Protect Your IVDD Dog's Paws: A Vet-Approved Guide

IVDD dogs often drag their paws because they can't sense where their feet touch the ground.

This behavior signals something serious - intervertebral disk disease, which ranks among the most common neurological problems dogs face. IVDD disrupts the connection between a dog's brain and nerves. Many dogs also struggle with weak hind legs that make moving around even harder.

Dogs need healthy paws to move, balance and stay happy. Paw dragging often appears as the first warning sign of neurological issues like degenerative myelopathy. This can hurt their nails and create painful scrapes. The danger increases on hot days when asphalt temperatures can reach  135°F (57°C) - hot enough to burn paw pads in moments.

Let us show you proven ways to protect your IVDD dog's paws while supporting their treatment. Our solutions include special custom made shoes that give them confidence on slick floors and hard soil. High-risk breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Corgis need specific care approaches that work best for their unique needs.

Step 1: Confirm the Cause of Paw Dragging

Your dog's paw dragging needs proper diagnosis before making any assumptions. Paw dragging often points to neurological problems, but a professional veterinary assessment must confirm IVDD.

Get a vet diagnosis for IVDD

Your dog needs immediate veterinary care if they drag their paws or walk on top of their feet. This behavior, known as "knuckling," happens because dogs lose proprioception—they can't sense where their paws are positioned in space. They simply don't know their paw is upside down or in the wrong position.

A thorough physical and neurological examination by your veterinarian starts the diagnostic trip. Your vet will assess your dog's gait, reflexes, and response to stimuli. You should be ready to tell them when symptoms started and how they changed.

X-rays are usually the first test. They rarely give a definitive diagnosis since they can't show the spinal cord itself. These images help rule out bone infections or tumors and might reveal narrowed disk spaces or calcified disk material.

Advanced imaging gives a full picture:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - The gold standard to diagnose IVDD that shows detailed images of disks and spinal cord
  • CT scan - Shows detailed cross-sectional spine images
  • Myelography - X-ray with special dye injected around the spinal cord (less common now with MRI availability)

Veterinary data shows IVDD affects specific spine areas differently— occur in the thoracolumbar region (back), and about 18% show up in the neck region approximately 65% of IVDD problems. IVDD has become so common that doctors perform around 20,000 surgeries yearly in the USA just to fix this condition.

Understand the severity of the condition

Your dog's IVDD severity is vital to determine the right treatment plan. Veterinarians use a five-point system:

Grade 1: Dogs feel pain but walk normally. They might yelp, avoid jumping, or arch their back like a cat. Grade 1 needs quick treatment even though it's mild.

Grade 2: Dogs show clear weakness and poor coordination but can walk without help. You might see wobbling, knuckling, or unsteady movement .

Grade 3: Dogs can move their legs but need help to walk. They must have support to stand and move.

Grade 4: Dogs cannot move their legs but still feel pain when their toes are pinched. This needs emergency surgery.

Grade 5: Dogs have complete paralysis and no pain sensation in affected limbs. This is a critical emergency that needs immediate care.

Time matters a lot with treatment. Severe spinal cord compression can cause permanent damage faster than you might expect. Dogs showing paralysis (Grades 4-5) need emergency care within 24 hours. Waiting even one day can reduce their chances of recovery.

Take your dog to the vet right away if they walk on their paw tops, drag their legs, or show mobility problems. Dogs can go from minor pain to complete paralysis within hours, so early diagnosis gives them the best shot at recovery.

Step 2: Protect the Paw from Immediate Damage

Your dog's paw protection becomes a vital priority after an IVDD diagnosis. Dogs with IVDD often drag their feet. This can cause painful abrasions that make mobility problems worse and lead to infection.

Use shoes to prevent scrapes and bleeding

Protective custom made shoes helps defend your IVDD dog's paws against injuries. Dogs that can't sense their paw position (proprioception issues) tend to walk on top of their paws or drag their feet. This creates painful scrapes and wounds that get worse as they move. The problem gets bigger for dogs using wheelchairs, especially active ones.

