You’ve finally come to terms with your dog’s need for surgery. You’ve worked out a way to pay for it, prepared your house for a post-surgery dog, and are prepared to care for your dog while he recovers. If you have a high-energy dog, you’ve probably already considered how you’ll keep him quiet while he heals over the next 8–14 weeks. Your dog is likely to exhibit boredom-response behaviors such as barking, licking, leaping, crying, damage, or despair due to his boredom.
What to Do While Your Dog Is Recovering
Keep his mind engaged while he heals. Mental stimulation is just as enjoyable for a dog as exercise is. Here are a few everyday activities to keep your dog occupied and out of mischief while he recovers.
1. Substitute food release items for the food bowl.
These gadgets convert a three-second feeding session into a psychologically challenging exercise by delivering kibble and soft meals like yogurt, canned dog food, or pumpkin. To teach your dog how to utilize these objects, start by introducing him to them.
2. Give your pet a raw bone if your veterinarian allows it.
These may be found at various dog stores and will keep your pet amused for hours. They are, however, unsightly and should be stored in a box or X-pen.
Keeping an eye on patients in the days and weeks after surgery is a top priority at Cat & Cow Veterinary Clinic. They’ll provide you extensive information on how to care for yourself at home.
3. Teach your dog a new game.
A dog recuperating from surgery that needs the use of one or both eyes, nose, or paws may engage in a variety of activities. Woof it Up’s Play & Train Kit contains 80 such exercises that have been tested and adapted for e-collar-wearing dogs and those with restricted mobility. Begin by choosing a game to play. Your dog will be relieved to have a job, and you will be pleased with his development.
4. Make use of the dog’s sense of smell.
Certain dogs may benefit from being exposed to a variety of odors. In the same room as the crate, sprinkle a drop of lemon essence on the floor (but not in the crate). Using a drop of lavender or vanilla, change the scent every two or three days. Because a dog’s sense of smell is greater than ours, a single drop of fragrance put at least ten feet away from the crate will suffice. Another option is DAP, a dog-pleasing pheromone. Many dogs find it relaxing because it chemically mimics the aroma of mother’s milk. DAP is available at most pet retailers.
5. Use contact activities and massage to help your dog relax.
Both will aid in the relaxation of your dog’s mind and body while also increasing circulation. If your dog is sad following surgery, deliberate contact may be beneficial.
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6. Switch up the toys to keep them interesting.
Purchase five new toys in various sizes, materials, and shapes. Give them to your dog one by one. On day two, remove the previous item as you introduce the next new one, and rotate the objects to keep things interesting. A new toy is the best way to make a dog’s day.
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