FAQs

In the largest US study, owners reported a disc disease diagnosis in about 15 in 100 dachshunds (JAVMA 2025: 83 of 541 dachshunds) - meaningful, and still: most dachshunds never develop it. Genetics set the baseline; how your dachshund lives day to day shifts the odds. That's the part you own. The full picture is on our Understanding IVDD page.

Two things carry real evidence: keeping your dachshund lean (overweight dachshunds carried meaningfully higher odds in a 43,517-dog study) and keeping them active and well-muscled. Beyond that, what a board-certified veterinary neurologist raises (Dr. Andrew Isaacs, on Dodgerslist) is mechanical rather than proven epidemiology - leash pressure landing on the neck, and the hard impact of jumping down off furniture. That biomechanical case is what our gear is built on: leash load off the neck, repeated impact out of the day.

Surprisingly - no. Regular, controlled stair use was associated with lower risk in the largest US study. The reasonable concern is the hard, jarring impact of jumping - which is why our gear targets the landing, not the stairs.

Reluctance to jump or take stairs, a hunched back, trembling, yelping when lifted, wobbly rear legs, or hiding away. See your vet quickly - early care changes outcomes. If signs look neurological, ask your vet about disc disease directly.

No supplement has yet been shown to help dachshund discs. In the DachsLife cohort, glucosamine-supplemented dogs actually showed about twice the IVDD rate - most likely reverse causation (owners supplement dogs already struggling), but either way the evidence isn't there. The levers with real evidence today are weight, load and muscle - and we track the research as it moves.

No. The CDDY variant is near-universal in dachshunds - it's the same genetics behind the long, low build. It tells you the breed's baseline, not your dog's future: most dachshunds with CDDY never develop clinical IVDD. Treat it as a reason to care about the levers you own, not a countdown.

Two measurements, not three: the chest and the neck. Wrap a soft tape around the deepest part of the chest, just behind the front legs, and around the base of the neck where a collar sits. The chest decides the size and the neck confirms it, because weight only gets you close - two dachshunds at the same weight can be built very differently. Four sizes: XS Mini, S Tweenie (the in-between size), M Standard and L Large. The full chart, and what to do when the chest and the neck point at different sizes, is in the harness size guide.

It is three foam steps, 22.5 in long, and the top step stands at 15.7 in. Measure from the floor to the top of your seat cushion before you buy: the closer that number is to 15.7 in, the smaller the last step up. A bed is often taller than a couch, so measure it the same way.

Orders are processed within 2-3 business days, and delivery usually takes 7-12 business days after that - so roughly 2-3 weeks from order to doorstep. You'll get tracking the moment it ships. We currently ship within the United States only. Full details in our shipping policy.

Not yet - we ship within the United States only. We run one market fast and tracked, done properly. If you're outside the US, tell us where you are - we track where the demand is.

You're covered for 30 days if your order arrives damaged, defective, or not what you ordered - send a photo or short video with your order number and we'll replace it or refund you. Used gear is final sale, for hygiene and safety. Full details in our refund policy.

A person reads every message. Send yours through the contact form. Expect an answer within one business day.