Small dogs
Keep the dog close to your body and support the chest and pelvis together. Avoid letting the rear end hang.
Recovery Care
Safe Handling for Dogs with IVDD
Learn safer ways to lift, carry, reposition and support a dog with IVDD while limiting unnecessary spinal movement.
Important: Ask your veterinary team to demonstrate the safest handling method for your dog.
Core Principles
Keep every movement controlled and supported
1
Support both ends
Support the chest and hindquarters together so the spine stays as level as possible.
2
Avoid twisting
Plan each movement and keep turns slow, smooth and minimal.
3
Use two people when needed
For larger or unstable dogs, ask another adult to help.
Everyday Care
Handling during common daily tasks
Lifting and carrying
Keep your dog close to your body and use the technique shown by your veterinary team.
Toilet support
Use an approved harness or sling and keep toilet trips short and controlled.
Repositioning
Move gently when advised and keep bedding dry and supportive.
Car travel
Prevent jumping and use a secure, level recovery space.
Quick Answers
Safe-handling questions
Can I lift under the front legs?
Avoid allowing the hindquarters to hang. Support the front and back together.
Should I test walking?
No. Do not repeatedly stand or walk your dog to check progress.
Can my dog use stairs?
Prevent stairs unless your veterinary team has specifically approved them.
Handling decisions
Use the safest method for the dog in front of you
Larger or unstable dogs
Two-person handling or a firm support may be safer. Ask the veterinary team to demonstrate the method before discharge where possible.
Toileting and transfers
Keep routes short, level and non-slip. Use only a sling or harness that has been recommended and correctly fitted.
Stop if the situation changes
New pain, worsening weakness, loss of walking or difficulty urinating needs veterinary advice rather than more handling practice.
Do not massage, stretch, twist or repeatedly test walking. Safe handling is about support and movement control, not manipulating the spine.
Trust & safety
Handling should be demonstrated for your dog
This guide explains principles only. The safest lift, sling position or transfer method can differ with pain, body size, lesion location, surgery and neurological status.