Options for recovery suites

Size of recovery suite Use a wire crate (rather than plastic or canvas) for a less isolating feeling. The restricted area (ex-pen, crate, etc.) should be approximately the as wide as the dog's head to tail length by 1.5 times the dog’s length.  The suite should be tall enough for the dog to stand on all fours.  The dog should be able to easily turn around. When lying down the dog should be able to fully stretch-out their legs.  Pad out any extra room with a rolled up blanket. Full details plus photos on setting up the recovery suite.  More member tips for supplies to make crate rest time go smoother.

The mattress
Make crate rest as comfortable as possible for the dog. A memory foam or eqg crate mattress will relieve pressure points on the skin. Protect mattress from liquids by inserting in a large trash bag and taping closed. Keep extra changes of bedding handy. No ravel/no sew 100% synthetic (no cotton) fleece can be cut to needed sizes and used as linens and blankets. It dries quickly and wicks moisture from the skin.

Potty times
Get your dog on a feeding schedule. Potty times will be predictable and accidents can be prevented. Steroids cause thirst. Paralyzed dogs may need to be expressed every 3-4 hours while on steroids. Paralyzed dogs can also be expressed for poop. Walking dogs will also need to be taken outside more often when on these drugs.

Always carry your dog to and from the potty area. Carry your dog supporting both ends with each arm. Use a six-foot leash attached to a harness and a sling to stabilize the rear. You stand in one spot to minimize the number of footsteps your dog may take.

Entertainment
Place the crate near a window with a view, on the coffee table in front of couch where you sit. Place the crate so the dog will be in the middle of family activities, near your bed at night. Secure crate to a flat moving dolly (or put casters on plywood) to easily move the crate room to room. Fill a kong with a slight slather of soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the kong to lengthen time to consume dinner. Good low cal snacks are carrots, apples, or frozen green beans, licking a frozen low sodium broth ice cube.

Medication log
Make a log chart to keep track of who gave the medications and when to ensure that they are given properly.

Feeding
Attach food and water bowls to the crate at head height, so the dog does not have to bend down to eat and drink. Always provide plenty of fresh water. Dogs on steroids will be thirsty.

Check this detailed list for even more useful supplies to make or gather up for a smoother time of recovery

Physical Therapy
Your vet will demonstrate passive range of motion exercises & how to massage the legs during crate rest for the downed dog.
   Ask your vet about hydrotherapy, for post-op cases or when 8 weeks of conservative treatment has been completed. Acupuncture and Laser Light Therapy can be started immediately. Avoid chiropractic (aka VOM) or any manipulation/adjustment of the spine.

Weight
It is crucial the dog maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the spine. After crate rest is over, when his body has recovered from the IVDD episode, ask your vet when your dog's diet can start. After crate rest, follow the guidelines of your vet or canine nutritionist regarding weight-loss goals.  Web site for researching and learning more about the difference between junk and quality foods: www.dogfoodproject.com

Do your best to avoid a high carbohydrate, low-calorie food. Opt for a good quality, high-protein dry kibble, just using less of it while taking the excess weight off over a 1-2 month period.