Bark & SOLE Paw Armour Dog shoes give your dog stability, cushioning, and support when they struggle with mobility. These supportive shoes help with balance, cut down pain, and stop further injury. Unlike regular pet boots, these custom dog shoes come with:

  • Non-slip soles that grip slippery surfaces better
  • Adjustable closures that fit securely
  • Easy to put on shoes
  • Reinforced areas in the shoe that handle dragging friction

Your dog's wounds need air to heal, so breathable shoes are important. Pick shoes with holes for ventilation during hot weather BARK & SOLE Paw Armour Dog shoes SUMMER . Waterproof options also keep bandages dry if your dog is healing from a paw injury. BARK & SOLE Paw Armour Dog shoe WINTER

The right boot size makes all the difference.  It’s hard to find a traditional dog shoe that fits well and therefore custom dog shoes is better for IVDD dog. They are suffering already enough and deserve easy to put on and comfortable dog paw protection.

Apply balms or waxes for cracked pads

Paw balms and waxes create a barrier that protects sensitive paw pads from rough surfaces. These products are great when boots don't work or when you need to heal cracked, dry pads.

Good paw waxes shield against environmental dangers while letting the paw breathe. Premium products like Musher's Secret use 100% natural food-grade waxes and oils that protect and condition paws. They let sweat escape while keeping pads strong and flexible.

Follow these steps to treat paw injuries:

  1. Clean the wound and remove debris or foreign objects. Use mild antibacterial soap to disinfect.
  2. Stop bleeding by pressing with a clean towel. Get emergency vet care if bleeding continues past 10-15 minutes.
  3. Use antimicrobial wound spray to disinfect cuts and let it dry before adding balm.
  4. Add paw balm or wax gently to protect the area.

Keep a close eye on healing progress. Take your dog to the vet right away if you see signs of infection like swelling, discharge, or bad smell.

Dogs often lick their paws, so safe ingredients matter when choosing balms. Look for simple, natural ingredients such as shea butter, candelilla wax, vitamin E, coconut oil, and olive oil. Stay away from formulas with tea tree oil - it's toxic for dogs.

Put balm on before walks to protect paws or at bedtime for overnight healing. Quality products soak in quickly without leaving marks on carpets, floors, or furniture. They also give quick relief by moisturizing and soothing irritated paw pads.

Note that balms work great for treating hyperkeratosis (thickened skin), small cracks, and daily protection. However, they can't replace a vet's care for serious wounds or infections.

Step 3: Use Corrective Shoes to Improve Gait

Specialized corrective shoes can dramatically improve your IVDD dog's walking pattern beyond simple paw protection. These tools tap into the full potential of targeted stimulation and support to address the mechanisms that cause paw dragging.

How anti-knuckling shoes work

Anti-knuckling training shoes are a great way to get help for IVDD dogs who don't deal very well with paw dragging or knuckling (walking on the tops of their paws). These lightweight shoes retrain the brain-to-paw connection, unlike standard protective boots.

The  stimulates the nerve pathway from the withdrawal reflex in the paw to the brain. Your dog's natural withdrawal reflex activates when toes are forced to a upper position. This reflex makes them lift their paw higher while walking and corrects their movement pattern.

BARK & SOLE Toes Up Dog Knuckling shoe comes with several unique benefits:

  • They stimulate proprioception (awareness of paw position)
  • Their lightweight design makes them easier for weak legs to lift
  • Dogs can still "feel" the ground since shoes are thin from the bottom
  • They are custom made according to your dog’s unique measurements

Rehabilitation professionals developed these training tools specifically for dogs with neurological conditions that cause paw dragging, canine IVDD:

  • Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
  • Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobblers Syndrome)
  • Cervical Disk Disease
  • Early-stage Degenerative Myelopathy

The difference between training shoes and protective boots lies in their purpose. Training shoes actively fix the underlying issue while boots just protect paws from damage. This matters because the shoe creates an exaggerated gait at first, making dogs lift their paws unusually high. Short training sessions over time help retrain proper paw placement.

