My dog has been diagnosed with IVDD. She’s still able to walk but her legs get a bit wobbly at times. We were looking at the back brace for support to help her recover / stop further damage.

While your dog is recovering from a dog IVDD episode, cage rest is advised to allow the natural healing process to start, reduce inflammation, and to eliminate risky activities such as running or jumping. During the period of cage rest, your dog should only be taken out for short toilet breaks (5 minutes, on a lead). There shouldn’t be any more activity than that.

We understand the instinct to do everything you can possibly think of, in order to help her. Getting her adjusted to the cage rest is the priority.

Adding in a dog back brace to the caged rest might be emotionally overwhelming for your dog. It’s a lot of new information for her to take in at once. 

Once your vet has given the all-clear for your dog to start having more exercise in her life again, you should discuss how a dog back brace can help in her rehabilitation.

Dog back braces work to limit excessive movement that may increase inflammation. They also stabilise and support the core muscles, as well as the spine itself. The slight pressure a back brace provides to your dog’s torso can be very calming for your dog’s nervous system. 

Braces can also give your dog proprioceptive feedback i.e. messages to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) about where the physical body is in time and space. This can help your dog's nervous system conserve energy by choosing the most efficient way to move. 

Further reading

Read more about IVDD Causes, Prevention, Early Signs of IVDD in Dogs, and Help at Home: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-ivdd-or-intervertebral-disc-disease

Read further about Non-Surgical and Conservative Management IVDD treatments here: https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/conservative-management-ivdd 

Find the best dog Back Braces here https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-back-brace