A Corgi has a short, low, and rather heavy body, but a large distance between the front and back legs. This body structure means the lower back carries a great deal of stress, so many Corgis face serious spinal problems in the later half of life. To reduce the burden, owners must prevent daily activities that damage the back, such as climbing stairs or jumping on and off furniture.
Corgis Commonly Have Lower-Back Problems
If you look closely at a Corgi, you will notice that the body is long and thick while the legs are very short. People find that proportion adorable, but from the dog's point of view it is not ideal. Because the body is long, the lower back carries more load and is therefore more vulnerable to injury. This is not unique to Corgis. Dachshunds are often even more seriously affected because their bodies are longer still.
How to Deal with Corgi Lower-Back Problems
The way to reduce lower-back trouble is to pay attention in daily life. A Corgi should not regularly climb up and down stairs, because over time this puts strain on the back and may affect the dog's ability to walk normally in old age. If there is an elevator, use it. If not, it is often better for the owner to carry the dog. Since many Corgis weigh around ten kilograms, that is not always easy, but it is still much safer for the dog's back.
Stairs are not the only issue. A Corgi is lively and can also be a little nervous or overexcited, so it often likes to jump around indoors. That is also very bad for the lower back, and if the dog is excessively active in the house, the owner should try to stop it. Another important point is weight control. The heavier the Corgi becomes, the more pressure falls on the lower back.
Almost all Corgis face some degree of lower-back problems as they age, even though the severity varies. The owner's task is to stay aware every day, reduce spine-damaging activity as much as possible, and include calcium-rich food in the diet where appropriate.