If your dog has broken a bone, getting them back on all fours and back to their regular activities as quickly as possible is going to be your primary goal. But how do you help your pup's bones to heal quickly? Try following these tips from our Rainbow City vets.
Tips For Helping Your Dog's Broken Bone Heal Properly
While broken bones aren't unusual in people or pets, it's important to remember that it will take time for your pup's break to heal properly. That said, as you wait, there are a few things you can do to help expedite the healing process and make sure that the bone mends itself the way it should.
Follow Your Vet's Instructions
After your dog's broken bone has been treated by your vet, you will be provided with detailed at-home care instructions. These instructions will tell you how to care for your pet's injury and bandages as well as provide you with detailed information on how to care for the wound and administer medications. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully and call your vet if you have any questions. If your pet is prescribed antibiotics make sure that you administer this medication as directed and continue to do so until all of the prescription has been used up. Finishing a course of antibiotics early can lead to infections that are more challenging to treat.
Restrict Activities to Short Bathroom Break Walks
As your dog's broken bone heals it will be necessary to restrict their movements, and that means no off-leash playtime, avoiding stairs, and preventing your pup from jumping up. This may require ensuring that your dog is under constant supervision, or crated when you can't be around. Do not allow your dog to sleep on furniture in order to prevent them from later jumping off. Taking your dog for short leash walks every 2-3 hours will give them a potty break and help to alleviate some of your dog's boredom.
Provide a Little Extra TLC
All of us like a little extra love and attention when we are in discomfort and our dogs are no different. During the first few days of your dog's healing process try to spend extra time with your pup and stay home from work if possible. This is a great opportunity to do some extra obedience training as a way to keep your pup's mind occupied. Extra quality time together may help to prevent your dog from becoming frustrated, fidgety and restless. Another way to help prevent boredom and frustration is by providing your pet with puzzle toys or chew toys that they can enjoy while relaxing. Switch out the toy a couple of times a day.
Keep Your Dog's E-Collar On
Elizabethan collars - also called cones or e-collars - are typically necessary to prevent your dog from ripping off their bandages and licking at their wound (potentially leading to an infection). At first, your pooch may find the cone to be an awkward nuisance, but rest assured that after the first day your pet will likely be able to maneuver through your home, drink water, and eat from their bowl without too much trouble. If your dog doesn't adjust well to the cone you may want to try one of the softer donut style options that are available online.
Consider Changing Your Dog's Food
Help your dog to heal more quickly by providing your pet with optimal nutrition, including vitamins and minerals to promote comfortable joints and strong bones. Ask your vet for advice on the best dog food to feed your pup while they heal. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable food and may also suggest providing your pup with additional dietary supplements to help speed the healing process.
Enrol Your Dog in Physical Rehabilitation
Canine rehabilitation is like physiotherapy for dogs. As with physio for people, these treatments are designed to promote healing and help improve your dog's comfort and mobility. There are a number of different rehabilitation treatments that may be recommended for your dog as they recover from a broken bone. One of the most popular veterinary rehabilitation treatments is cold laster therapy.
Canine Cold Laser Therapy in Rainbow City
Cold laser therapy uses a low-intensity laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help relieve pain, stimulate and enhance cell function, and improve healing.
This treatment helps increase your dog's circulation and encourages cells to regenerate. Cold laser therapy may help to speed the healing of your dog's broken bone as well as decrease inflammation and pain, and help your pet's muscles to relax.
Pets typically find the slow movement of the warm laser over the affected area to be a relaxing experience . Each session may be roughly a half hour or less on average and the frequency and recommended number of treatment sessions will depend on the symptoms and severity.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.