They may be tiny in size, but small dogs come with big spinal responsibilities. Breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Corgis, and Chihuahuas might be compact—but their backs often carry the burden.

One of the biggest threats? IVDD—Intervertebral Disc Disease. It’s as scary as it sounds, and it’s more common than most pet owners realize.

In Ocala and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen a major uptick in back-related issues in small breeds, often after a jump off the couch, a twist on the stairs, or even just playing a little too hard at the dog park. These pups don’t need trauma to get injured—they just need repetition and bad mechanics.

What is IVDD—and Why Should You Care?

IVDD happens when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spine degenerate or herniate. The result? Pain, nerve compression, and sometimes even paralysis.

It often shows up like this:

• Yelping when picked up

• Reluctance to climb stairs or jump

• Shaking or hiding

• Unusual gait or dragging limbs

Sound familiar? Most owners mistake these signs for “being tired” or “getting older.” The truth is: those are red flags—and the earlier you act, the better the outcome.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Here’s where proactive care changes everything.

At Synchrony Chiropractic, we take a neurologically focused, hands-on approach to helping small dogs stay mobile, comfortable, and aligned. Our animal chiropractic sessions (AVCA and IVCA certified) help:

• Correct spinal misalignments

• Reduce nerve pressure

• Improve posture and movement

• Enhance body awareness and coordination

And we don’t stop there. We pair adjustments with:

• Soft tissue work to relieve tension and prevent compensatory strain

• Kinesiology taping to support spinal posture and movement patterns

• PEMF therapy to boost healing at the cellular level

• Cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote disc recovery

One Tiny Pup’s Comeback Story

We had a client in The Villages bring in a 9-pound Yorkie named Lulu who had suddenly stopped using her back legs. The vet gave them two options: risky and expensive surgery—or consider putting her down.

Her owner didn’t like either of those options. They wanted to try conservative care first, and came to us at Synchrony Chiropractic. After just two visits that included chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy, Lulu was back to her usual self—walking, playing, and full of life.

No surgery. No heartbreak. Just a body that finally got what it needed to heal.

Prevention Is Everything

If you wait until your dog can’t walk, the road gets harder. But if you support their spinal health before the crisis, you can avoid months of pain, fear, and financial stress.

Here’s what we recommend for small dog parents:

• Avoid stairs and couch jumping—use ramps and train safe habits

• Watch for subtle shifts in behavior or mobility

• Schedule routine spinal wellness checks (just like you would for their teeth or vaccines)

Ready to Protect Your Pup’s Spine?

If you’re in Ocala, Belleview, The Villages, or anywhere in Marion County, we’re your trusted provider for animal chiropractic and small dog spinal care.

Call or text 352-356-8665, email hello@synchronychiro.com, or visit www.synchronychiro.com to book your pup’s evaluation.

Let’s keep their tail wagging—and their spine strong—for years to come.