Tag Archives: Veterinarians

Pets

Injured Dog Recovery

Injured Dog Recovery: An injured dog needs to recover much like a person does after having a physical injury.

Injured Dog Recovery

As with any situation, the recovery period greatly depends upon the actual injury. The extent of any damage that may have been caused also affects how long recovery may take.

Allowing and keeping a dog to relax and recover can often be a difficult task. Especially if the recovery period requires that an other wise playful or rambunctious dog has to relax and heal. Keeping the dog from too much walking, running, or other play can be tough, but is necessary

Injured Dog Recovery: Medication

In some cases, recovery requires medication to be administered. The dog may need to have an injury or wound wrapped or have some type medicated cream or ointment applied to it.

Injured Dog Recovery: Ice / Heat Therapy

The veterinarian can determine if the injury just needs some ice or heat applied along with some rest. If the injury is shown to be more damaging, the vet will guide owners every step of the way, in determining what needs to come next.

Injured Dog Recovery: Cone

Often times, a dog will need to wear a cone during recovery. This will help to keep them from licking, biting at, or otherwise irritating an injury or wound as it starts to go through the healing process. This cone helps to give the area a chance to heal without the risk of the dog reopening a wound or causing any type of infection to happen.

Injured Dog Recovery: Time Frame 

The length of time involved in allowing a dog to completely recover will also depend upon what the original injury was and the area of the dog’s body in which it happened.

Injured Dog Recovery: Veterinarian

As with any situation that involves a four legged family member, it is best to consult a veterinarian. The vet will  decide how to handle any injuries.

The vet will be able to suggest what course of action to take. This decision is one that is best made by a licensed, practicing veterinarian. Veterinarians  have the medical expertise to allow them to know how to handle different medical situations. No matter how little they may be.

Recover rest time by Dr. Karen Becker

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Dog Injuries: Sprains and Strains

 

Pets

Weighted Dog Backpacks – Useful or Not?

Weighted dog backpacks: Many people see dog backpacks as a simple novelty. However weighted backpacks are a perfect way to give your dog some exercise.

Weighted Dog Backpacks 

How They Are Useful in Winter: Many people like to use weighted dog backpacks during the winter months. The packs are a perfect way to carry booties or treats. Even if your walks are short, the extra weight makes the activity level more intense.

Usefulness in Summer: Even though you need to watch the heat,  weighted dog backpacks come in handy during the summer. You’ll have a handy place for extra water for your dog. A portable water dish is easy to keep in the backpack for these summer trips.

Picking  a Backpack for Dogs

Weighted dog backpacks have features like water resistance and extra padding. You want to avoid trying to use a regular backpack on a dog. Designs intended for human use will not fit in the correct places.

Make Sure Your Sizing is Correct

In addition to getting a weighted  backpack designed for pet use, get the sizing right. You’ll want to measure around your pet’s chest to ensure a snug fit that’s not too tight. Also pick one appropriate for your dog’s weight, and avoid overloading.

To prevent overloading  for most dogs,  the  poundage should be no more than 10% to 12% of the dog’s  body weight.

Get the Veterinary Go-Ahead

It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before purchasing weighted dog backpacks. Certain breeds are prone to back issues that you must be careful about. You also want to make sure your dog’s overall health allows for rigorous exercise.

Give Your Pet Time to Adjust

Your dog might balk at weighted dog backpacks at first. Make sure you’re patient and give them time to adjust. Once they’re used to the pack, they’re likely to have more mental stimulation.

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Pets

Luxating Patella (Bad Knee) In A Dog

A luxating patella is just a fancy term for a dislocated kneecap. It’s a common ailment of dogs, especially the smaller breeds such as chihuahuas, toy poodles, Pekingese and papillons. However, large breeds are also subject to it especially those who are already at greater risk for hip dysplasia.
luxating patella

Luxating Patella In Dogs

The most common type of luxating patella is the medial luxating patella. This means that the dog’s bad knee is sliding around within the joint. The condition can be genetic or come about because of injury, malnutrition or obesity.

Luxating Patella Grades

There are four grades of luxating patella in a dog. In Grade 1, the dog is not in severe pain, and the kneecap can be put back in place non-surgically through massage. There will be more about that later on.

In grade 2, the dog feels pain when the kneecap slips out of place. These dogs are also at risk for arthritis. Again, the knee can be massaged back in place, but the correction is temporary.

A grade 3 luxation finds the dog in constant pain, but as with grades 1 and 2, the kneecap can be put back in place without surgical intervention. Only grade 4 luxation requires surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Knee

Because of the pain, a dog who has a bad knee will favor the leg that is affected. You may hear a popping sound around the affected knee. The dog’s gait will be awkward, and you may see something like a hop-hop-skip as the dog moves. If the dog has a grade 4 luxation, it will have a noticeable bowlegged appearance. Grade 4 means that there is no longer a groove for the knee to fit in and requires orthopedic surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment

A dog with grades 1,2 or even 3 can be helped non-surgically. In some cases they just need to be fitted with a knee brace. Knee braces do not need a prescription, but you need to consult with the vet to make sure that your dog indeed has a luxating patella. The vet may also prescribe vitamins and supplements to support the health of the bones around the knee. Popular supplements include glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids.

The vet can also teach you how to massage the kneecap back into place. This not only eases the dog’s pain and improves circulation but promotes bonding between you and your dog.

https://youtu.be/PJJsvjG8tYo

 

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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Pets

Good Veterinarians Who Really Care

Good Veterinarians realize that a pet’s family needs care just as much as the animal they are treating. That care is especially important when the family has to say goodbye to their beloved companion.

Good Veterinarians  Who Really Care

Pets Are Family

For many people, a pet is not just an animal, it is a member of the family. So when a pet is sick, panic can set in. That is when it’s important to have a good relationship with your vet.

Good veterinarians help you make the tough decisions. They can talk you through the risks and benefits of treating your pet’s illness. They are honest about your pet’s condition yet sympathetic to how difficult these decision are to make.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Saying that final goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to go through. Good Veterinarins understand this and do all they can to support you and your family through the process.

When you come in for that last appointment, your vet will have scheduled extra time so you are not rushed. They usually take you right into an exam room so you can have the privacy you need. Many vets bring a blanket into the room so you and your pet can sit together comfortably. The staff is usually aware of your situation so they can make things easier for you.

After Care

Good veterinarians  follows up with you after that last appointment. They usually send a sympathy card signed by the staff. They may also do a follow up phone call to see how you are coping with the loss of your pet. They understand that it takes time to recover from that loss.

So it is important that you choose your pet’s veterinarian carefully. Make sure that your vet is someone you connect with and can trust. They will be there for you throughout your pets life and beyond.

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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