Important limitation: Dogs should wear these socks  at a time only max 5 minutes. Longer use might cause discomfort or hurt your pet's paw.

Your dog should wear the training sock at the start of every walk to get the best results. This pattern helps reinforce the corrective movement . The shoes fit must be perfect and therefore custom shoes are the best option for toes up knuckling dog training shoes.

When to use splints or braces

Some conditions need more substantial support, even though training shoes help with paw dragging through neurological retraining. Dogs with IVDD often need back braces to stabilize their spine along with paw correction.

Back braces give vital support to your dog's spine and surrounding muscles. Quality neoprene braces keep muscles working while allowing flexibility, which prevents muscle loss through natural movement.

Back braces help IVDD dogs by:

  • Supporting the spine above and below the affected area
  • Easing their back pain
  • Keeping the spine stable during healing
  • Limiting movement safely
  • Taking pressure off the spine

Back braces excel at preventing more spinal damage or injury. They stabilize your dog's spine from both directions and ease spinal pressure and back pain. A well-fitted brace also stops your dog from overextending their back—this protection matters a lot for IVDD dogs.

Look for back braces with multiple support tiers, like removable support spines and memory foam layers. You can adjust support levels as your pet heals with these flexible designs. The brace should conform to your dog's back with support right over the spine and surrounding muscles—side support by itself just limits motion without helping the spine.

Talk to your vet before adding any corrective device to your dog's treatment plan. They'll help you pick the right tools for your dog's specific condition and severity level.

Step 4: Choose the Right Product for Your Dog

Your IVDD dog needs the right paw protection . The perfect fit can make a big difference in your dog's comfort and recovery. You'll need to look at your pet's specific needs and how severe their condition is.

Custom vs. off-the-shelf options

You'll find two main types of protective gear for your IVDD dog: pre-made solutions and custom-designed options. 

Pre-made or off-the-shelf splints give you immediate protection. These ready-made options might work well with your dog.  They cost less than custom ones and usually ship the same day .

You can get off-the-shelf products in several styles:

  • Rear splints to support hind legs and paws
  • Front splints to protect front limbs
  • Bootie splints that focus on paws, toes, and ankles 

These products help dogs who need temporary joint support. They also work well for pets with neurological conditions that affect stability and paw placement, or injuries that need quick help.

Custom IVDD Dog shoes, braces and orthotic devices fit your dog perfectly because they use exact measurements. Yes, they’re more expensive , but they stay on better - this matters a lot for dogs that drag their paws. Custom orthotics take more time since specialists need to design and make the shoes based on your dog’s measurements.

Custom options work best for dogs with:

  • Chronic joint issues or bad injuries
  • Long recovery periods
  • Special body shapes that need specific support
  • Health issues that rule out surgery

Most dogs feel more comfortable in custom devices. BARK & SOLE shoes ( medical dog shoe collection)  are made for your pet’s leg, which means less rubbing and irritation. The perfect fit makes the higher cost worth it for many pet owners who manage IVDD dogs long-term.

Breed-specific gear for IVDD dogs

Some breeds get IVDD more often because of how they're built. Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and similar breeds need protection made just for them.

Different breeds have different paw shapes. A French Bulldog's paws are shaped differently, look different and move nothing like other breeds' paws. The best protection takes these differences into account.

Breed-specific shoes and braces factor in:

  • Special paw shapes and sizes
  • How each breed walks
  • Body proportions
  • Common IVDD problems in specific breeds

Breeds prone to IVDD often drag their paws which is called Knuckling.  e.g. IVDD dachshunds and IVDD french bulldogs. This can lead to scrapes and infections. Good dog shoes, footwear helps prevent more injuries during recovery. These special designs protect the exact spots where these dogs need help.

Dachshunds can use grip winter boots that come with warm antibacterial wool insole and non-slip rubber soles. 

