Can picking up my mini dachshund by the scruff hurt her back?

Question

I pick my dog up by the scruff of her neck quite often. Shes a mini dachshund who weighs 12-15 lb. I started doing it when I first got her when I was 13 & only b/c I felt bad that she wasn’t with her mother anymore. After that I never stopped. It’s an easy way to lift her & she never cares. She’s very vocal about pain & discomfort. I’ve taken her to the vet & while I never told my vet this she’s always given my dogs health a positive. How am I hurting her? Like what damage does that cause her? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

Lotus Altholtz · Accepted Answer

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!

Can picking up my mini dachshund by the scruff hurt her back?

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