment, while others learn to move around with assistance or with the help of a wheelchair. What matters most is consistency — keeping your dog’s weight stable, limiting jumps, providing daily support, and maintaining a safe environment all play a huge role in their long-term comfort.
Living with IVDD isn’t about returning to life before the diagnosis; it’s about building a new, stable routine that keeps your dog active, happy, and pain-free.
If you want to understand how recovery potential is influenced by different treatments, see our guides on IVDD surgery and conservative treatment for IVDD. They explain what affects long-term mobility and how to give your dog the best possible quality of life.
Emotional Side: How Do You Cope When Your Dog Has IVDD?
Caring for a dog with IVDD can be emotionally exhausting. It’s normal to feel stressed, scared, or even guilty when your pet struggles to walk or depends on you for everyday tasks. Many owners go through a mix of relief, frustration, and hope as they adjust to a new reality.
The best way to cope is to take things one day at a time. Focus on what your dog can do rather than what they’ve lost. Celebrate small improvements, keep routines steady, and allow yourself breaks — your wellbeing matters too. Sharing your feelings with friends, online support groups, or your vet can help ease the pressure and remind you that you’re not alone.
At Furria, we often share stories from owners who have been through the same journey. Reading their experiences can bring comfort, perspective, and practical advice for living positively with a dog that has IVDD.
Everyday Routine: Feeding, Hygiene, and Comfort
Daily routines make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and wellbeing after an IVDD diagnosis. Small changes in how you feed, clean, and care for your dog can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Keep food and water bowls raised to a comfortable height so your dog doesn’t have to bend or strain their neck. Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential — extra kilos put more pressure on the spine. Choose a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding, even if your dog becomes less active.
Hygiene is another key part of daily care. Dogs with IVDD may struggle with bladder control, especially in severe cases. Use dog nappies or washable bedding to keep them dry, and gently clean their skin to prevent irritation or infection. Regular brushing helps blood circulation and gives you a chance to check for pressure spots or sores from reduced movement.
If your dog shows changes in bladder control, pain, or posture, it may signal underlying nerve issues. You can learn more about these signs in our detailed guide on IVDD symptoms in dogs.
FAQ
How long can a dog live with IVDD?
Most dogs with IVDD can live a normal lifespan, especially if their condition is managed properly. With the right care, weight control, and home adaptations, many dogs stay active and happy for years after diagnosis. The key is to prevent new disc injuries and monitor for signs of pain or mobility loss.
Can a dog with IVDD walk again?
Yes, many dogs regain their ability to walk — some fully, others with support such as a wheelchair. Recovery depends on the severity of the spinal damage and how early treatment began. Even if full walking isn’t possible, most dogs adapt well with mobility aids and physical therapy.
What should I avoid doing with a dog that has IVDD?
Avoid letting your dog jump on or off furniture, climb stairs, or play rough games that twist or jolt the spine. Keep their weight under control and use ramps or support harnesses to help them move safely. These small precautions greatly reduce the risk of another disc injury.
Can dogs with IVDD be left alone?
Short periods alone are usually fine once your dog is stable, but they should be kept in a safe, padded area where they can’t slip or fall. Avoid leaving them unattended for long hours, especially if they have limited mobility or bladder control issues.
Can IVDD come back after recovery?
Unfortunately, yes. IVDD can reoccur, especially in breeds genetically prone to disc problems. Regular monitoring, safe movement, and spinal protection routines are the best defence against relapse. To learn how to lower the risk, visit our guide on IVDD prevention and risk reduction.
Conclusion
Living with a dog that has IVDD means adapting, not giving up. With care, patience, and the right support, your dog can still enjoy a full and happy life. Small changes at home, gentle routines, and emotional connection make all the difference.
If your dog 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.