Your dog might need more than just boots. Adjustable pet stairs work great for Dachshunds because they have longer steps and gentle slopes. 

The right fit matters most, whether you pick custom or off-the-shelf gear. Gear that doesn't fit can hurt your dog, cause injuries, or just fall off.

Step 5: Train Your Dog to Accept the Gear

Many  IVVD dogs resist wearing protective gear at first, but their acceptance is vital to recovery. The best protective boots or corrective tools won't help if your dog won't wear them. You can train your pet to accept these life-improving devices with patience and the right approach.

Introduce gear gradually

Success depends on taking small steps. Let your dog break down the new boots, splints, or training socks at their own pace. They need time to sniff and get into the items before you try putting them on. This original introduction creates curiosity instead of fear.

Start the actual training by putting just one boot on a single paw for a few minutes. Stay calm and positive because dogs pick up on your emotions quickly.

Your dog will get comfortable wearing one boot indoors. You can then add more wearing time before trying a second boot. Short, consistent sessions work better than longer, scattered ones. You'll end up working toward having your dog wear the gear during brief indoor walks before going outside.

Veterinary professionals suggest 2-5 minute walks with anti-knuckling training shoes, and you should remove the sock between uses. These specialized training shoes work best for short-term, multiple-use sessions rather than wearing them all day.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement creates the foundations of successful gear training. This method rewards good behavior instead of punishing resistance. Give your dog something they value right away when they accept the new gear—even for a few seconds.

Good rewards include:

  • Food treats (high-value ones work best for tough training)
  • Upbeat verbal praise
  • Gentle petting or scratching favorite spots
  • Their favorite toys or games

Timing matters—rewards must come within seconds or your dog won't connect them to the right action. A clicker or consistent verbal marker like "yes!" helps mark the exact moment your dog does well.

Your dog needs consistency throughout training. Reward them every time they accept or wear the gear at first. Once they're used to it, switch to occasional rewards while keeping up the verbal praise.

Monitor for discomfort

Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of distress or physical discomfort during training. Some hesitation is normal at first, but ongoing problems need attention.

Watch out for:

  • Too much licking or chewing at the gear
  • Trying to remove the gear using paws or furniture
  • Not walking or moving strangely when wearing the gear
  • Skin irritation or raw spots

IVDD dogs already face mobility challenges, so gear that doesn't fit right can cause more issues. Make sure to fasten straps tight. BARK & SOLE straps are flexible and you cannot fasten them too tight which cuts off blood flow. Common mistake is fasten the straps  too loose letting gear fall off.



Give your dog breaks without gear to prevent overuse injuries .

Note that your vet or rehabilitation specialist can suggest how long to use the gear and help fix any problems. Their guidance is a great way to get through this process.

Step 6: Adjust for Environment and Season

Your environment plays a vital role in managing your IVDD dog's paw health. Your dog needs different types of paw protection as seasons change and they walk on various surfaces.

Summer vs. winter paw care

Each season needs its own approach to paw protection. Summer asphalt temperatures can reach a dangerous 135°F (57°C) and burn paw pads in seconds. Hot weather brings additional risks too. Dry air combined with more outdoor playtime increases the chance of burns and blisters.

Winter creates a whole different set of challenges. Your IVDD dog's paws face threats from cold surfaces, ice, salt, and deicing chemicals. These winter elements can make muscles and joints stiff, which reduces spine flexibility and raises injury risks.

Your winter checklist should include:

  • Removing chemicals from paws after each walk
  • Putting pet-safe paw balm on before walks
  • Getting insulated dog boots with good grip.

Dachshunds and other IVDD-prone breeds need special winter boots. Look for ones with antibacterial insoles and non-slip rubber soles that keep them cozy and prevent ice slips.

Indoor vs. outdoor surfaces

Slick floors create big risks for IVDD dogs indoors. Regular flooring materials don't match what their paws evolved to handle, which makes staying balanced tough. Dogs with mobility problems struggle even more.

