If your pet has recently been diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, you may be wondering how to make a dog with a herniated disc comfortable? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your pet recover from their IVDD while their back heals. Here are some easy ways to care for your pet during IVDD recovery:
Raising a dog with an IVDD
During IVDD recovery, dogs suffer from back pain and are likely immobile. Whether the IVDD left a dog paralyzed or in strict crate rest while recovering, your dog is likely relying on you to carry it.
When lifting a dog with IVDD, it’s important to be gentle and careful to avoid making the condition worse. First, make sure the dog is calm and relaxed. Then slowly approach the dog and kneel beside him. Place one hand on his chest and the other under his hindquarters, just in front of his hind legs. Lift the dog slowly and steadily, keeping its spine as straight as possible. Avoid twisting or shaking the dog’s body, as this may further damage its spine. If in doubt, seek the advice of a veterinarian or professional dog handler.
How to Recover a Dog with IVDD
You have to take your dog so that they are supported to prevent further injury. When you take your dog out of his crate, never pull him towards you. IVDD dogs should be gently removed from their crate. At the same time, you are lifting your dog to support both his chest and his hindquarters. Lift your dog evenly and always keep his spine aligned. And gently get them back on their feet when you put them down. If you support your dog with a lifting harness, the best harness for IVDD will provide full body support. Choose a harness that evenly supports your dog’s spine and hind legs.
Walking a dog with back pain
Even caged dogs still have to walk. Although an IVDD dog may have limited mobility, they still need to be able to stand and walk to maintain their strength. It is acceptable for a dog with a back injury to take a gentle walk. Your walks should be short, no longer than 5 minutes and never strenuous. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and avoid letting your dog lead or pull you while he walks.
You can walk your dog with IVDD with your veterinarian’s approval. Dogs recovering from IVID should be supported when walking; it means wearing the correct harness for IVDD. Animals with IVDD or at risk of re-injuring their backs should avoid wearing collars. Collars can put too much pressure on your pet’s neck. A harness helps reduce any additional stress placed on your dog’s neck and avoids the risk of your dog pulling in a way that could hurt his back even more. Raising your dog’s food and water bowls off the ground is another way to eliminate or at least significantly reduce the stress on your dog’s neck. Raising his bowls off the ground allows the dog to stand up more naturally without straining or bending over.
For paralyzed or mobility-impaired dogs, a special lifting harness allows you to support your pet from below so your dog can continue to go outside to relieve themselves.
IVDD back support
When recovering from an IVDD, it is important that dogs keep their backs straight and support their spine. A back brace designed specifically for dogs with IVDD can help align and support their backs while they move. In addition to providing full support to his spine and surrounding muscles, the brace can also help relieve back pain, which can help your furry friend stay more active.
When choosing the best back brace for your dog, make sure it is specifically designed for IVDD support and other spinal conditions. THE spinal back support is designed to stabilize the spine with medical grade materials and is easy to wear all day. Here are some tips for choosing the right IVDD back support:
- Back braces should support the entire back and spine, including the lumbar or lower back.
- A high quality back brace will feature removable support splints for increased range of motion as your pet heals.
- Featuring breathable materials for all-day comfort.
- Relieves pressure on the spine and conforms to the pet’s back.
- Dog brace to stabilize the back from above and below.
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Keeps your pet comfortable and mobile.
Long-bodied dog breeds are at higher risk for IVDD, herniated discs, and other canine back conditions. The vertebra is designed with these breeds in mind. Look for a dachshund back brace, the small vertebra is the perfect fit. For a corgi back brace, choose a middle vertebra.
Physiotherapy for IVDD Recovery
It is common for animals with IVDD to experience changes in their mobility. When the time is right, physical therapy can help your dog increase strength and improve coordination and balance. During physical therapy, your dog can work on getting up, standing, sitting, and even improving his gait. Some IVDD dogs may lose function in their hind legs and need a wheelchair to stay active. Many IVDD dogs actively use a wheelchair as part of their recovery. Their dog wheelchair can be incorporated into their physiotherapy sessions and be an excellent rehabilitation tool.
Each dog’s recovery will be different and will greatly depend on the severity of their condition and their IVDD treatment plan. Your veterinarian will help you make the right treatment choices for your dog. Improvements can be slow, so be patient and celebrate the small wins. Most dogs are comfortable after the first week and often regain their mobility gradually after one to two months. Although IVDDs can be debilitating and painful, recovery is possible.
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