Lessons from a paralyzed dog

a tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park

Best Life Hacks For Getting A Dog Diaper To Stay In Place

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dog diaper | dog diapers | doggie diapers | IVDD dogs | incontinent dogs

Does your dog’s diaper fit well? It can be tricky to find a diaper that contours to your dog’s body shape and doesn’t shift out of place when they move around. Frustrated pet parents who are tired of cleaning up leaky messes routinely contact me for advice.

After I received the last request for help, I decided to go to the source. I asked pet owners for their best life hacks for getting a dog diaper to stay in place. It was done as a pop-up survey on our Facebook page and I think you’ll be surprised at the answers. [Read more…]

New Year’s Resolution: Prepare for Caretaker Burnout and Other Goals

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Owners of paralyzed dogs need to prepare for caretaker burnout.There wasn’t going to be a New Year’s resolution post this year. But while I was listening to music on the treadmill and the world around me turned quiet, except for the thoughts in my head, I reflected on the previous year. I thought about the comments readers sent me about their paralyzed pets. Most people were at the beginning of their journey in caring for a disabled dog or cat. They were full questions like: how to choose a dog wheelchair, how to express a dog’s bladder and how to keep their pet safe.

It made me wonder what their lives will be like next year and if they know how to prepare for caretaker burnout. [Read more…]

Easy DIY Grocery Bag Dog Support Harness/Sling

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Here's an easy DIY dog support harness/sling

Do you use a support harness for your paralyzed dog?  They are a lifesaver and the #1 medical device I recommend to owners of disabled pets. I found an easy DIY grocery bag dog support harness/sling that you can make in less than 5 minutes.  All you need is a cloth grocery bag (or tote bag) and a pair of scissors. [Read more…]

Video: How To Express An Incontinent Dog’s Bladder

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An easy to understand video about how to express an incontinent dog's bladder.

This week I accomplished a goal that I have wanted to tackle for a long time. I put together an instructional video on How To Express An Incontinent Dog’s Bladder.

It’s a project that has been nagging at me to do, but one that I have been nervous about implementing. After all, if you search YouTube you’ll find lots of videos on the subject. And most of those videos were created by veterinary professionals. So, one part of me kept saying, pet owners have plenty of resources, and another part of me wanted to explain the technique of expressing in my own words. 

Learning how to express an incontinent dog’s bladder is important to me. It is the best way to keep your paralyzed dog healthy and comfortable. [Read more…]

Why Paralyzed Dogs Get Pressure Sores and Hygromas

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Have you ever wondered why paralyzed dogs get pressure sores and hygromas? The simple answer is they sit too much. Sitting or lying in one position for too long on a hard surface causes trauma to the skin. It seems like an easy problem to solve, but for many paraplegic pets, pressure sores and hygromas are frustrating and sometime life-threatening conditions. [Read more…]