Make your indoor space safer by:

  • Placing rugs or yoga mats for grip
  • Setting up wooden adjustable ramps near furniture
  • Using special indoor shoes on hardwood floors

These changes help prevent falls and reduce paw scrapes. BARK & SOLE Indoor shoes work really well here. They are  lightweight, ventilated and has great grip.

Different outdoor surfaces bring unique challenges. Your dog's paws can get cuts and scrapes from rough ground, gravel, and city debris. Winter brings extra dangers from sidewalk de-icing chemicals. These harm paws on contact and can make dogs sick if they lick their feet later.

Activity-specific protection

Your IVDD dog needs different protection based on what they're doing. Regular walks need protective shoes , especially for dogs with disabilities or unusual walking patterns, to prevent scrapes on hard surfaces..

Swimming creates special needs because wet paw pads get soft and hurt more easily. Dogs who run face different risks like blisters and nail injuries from repeated contact with rough ground .

Less active IVDD dogs often slow down in winter. You might need to cut back their food a bit to avoid weight gain. Extra pounds put more stress on their already sensitive spine.

Pick gear that matches each activity. Use ventilated, light shoes for summer walks and insulated, waterproof ones for winter outings. Smart protection choices help your IVDD dog stay safe and comfortable in any condition.

Step 7: Maintain and Monitor Paw Health

Your IVDD dog's paw health needs regular attention and proactive care. A good monitoring routine helps prevent complications that could make their mobility problems worse.

Inspect paws after walks

Make post-walk paw checks part of your routine. Spread your dog's toes apart gently and look between them for foreign objects like pebbles, or burrs. Check the sides of their paw pads too and watch for swelling, discoloration, or any signs they feel pain when you touch the area .

Your dog's nail beds need extra attention. You might notice infected nails looking brittle, irregular, or soft with possible discoloration and a film-like covering. Winter brings its own challenges, so check for ice buildup between toes that can cause discomfort and damage pads.

Clean and dry gear regularly

Good cleaning habits matter just as much as inspections. Wash your IVDD dog's paws with warm water after outdoor walks and remove any salt or chemical deicers. Paw wax helps slide out snowballs before washing if they've collected in the fur.

Watch for signs of wear or infection

Learn to spot early warning signs of paw problems. Your nose can help detect infections - while paws naturally have a "Fritos" smell from yeast and bacteria, an overwhelming odor means you should visit the vet.

Look out for these warning signs:

  • Cuts or scrapes on paw pads
  • Dry, cracking pads
  • Redness or inflammation
  • Limping or reluctance to walk

Hot pavement can damage paws faster in summer. Winter air gets dry and makes pads crack more easily .

Regular care of paws and protective gear helps your IVDD dog stay mobile and comfortable.

Step 8: Work with Your Vet for Long-Term Care

Mutually beneficial alliances with veterinarians are the life-blood of successful long-term IVDD management. Your vet's guidance will give a seamless fit between paw protection and your dog's complete treatment plan.

Merge paw protection with IVDD treatment

IVDD care works best with a comprehensive approach. Leading veterinary centers provide shared expertise from several specialist departments - neurology, surgery, pain management, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. This complete care model creates custom treatment plans that match your dog's unique needs.

Your vet helps coordinate key aspects of care:

  • Better outcomes through post-operative rehabilitation
  • Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy
  • Laser therapy and hands-on treatment
  • Exercise programs built just for your dog

Start by asking your vet how protective gear fits your dog's treatment protocol.

Monitor progress and adjust tools as needed

Regular vet check-ups play a vital role in tracking your dog's condition. Schedule a vet appointment right away if your dog shows signs of getting worse - whether walking less comfortably or showing more pain.

Your veterinarian knows the right time to introduce or modify mobility aids. To name just one example, early use of a dog wheelchair as a gait training aid often brings great results. These aids help not just fully paralyzed dogs but assist in rehabilitation too.

