Sofia, what is Kaia's breed?
With 4 weeks of surgeon directed post-op rest, now begins a slow introduction back to family life and activity including core strengthening exercises. More on that below.
About back braces...the short answer is not for IVDD dogs. You will want to read all the points of why not here:
dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/devices-supplementsRemind me, how is Kaia walking? Wobbly?GRADUATION, IS 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. Not free rein of the house and yard immediately! LOL
Your Kaia's muscles are soft and out of shape after the rest period. Take a look at our information. Gradually building your dogs muscles over a month's time will have your dog safely running and having fun again!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE rehab scheduleHere is a sample schedule to safely and slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity:
www.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) Ideas and products to provide improved traction for wobbly dogs on slippery floors:
www.dodgerslist.com/2022/10/08/traction-solution-improvements/3) Teach your 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 Lots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog such as dentals, nail trims, safe ways to have fun together, and more:
www.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.
-- Water therapy to exercise and strengthen wobbly leg muscles
1) when whether permits at home:
www.dodgerslist.com/2020/05/28/surgery-dog-water-therapy 2) underwater threadmill at a clinic
-- Strengthening core muscles.
This applies not just for humans, but REALLY applies to the IVDD dog: "...improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that surround the spine so they can act like the world's greatest back and neck brace."
www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/spondylosis 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/I agree with Marjorie, number one is IVDD is not a death sentence!
Dr. Isaacs, Neurology (ACVIM): "Some dogs respond well to medical management and it would be worth giving it a try. In the meantime, it is very important to keep your dog strictly inactive so as not to get any worse. Dodgerslist is a great resource for trying to manage intervertebral disk disease and helping improve your dog’s quality of life."
dodgerslist.com/2020/08/14/conservative-treatment-medications-rest-and-time/
The two treatments all dog owners should know about are: conservative medical management or surgical. Know your options:
dodgerslist.com/.../24/emergency-treatment-options/"Unbelievable in this day and age, too many still think
putting a dog to sleep is a treatment for disc disease!
**
