Long-backed breeds like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds, along with small seniors, often struggle with the jump onto the sofa or bed. Ramps and pet stairs are the usual answer, but the research on jumping and stairs is more surprising than most product pages admit. Here's what a large Dachshund study found, how to choose between a ramp and stairs, and the rest of a back-friendly setup, from orthopedic beds to slings and strollers.
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Not on their own, and the evidence is more mixed than many owners expect. In the DachsLife 2015 survey (Packer et al., 2016), owners reported on 2,031 Dachshunds. The overall prevalence of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) was 15.7%, ranging from 24.4% in Standard Smooth-Haired Dachshunds to 7.1% in Standard Wire-Haired. The authors note that Dachshunds have a relative IVDD risk 10 to 12 times higher than other breeds.
Here's the part that surprises people. Dogs that exercised less than 30 minutes a day, dogs that were not allowed to jump on and off furniture, and dogs given glucosamine or chondroitin had higher odds of IVDD. Dogs exercised more than an hour a day had lower odds. The authors call these findings "hypothesis-generating," which means they point to questions, not proven causes. One possible reason: a dog that already has a sore back may be more likely to be kept off the sofa and given supplements.
Dachshund Health UK's jumping and stairs guidance puts it in practical terms: a well-muscled adult in good body condition should cope with normal daily life, but sudden shocks from jumping down add stress to the spine. Puppies under 12 months and dogs over 7 years are at more risk of hurting themselves, and dogs diagnosed with disc problems are at higher risk of further injury if they jump off furniture.
For a healthy, active adult, either works, and normal stairs at home are not something to fear. For a senior, a dog with arthritis, or a dog with a history of back trouble, a ramp is usually the gentler choice because your dog walks rather than steps or jumps. Use this chart to compare the options.
| Option | Best for | Pros | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramp | Seniors, dogs with IVDD history or arthritis, very short legs | No stepping or jumping, smooth walking motion | Needs floor space; too steep a slope defeats the purpose |
| Pet stairs | Healthy adults and younger dogs | Compact, easy to learn | Each step is still a small climb; risky for a dog recovering from back problems |
| Lifting your dog | Short-term, or a dog on crate rest | No equipment needed | Support the chest and hindquarters together so the back stays level |
| Low furniture and floor beds | Any dog | Removes the jump altogether | Your dog may still try the sofa |
Your vet knows your dog's back best. Ask before changing routines after an injury.
A gentle slope, a grippy surface, and the right height. The longer the ramp for a given height, the easier the climb. Carpet or rubber treads stop paws sliding, and a wide platform or side rails help nervous dogs. Measure the top of the sofa or bed before you buy, and make sure the ramp or steps reach it without a gap. Then set up the rest of the room, using the checklist below.
Keep your dog's weight in check as well. A 2013 study by the same lead researcher linked being overweight with higher risk of disc extrusion in long-backed breeds, so a lean body is one of the best things you can give a Dachshund's spine.
A low, supportive bed your dog can step onto without jumping. Orthopedic and memory foam beds spread weight evenly, and a bolster gives a place to rest the head without twisting the neck. For more bed options across sizes, see our dog beds and pet gear picks.
Orthopedic Dog Bed for Small Dogs
Supportive foam sized for Dachshunds, Pugs, and other small breeds.
$46.06 Shop Now →
Medium Orthopedic Bolster Pet Bed, Blue
A low, supportive bed with a bolster to rest the chin on.
$42.15 Shop Now →
Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
Memory foam support for bigger seniors with stiff joints.
$75.99 Shop Now →
Cooling Gel Memory Foam Dog Bed, Light Gray
Our premium pick: thick gel memory foam for daily naps.
$190.46 Shop Now →
Good grip, a harness, and a vet-guided plan. Slick floors make dogs splay and scramble, so rugs or grippy boots help. A gate keeps a dog off the stairs when you can't watch. Clipping the leash to a harness instead of a collar keeps pulling pressure off the neck; our harness vs. collar guide explains why. Supplements and braces can help some dogs with stiff joints, but they aren't a cure for back problems, so check with your vet first.
Dog Helios Traverse Grip Dog Boots, Set of 4
Grippy soles for slick floors and winter sidewalks.
$29.99 Shop Now →
Anti-Slip Waterproof Dog Boots for Small Dogs
A budget set of anti-slip boots sized for small breeds.
$9.99 Shop Now →
Folding Mesh Safety Gate for Stairs and Doorways
Blocks the stairs when you can't supervise.
$14.92 Shop Now →
Sacred Steps Hip and Joint Support Chews
Daily joint support chews. Ask your vet if they suit your dog.
$27.99 Shop Now →
Cox Veterinary Acti-Flex K-9 Platinum Joint Chews
A 12 oz tub of hip and joint chews.
$38.99 Shop Now →
Advanced Strength Hip and Joint Chewables
Our premium joint supplement pick for senior dogs.
$111.62 Shop Now →
NeoAlly Elbow and Shoulder Brace
Front-leg support for dogs your vet says need it.
$48.95 Shop Now →
NeoAlly Elbow and Shoulder Brace with Spring Inserts
Firmer, spring-supported version of the NeoAlly brace.
$53.95 Shop Now →
Keep the back level. Support the chest with one arm and the hindquarters with the other, so the spine doesn't sag in the middle. For outings, a sling, backpack carrier, or stroller lets a senior or recovering dog come along without long walks or jumps in and out of the car.
Double Shoulder Pet Carrier Backpack
Keeps a small dog level and supported on longer outings.
$43.14 Shop Now →
2-in-1 Pet Jogging Stroller and Bike Trailer
Lets a senior ride when the walk runs long.
$145.99 Shop Now →
3-in-1 Foldable Pet Stroller with Sun Shade
Our premium ride for dogs up to 55 lbs.
$301.47 Shop Now →
For a healthy, fit adult, either can work. For a dog with a history of IVDD, a vet-diagnosed back problem, arthritis, or a senior dog, a gentle, carpeted ramp is usually the easier choice because it avoids repeated stepping and jumping. Ask your vet which suits your dog.
It depends on the dog. In the DachsLife 2015 survey of 2,031 Dachshunds, dogs that were not allowed to jump on furniture actually had higher odds of IVDD, though a survey like this can't prove cause and effect. Dachshund Health UK advises that dogs with diagnosed disc problems are at higher risk if they jump off furniture.
Lower is easier. A longer ramp for the same height gives a gentler slope, which is easier for short legs, seniors, and dogs with back pain. Look for a grippy, carpeted or rubber surface and side rails or a wide platform.
Exercise is linked with lower risk. In DachsLife 2015, Dachshunds that exercised for more than an hour a day had lower odds of IVDD, and those that exercised under 30 minutes had higher odds. Keeping a lean body condition matters too.
This survey found no sign that they do. In DachsLife 2015, dogs given glucosamine or chondroitin were actually at higher odds, possibly because owners give supplements to dogs that already have problems. Joint chews may help some older dogs with stiff joints, so ask your vet.
Sources: Packer RMA, Seath IJ, O'Neill DG, De Decker S, Volk HA. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016 (abstract via Dachshund Health UK), DachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds, retrieved 2026-10-05. Dachshund Health UK, Lifestyle advice: Jumping and Stairs, retrieved 2026-10-05. Packer et al., PLoS ONE, 2013 (abstract via Dachshund Health UK), How Long and Low Can You Go? Effect of Conformation on the Risk of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion in Domestic Dogs, retrieved 2026-10-05. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog shows back pain, wobbliness, or weakness in the back legs, see a veterinarian right away.
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