Ciro, good news a surgery ended up not being needed when you had proof of off all meds and no pain!
Graduation from Conservative STRICT rest means provding Meatball with a slow and gradual introduction back to physical activity. You do not want to be confused if discomfort signs would due to having overdone things VS a serious disc issue. So slow and easy getting back to physical exercise for your couch potato.
GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION
Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation from rest. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions of a harness, leash and sling if he is least bit wobbly. Do not give him free rein of the house and yard immediately! LOL
His muscles are soft and out of shape after the 8 weeks rest period. Gradually build up both his muscles and lungs.
Take a look at our information. Gradually building your dogs muscles over a couple of monthys time will have your dog safely running and having fun again!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Here is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity:
dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20scheduleDIY back PROTECTION around the house
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly:
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/2) Teach your dog to be safe. No more jumping up or down. Instead use a ramp whether over steps leading outdoors or to furniture in the house.
Dogs are best at visual learning rather than verbal commands. Dog trainer Anna Jane Grossman says “Dogs learn in pictures. Inside your dog’s brain is a very simple algorithm – pleasant images in one place and unpleasant images in another."
HAPPY DAYS AHEAD
Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims,
harness fit dodgerslist.com/2020/05/19/harness-with-leash ,
nutrition and diet dodgerslist.com/2020/05/22/diet-nutrition, safe ways to have fun together, and more:
dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips-2 PT THERAPY AT CLINIC or 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.
This applies not just for humans, but REALLY also applies to the IVDD dog:
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 ASK YOU TO HELP US?
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.
Ciro, education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs have been put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal.
We would like all of our members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate!
Pick what suits you....
-- "Share" our FB/IG/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge:
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist INSTAGRAM:
instagram.com/dodgerslist/-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet:
dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2 -- Don't forget to add a photo of Meatball to the Gallery. Add a 1-2 sentence caption. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to upload to the Gallery here:
dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-galleryAnd finally, don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love to hear how your Meatball is doing. We'd love a short video clip to see him 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!
