If you’re noticing small but worrying changes in your dog - stiffness, hesitation to move, a sudden yelp, or weakness in the back legs - it’s natural to ask whether these could be signs of IVDD in dogs. Intervertebral Disc Disease often doesn’t start dramatically. In many cases, the earliest signs are subtle and easy to dismiss as tiredness, ageing, or a minor strain.
This article focuses specifically on the most common signs of IVDD in dogs, from early warning signals to more obvious red flags. The goal is simple: help you recognise when something isn’t right and understand when it’s time to take action.
For a complete overview of the condition itself - including causes, stages, and long-term outlook - visit our main guide on Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs.
What are the most common signs of IVDD in dogs?
The most common signs of IVDD in dogs usually appear as changes in movement, posture, or everyday behaviour. Many owners first notice stiffness when their dog gets up, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or a sudden drop in energy. Back or neck pain is also common and may show up as trembling, an arched back, or a sharp yelp when the dog is picked up or turns too quickly.
Other frequent signs include unsteady walking, weakness in the back legs, slipping on smooth floors, or moving more slowly than usual. Some dogs become unusually quiet or withdrawn, while others seem restless because they can’t find a comfortable position. These signs don’t always appear all at once and often look mild at first, which is why IVDD is so easy to miss.
For a clearer breakdown of symptoms and how they typically progress, see our full guide on IVDD Symptoms in Dogs
Early signs of IVDD that owners often ignore
The early signs of IVDD in dogs are usually easy to brush off, especially when your dog still seems mostly fine. Many owners notice small changes like slower movement in the morning, hesitation before jumping onto the sofa, or a brief whine when the dog twists or is picked up. These moments often pass quickly, which makes them easy to dismiss.
Other early warning signs include stiffness after rest, avoiding stairs, freezing when touched along the back or neck, or simply acting “not quite right”. Some dogs become quieter or less playful, while others move carefully as if they’re trying to protect their spine. On their own, these changes may not look serious, but together they can point to early spinal disc pressure.
Catching these subtle signs early can make a real difference. Acting at this stage may help prevent pain, weakness, or sudden mobility loss as the condition progresses.
Is back pain in dogs a sign of IVDD?
Yes - dog back pain can be a sign of IVDD, especially when it appears suddenly or comes with changes in movement. With back pain IVDD, the discomfort isn’t just “a bit sore after a long walk”. It often looks like your dog is guarding their back: moving stiffly, keeping their head low, arching their spine, trembling, or refusing to turn, jump, or climb stairs. Some dogs yelp when they’re picked up or when they twist their body to shake, scratch, or climb onto furniture.
A common clue with dog back pain IVDD is that the pain seems linked to certain movements or touch. Your dog might freeze when you stroke along their back, or they may suddenly avoid being handled in ways they normally tolerate. Even if the pain comes and goes, it still matters - IVDD can flare up, settle briefly, and then worsen again if the disc remains unstable.
Back pain has many possible causes, but if it’s new, intense, or paired with weakness or wobbliness, it’s worth treating as a warning sign and getting veterinary advice quickly.
Can IVDD cause wobbling or weakness in dogs?
Yes. Dog wobbling can be a clear sign of IVDD, and it’s often one of the moments when owners realise something is seriously wrong. With dog wobbling IVDD, the back legs may look unsteady, as if your dog is struggling to place their paws correctly. You might notice slipping on smooth floors, crossing of the back legs, or a general lack of coordination that wasn’t there before.
As pressure on the spinal cord increases, this wobbliness can turn into weak back legs from IVDD. Your dog may have trouble standing up, sink at the hips, or tire very quickly on short walks. In some cases, the weakness appears suddenly; in others, it worsens over a few days. Either way, it’s a sign that nerve signals between the spine and legs aren’t working as they should.
If you’re seeing wobbling or weakness in the back legs, our guide on rear leg weakness in dogs explains the possible causes and what steps can help support your dog while you seek veterinary advice.
Behaviour changes that can be signs of IVDD
Not all signs of IVDD in dogs are physical. Behaviour changes are often an early clue that something hurts, even when your dog is still able to walk. Dogs with spinal pain may become quieter, withdrawn, or unusually irritable. Some stop asking for walks or play, while others avoid being touched, picked up, or cuddled in ways they normally enjoy.
You might also notice sudden anxiety around stairs, jumping onto furniture, or certain movements your dog used to do without thinking. These changes are easy to misread as moodiness or ageing, but they’re often a response to pain or discomfort in the spine. When behaviour shifts appear alongside stiffness, back pain, or cautious movement, they can be an important warning sign of IVDD that shouldn’t be ignored.
When are IVDD signs an emergency?
Some IVDD emergency signs mean you shouldn’t wait and see. If your dog suddenly can’t walk, drags their legs, or collapses without warning, this is a medical emergency. Other red flags include sudden paralysis, intense or uncontrollable pain, rapid worsening of weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These signs suggest severe pressure on the spinal cord, and delays can reduce the chances of recovery.
In emergency situations, keep your dog as still as possible and seek veterinary care immediately. Avoid lifting or bending the spine unless absolutely necessary. For a clearer picture of how symptoms escalate and what they mean, see our guide on IVDD Symptoms in Dogs. For broader context on the condition, causes, and outcomes, visit our main hub on Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs.
What to do if you notice signs of IVDD in your dog
If you’re wondering what to do if your dog has IVDD signs, the most important step is to act early and keep things simple. Limit movement straight away by stopping jumping, running, and stair use, as sudden or awkward movements can make spinal pressure worse. Keep your dog on flat, non-slip surfaces and handle them gently, supporting both the front and back of the body if lifting is unavoidable.
Don’t try to manage suspected IVDD at home with painkillers or “wait and see” rest alone. Even mild signs can progress quickly without proper assessment. Contact your vet as soon as possible so they can examine your dog and decide whether further tests or treatment are needed. Early action gives your dog the best chance to stay comfortable and avoid more serious mobility problems.
Are signs of IVDD the same in all dogs?
No, the signs of IVDD in dogs don’t look exactly the same in every case. Symptoms can vary depending on your dog’s size, breed, age, and which part of the spine is affected. In small or long-backed breeds, early signs often involve back pain, stiffness, or hesitation to jump. In larger or older dogs, IVDD may show up first as subtle weakness, wobbling, or changes in posture rather than obvious pain.
Some dogs react strongly to discomfort and show clear signs straight away, while others hide pain and only show small behaviour changes at first. The speed at which symptoms appear can also differ - some dogs worsen gradually, while others decline very suddenly. Because of this variation, it’s important not to rely on one “classic” sign. Any new or unusual change in movement, comfort, or behaviour can be a meaningful clue that IVDD may be involved.
Conclusion
The signs of IVDD in dogs aren’t always dramatic, but they are rarely random. Small changes like stiffness, back pain, wobbling, or behaviour shifts can be early warnings that something is wrong with the spine. Noticing these signs early gives your dog the best chance to stay mobile and avoid more serious complications.
If something feels off, trust that instinct and act sooner rather than later. Understanding the signs is the first step towards protecting your dog’s comfort, movement, and quality of life.
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.
