1. Prepare the destination
Open doors, clear obstacles, put down non-slip footing and have the crate, bed or car space ready before moving your dog.
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.
Step-by-step handling
Plan the movement before you lift
2. Support chest and pelvis
Keep the body close to you and support both ends together. Avoid letting the hindquarters hang or twisting the spine during the lift.
3. Move smoothly
Use slow, coordinated movements. For a larger, painful or unstable dog, use two adults if your veterinary team has shown you how.
4. Set down as carefully as you lifted
Place all four limbs or the whole supported body onto a stable surface before releasing your hold.
What not to do
- Do not lift only under the front legs while the rear hangs.
- Do not repeatedly stand or walk the dog to “test” recovery.
- Do not allow a weak dog to scramble on slippery flooring.
- Do not improvise stretches, spinal manipulation or massage over a painful area.
- Do not continue a handling technique that increases pain or distress.
Transport: if your dog has sudden paralysis, severe pain or rapidly worsening weakness, call the receiving clinic and ask how they want the dog transported. Use the safest level support you can manage without delaying urgent care.
Sources & further reading
Olby NJ et al. ACVIM consensus statement on acute canine thoracolumbar IVDE. Full text.
Products that can help with safer handling
Explore Aubenord’s UK recommendations for harnesses, slings, mobility support and other recovery-care essentials.
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.
Step-by-step handling
Plan the movement before you lift
1. Prepare the destination
Open doors, clear obstacles, put down non-slip footing and have the crate, bed or car space ready before moving your dog.
2. Support chest and pelvis
Keep the body close to you and support both ends together. Avoid letting the hindquarters hang or twisting the spine during the lift.
3. Move smoothly
Use slow, coordinated movements. For a larger, painful or unstable dog, use two adults if your veterinary team has shown you how.
4. Set down as carefully as you lifted
Place all four limbs or the whole supported body onto a stable surface before releasing your hold.
What not to do
- Do not lift only under the front legs while the rear hangs.
- Do not repeatedly stand or walk the dog to “test” recovery.
- Do not allow a weak dog to scramble on slippery flooring.
- Do not improvise stretches, spinal manipulation or massage over a painful area.
- Do not continue a handling technique that increases pain or distress.
Transport: if your dog has sudden paralysis, severe pain or rapidly worsening weakness, call the receiving clinic and ask how they want the dog transported. Use the safest level support you can manage without delaying urgent care.
Sources & further reading
Olby NJ et al. ACVIM consensus statement on acute canine thoracolumbar IVDE. Full text.
Continue with bladder and bowel care
Learn what to monitor, how to maintain hygiene and when professional help is needed.
Important medical disclaimer
Aubenord provides general educational information. Ask a qualified veterinary professional to demonstrate handling techniques for your dog.
Handling support
Equipment can assist handling — technique still matters most
Slings and support harnesses may make transfers safer for some dogs, but the priority is controlled movement and the handling method recommended for your dog.
Trust & safety
Medical limitations & how this guide is prepared
Safe handling is individual. This guide can explain principles, but a veterinary or rehabilitation professional should demonstrate the safest technique for your dog’s size, pain, neurological function and stage of recovery.
Medical information & limitations
Aubenord cannot assess your dog’s neurological function, pain, bladder or bowel function, diagnosis, rehabilitation needs or treatment plan.
Follow your veterinary team’s individual advice. Seek prompt veterinary assessment for new or worsening pain, weakness, wobbliness, bladder changes, paralysis or loss of walking ability.
How this content is researched
Aubenord’s IVDD content is prepared by the Aubenord Editorial Team using peer-reviewed veterinary literature, specialist consensus guidance and reputable clinical sources.
Where owner experience, including Loui’s story, is included, it is clearly separated from veterinary evidence.