Daily Care Archives - Page 2 of 13 - Lessons from a paralyzed dog

Can You Pass the Pet First Aid Quiz?

March 31, 2019 by PetRescueMomma

The month of April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, sponsored by the American Red Cross. It was created to teach pet parents the lifesaving skills they need in the event of an emergency with their dog or cat.

Learning first aid is important for all pet parents, but for those of us with disabled pets knowing skills like how to perform pet CPR or how to safely move an injured pet are crucial. If you live with a special needs dog or cat there is a strong possibility you could have to put some of these first aid techniques to use.

The Red Cross understands that our fur kids are part of the family so they’ve developed two ways for pet owners to learn first aid skills. One way is through their free Pet First Aid App that gives you step-by-step instructions for specific emergencies. And the second method is through their Pet First Aid course. This hands-on class includes instructions on how to administer pet CPR and how to safely handle common emergency situations.

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7 Best Indoor and Outdoor Dog Ramps for Pets With Mobility Problems

March 19, 2019 by PetRescueMomma

Does your fur kid use a dog ramp? If your dog suffers from mobility problems, it can quickly become your favorite tool. There are both indoor and outdoor dog ramps. Each gives your pup easy access to their favorite spaces in the house and in your car. Ramps are even beneficial for healthy pets. They take the stress off their joints when they feel that need to soar off your bed.

Dog ramps are such an integral part of life with a disabled or senior dog, it has me wondering why I’ve taken so long to write about them. Well, this post will correct that oversight and give you the tips you need to find the right ramp for your pet. [Read more…]

Pet Parents’ Favorite Tips To Keep Your Home Free of Urine Odors

February 26, 2019 by PetRescueMomma

If you think life with an incontinent dog means living in a home with the lingering smell of urine; you’re going to love this story. I have step-by-step instructions from experts on the subject with tips to keep your home free of urine odors. Each shared their favorite remedies to safely eliminate this unwanted and unhealthy scent.

My experts come from the Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog Facebook page which is made up of pet owners with at least one disabled dog or cat. (Some have many more.) I found out a long time ago, they’re a wealth of great information. They never fail to amaze me with their practical solutions to everyday problems people face when they live with a paralyzed animal. [Read more…]

How To Prevent Dogs From Slipping By Creating Safe Zones

January 18, 2019 by PetRescueMomma

“Help, my dog hurt her back when she fell on the hardwood floor.” You’d be surprised how often I get an email like this asking me how to prevent dogs from slipping on the slick floors in your home. It’s a common problem that can happen to any dog.

Typically it’s an easy fix that sends pet owners to their computer to find boots or socks that minimize slipping.

But the readers of Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog are a creative bunch of pet owners. They’re used to taking care of senior dogs, arthritic dogs, or fur kids with hind end weakness, spine disease and paralysis. For our dogs, taking a fall on a hard surface can land them in a veterinary hospital or keep them on crate rest for weeks. It can also deflate their confidence about walking on any surface.

So, in order to protect their pups, these inspired pet parents have turned entire rooms in their homes into non-slip safe zones. They’ve created secure spaces and mobility paths where their disabled dog can walk without fear.

If your dog’s having trouble maneuvering on hard surfaces, I think you’re going to learn a lot from their ideas. I know I did. [Read more…]

Tips to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection In Dogs With Incontinence

January 9, 2019 by PetRescueMomma

If you live with a paraplegic pet, you know all too well how hard it is to prevent urinary tract infection in dogs with incontinence. Recurring UTIs are common in paralyzed dogs. And as the pet mom or dad you feel helpless watching your fur kid struggle to “go” due to a UTI. It’s a miserable situation.

But the paralysis that causes your pup to be unable to walk also affects how well their bladder works. Most paralyzed pets have no control. And many others have bladders that leak and dribble.

This lack of control creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract. When a UTI develops, it’s painful and can make your dog seriously ill. It can also lead to complications like bladder crystals and stones if it isn’t treated. This post will help you identify the signs of UTI and the tips to prevent them. [Read more…]