Greg, really terrific to hear of Hector's improved nerve repair and ability to walk even if wobbly!
SLOWLY EASING INTO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
There are many things you mention that make me think to go ahead and share with you tips for gradually increasing exercise over several months as your neuro has directed.
You may see that some tips can be used right now and
others you may want to wait til the March 2 neuro appt to incorporate the how to teach no jumping, how you can block off furniture, etc.
As directed, the idea is to gradually work up to more activity. The harness and leash give you the needed control of Hector's speed in the house and around the complex.
When you are not doing the directed slow and controlled walking exercise practice, then back to his recovery suite. --One wants to be able to differentiate between temporary symptoms of overdoing muscle use vs. pain from a serious disc related situation.
-- Also make sure Hector does his potty time and PT walking
without other dogs around. Protect Hector. Hector knows he's not up to par. For dogs the inborn instinct about weakness is for survival. For the sick one, now weaker (Hector) may become more protective and aggressive because he knows he's not as strong as he used to be and may be subject to being attacked from other dogs.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE of increased activity
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 homw
1) Good ideas in making your home back friendly:
dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs/2) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs on smooth floors:
dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/3) Teach yout dog to be safe and not jumping up or down, but to 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
1) Lots of ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog. Things like dentals, harness fit, nail trims and just plain having 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 and your neuro before starting any exercise program with your dog.
-- Water therapy at home and at a PT clinic for underwater treadmill therapy:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/28/surgery-dog-water-therapy-- Strengthen Hector's core muscles.
This really applies to the IVDD dog as it does for the human:
Core exercises don't require specialized equipment.
Here are 5 exercises you can do at home when your Neuro says ok:
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 Hector's road to graduation day! Add aphoto 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 little 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
-- 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:
Since Hector won't offically graduate until March 2, he'll still be on the Surgery Board.
We will be looking forward to your always informative reports on Hector's progress. We'd love a short video clip to see Hector in action at home, at PT if you have time to share.
As you pointed out, so many new members are quite anxious as you were many those weeks ago. When you see a new member in a tough spot, give them hope and send them a message to "RELAX". A brief paragraph about your Hector can be insanely supportive and inspiring in a time of need!