Your dog might not need surgery even if improvement seems slow - sometimes adjustments to non-surgical treatment are enough. Working together with your veterinary team creates a care plan that grows and changes with your IVDD dog's needs.

Conclusion

Taking care of your IVDD dog's paws needs dedicated attention and a detailed plan. The steps from diagnosis to long-term care can make your furry friend's life much better. Good paw protection plays a vital role in managing IVDD. It prevents painful injuries and helps your dog stay mobile and independent.

Your watchfulness makes a huge difference in caring for an IVDD dog. Regular paw checks, the right protective gear, and changes to their environment can stop problems from making your pet's condition worse. On top of that, it helps to work with your vet to make paw protection fit naturally into your dog's treatment plan.

Every IVDD dog needs different care based on their condition, breed, and lifestyle. You should pick protection that tackles your pet's and breeds specific challenges. The best choice is specialized custom made dog shoes - depends on their symptoms and how severe they are.

IVDD creates big challenges for dogs, but proper care and protection help many lead active, comfortable lives. Of course, you'll need patience to help them get used to protective gear and adjust it for different seasons and activities.

Your IVDD dog counts on you to promote their interests and provide care. The trip might feel overwhelming sometimes, but each small step toward better paw protection helps their overall health. This knowledge and your vet team's support will help your beloved companion move through life with IVDD more comfortably and confidently.

Key Takeaways

IVDD dogs who drag their paws face serious injury risks, but proper protection and veterinary care can dramatically improve their quality of life and mobility.

• Get immediate veterinary diagnosis - Paw dragging indicates neurological issues requiring professional assessment and grading (1-5 scale) to determine appropriate treatment urgency.

• Use custom protective dog shoes and custom corrective training shoes. custom protective dog shoes prevent scrapes while custom corrective training shoes retrain proper paw placement through nerve stimulation.

• Choose breed-specific, properly fitted gear - Custom solutions for IVDD-prone breeds like Dachshunds provide superior comfort and stay-on performance compared to generic options.

• Train gradually with positive reinforcement - Introduce protective gear slowly using treats and praise, monitoring for discomfort to ensure successful long-term acceptance.

• Adapt protection to environment and season - Summer requires heat protection from 135°F asphalt, while winter needs traction and chemical-resistant boots for ice and salt.

• Maintain regular paw inspections and veterinary collaboration - Daily post-walk checks prevent infections while ongoing vet partnerships ensure protection integrates with comprehensive IVDD treatment plans.

Successful IVDD paw protection combines immediate injury prevention with long-term mobility support, requiring consistent care and professional guidance to help your dog maintain an active, comfortable life despite their neurological challenges.

FAQs

Q1. What are the first signs of IVDD in dogs? Early signs of IVDD include reluctance to jump, yelping when touched, arched back, and difficulty walking. Paw dragging or knuckling (walking on the tops of paws) is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of neurological issues related to IVDD.

Q2. How can I protect my IVDD dog's paws from injury? Protect your IVDD dog's paws by using custom dog shoes, applying paw balms or waxes, and utilizing Toes Up custom dog shoes. These tools prevent scrapes, provide cushioning, and help retrain proper paw placement.

Q3. Are custom-made boots better for IVDD dogs? Custom-made boots often provide a superior fit for IVDD dogs, especially those with unique anatomical needs. While more expensive, they offer better comfort and are less likely to slip off, which is crucial for dogs that drag their paws.

Q4. How do I introduce protective gear to my IVDD dog? Introduce protective gear gradually, starting with short wearing periods and using positive reinforcement. Let your dog investigate the gear, then put it on for brief intervals, rewarding acceptance with treats and praise. Slowly increase wearing time as your dog becomes comfortable.

Q5. How often should I check my IVDD dog's paws? Inspect your IVDD dog's paws after every walk. Look for signs of wear, cuts, or foreign objects between the toes. Regular checks help prevent infections and catch any issues early, which is crucial for maintaining your dog's mobility and comfort.