When you have a special needs dog in your home, such as a paralyzed dog, you know that they are limited in the type of activities they can participate in. It may be difficult to come up with a strategy to keep them engaged in life. But do not despair, there are several activities they can do to keep them happy, healthy, and loving life. Even though their bodies do not work as well as they should, their mind is still sharp and they need to be able to participate in life.
1. Physical Therapy
Paralyzed dogs will need physical therapy when they first become paralyzed as a part of their treatment plan. However, you should continue their physical therapy throughout their life as a way to create a strong bond and keep them engaged in their surroundings. Physical therapy should include massage because this will relax your dog. It will also help your dog’s muscles from atrophying too quickly.
Learn from your veterinarian the various physical therapy techniques that you can do at home. It can be pricey when taking your dog to an animal physical therapist, so anything you can do at home will help cut some of the costs. Some exercises you can do at home with your dog include stimulating the feet, massage, and passive range of motion. However, do not perform any exercise without first consulting your veterinarian.
Start slow with their physical therapy and only do exercises that your veterinarian has approved. Massage is a great way to start since this will help your dog relax and be more willing to work with you during the session. Once your dog is relaxed, add in passive range of motion exercises and keep it brief. Your goal is to work up to being able to exercise for 30 minutes each session.
2. Hydrotherapy
The great thing about hydrotherapy is that it can be done almost anywhere there is a body of water. Small dogs can have their hydrotherapy sessions in a bathtub and larger dogs can be put in a hot tub, lake, or pool. Hydrotherapy is a special form of physical therapy and allows a paralyzed dog to exercise all of their body even if they are paralyzed. Never leave your dog alone in the water. If they are in a larger body of water, fit them for a life vest to help them when swimming. There are specialized facilities for dogs to participate in hydrotherapy. You can ask your veterinarian for a referral to a pet rehabilitation facility.
Some dogs may not readily accept wearing a life vest. To keep your paralyzed dog from becoming overly stressed, introduce the life vest several days before introducing them to the water. Let them wear their new gear for about 15 minutes a day so they can feel comfortable moving in it. Have your dog fitted for a life vest so you know they cannot slip out of it while in the water. Small dogs doing their hydrotherapy in a bathtub will not need a life vest.
The water will help your dog’s joints and also allow them to be unhindered by their handicap. Do not leave them alone while in the water and do not let them overdo it by staying in the water too long. Be aware of your dog’s needs and only allow them to remain in the water for no longer than 15 minutes to start. As they become more comfortable in the water, you can extend that to 30-40 minutes. Pet insurance may help pay for the cost of hydrotherapy.
3. Puzzles
A dog that is paralyzed still has the mental abilities of a dog that is not paralyzed. They still need things that will keep their mind active or they will become extremely bored and can cause problems in the home. Your dog will love spending time with puzzle toys, searching for ways to get the treats hidden inside. Some puzzles are harder than others; therefore, start with an easy puzzle so they can get the hang of the concept.
A rubber Kong filled with treats is a great starter puzzle for your dog. The price for these puzzle toys will vary and some rather industrious DIYers can make their puzzles for their dogs. Puzzle toys will help your dog feel like they have truly accomplished something great when they finally get the hidden treat.
Puzzle toys are only as good as the treats that are hidden within. Therefore, find a treat that your dog finds simply irresistible. You may have to introduce a few different treats and give them a try before you find the one that they love. Do not give them so many treats that they become overweight or they begin depending on those rather than eating their regular food.
4. Walking with Wheels
Invest in wheels for your paralyzed dog and head out for a walk around the neighborhood. Trying to keep their routine as normal as possible is essential to keeping your paralyzed dog upbeat and ready to conquer the world. Wheels can be a bit pricey for your dog but are well worth the investment to give them their independence.
Let your dog get used to their new wheels around the house before you head out on a walk. It may take them a bit to get used to walking with their wheelchair. Be patient and positive as your dog adjusts to their new “legs”. Keep the sessions short at first so your dog does not become frustrated.
5. Targeting
Targeting is simply teaching your dog to touch a designated target with their nose or foot to get a reward. This is another way to keep your paralyzed dog’s mental abilities sharp and keep them from becoming bored or destructive. It is easy to teach targeting to your dog and is relatively a cheap activity that can be done anywhere. Targeting will build your dog’s confidence.
Starts with having your dog touch their nose to your hand and when they do, praise them and give them one of their favorite treats. Once they are comfortable target touching your hand with their nose change things up and have them touch with their foot. They will gain confidence and love spending time with you.
Do not give up on your paralyzed dog. Their life has been dramatically changed, but if you remain upbeat and happy, they will follow your lead. Find activities that work their minds and make them feel like a normal dog. A permanently paralyzed dog should never be a hardship for their family, therefore, finds ways that help them be mobile, happy, and healthy including physical therapy, wheelchairs, and mental stimulation.
