Nikki, good to hear he is off post-op rest and can be gradually conditioned to get back to family activity! Along with your surgeon's directive for post-op walking and the treadmill, you may be interested in other things to help with his out of shape soft muslces by gradually building up his muscles and lungs. Alsoake things at home safe for Finn
1) GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
Here are lots of back friendly ideas to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/DIY BACK PROTECTION around the home
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/ 
2) Lots more ideas and tips in daily living for the years ahead with an IVDD dog such as nail trims, how to handle dentals, etc.:
dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 3) PT at HOME
Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. For example, although senior dogs need to stay limber, severe arthritis might make certain movements inappropriate.
-
Strengthening core muscles which support the spine Core exercises don't require specialized equipment.
Here are 5 exercises you can do at home:
totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/May we turn the tables and ask YOU for help? Did you know there are less than a handful who volunteer daily to help dogs and their owners? We need helping hands from other Forum members in educating.
Education about disc disease is our number one mission!
We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs are put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication have helped many dogs recover. We depend on all members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate!
Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help..
-- Please celebrate Finn's graduation! Add a graduation photo and a short caption to our Gallery to give other members inspiration about your IVDD Survivor!
dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-- "Share" our FB posts
www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free wallet cards.
Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. ►
ORDER BROCHURES & cards, they're free! for your vet and wallet cards for you:
i.postimg.cc/HxfzpNkT/help-order-350-32kb.jpg-- Would you consider helping another trying to make decisions about surgery?
We have a directory where you can share surgical info.
Here is where you can share your dog's info:
dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendationsState:
Hospital:
Address:
Cost:
Date of surgery:
What was included in cost (MRI?, days stay, ER? PT? meds for home, sling, etc.)
Comments:
Don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your dog is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see Finn in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD!
if you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope. A brief paragraph about your dog can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need!
