Lessons from a paralyzed dog

a tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park

How To Find A Pet Sitter For Your Handicapped Dog

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Tips on how to find a pet sitter for your paralyzed dog.Do you know how to find a pet sitter for your handicapped dog? If you are the pet parent of a paraplegic  dog or cat or any pet with disabilities, you know taking care of their needs is a demanding 24/7 job. While I like to call our paralyzed pups “handicapable” because of all the life,  energy, and love they have to share; it is equally true that they need our constant support to accomplish normal daily activities. As their caretaker this can leave you feeling exhausted physically and mentally.

This post is dedicated to your needs and why it is important to understand the benefits of respite care and where you can find a qualified pet sitter to help.  It’s an important step to take before you suffer from caretaker burnout. [Read more…]

8 DIY and Store Bought Toys to Entertain A Paralyzed Dog

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A soft chew toy is always a good toy to entertain a paralyzed dog.

One of the first lessons I learned about life with a paraplegic dog was the importance of playtime. I needed to find a way to keep Sophie stimulated mentally and physically so she didn’t get depressed. The idea about playing games initially came from my dog Cody. He loved to roughhouse with Sophie before she got sick and he didn’t see any reason to stop just because she couldn’t walk.

One evening while the family was watching TV, Cody walked over to Sophie and gave her a gentle push with his nose. She immediately knew it was an invitation to play so she hoisted her body up as high as she could and she pushed her nose back at him. The two dogs had so much fun that night I knew I had to find toys to entertain a paralyzed dog. [Read more…]

Can You Pass the Pet First Aid Quiz?

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See if you can pass the pet first aid quiz.

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month is 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 specially-abled dog or cat there is a strong possibility you will be putting at least some of first aid techniques to use.

The Red Cross understands that our fur kids are part of the family so they have 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. The hands-on class includes instructions on how to administer pet CPR and how to safely handle common emergency situations.

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How To Properly Bathe Your Paralyzed Dog

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How To Bathe Your Paralyzed DogDo you know how to bathe your paralyzed dog? I think all pet parents know how to bathe an able-bodied dog, but do you know the best way to position a dog that can’t sit or stand on their own in a tub? It can be tricky if you don’t know the proper technique.

Even if you routinely take your fur kid to a groomer, a disabled and incontinent dog is likely to have an accident between appointments that requires your immediate attention. Paraplegic dogs are prone to peeing or pooping on themselves or spilling food and water because they can’t control the movement of their bodies. Some of these messes are minor and can quickly be fixed with baby wipes or a towel. But other times you’ll find a more thorough cleaning is necessary. [Read more…]

Blankets In Bloom Fundraiser for Frankie Wheelchair Fund

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Gidget Blankets In BloomIf you plan to buy a St. Patrick’s Day gift for your fur kid, check out the cozy blankets at Blankets In Bloom.  In addition to getting a beautiful handmade product, you’ll be helping to raise funds for a paraplegic dog in need of a wheelchair. From March 14-20 Blankets in Bloom is donating 20% of the net proceeds from the sale of their waterproof dog blankets and crate pad covers to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund.

When Catherine Whiteman, the founder of Blankets in Bloom, asked me to spread the word about this fundraiser I immediately signed on to help.  The event benefits families who can’t afford a cart for their dog plus it will bring comfort and warmth to your own incontinent dog.  I have to admit that I didn’t know any company was making waterproof blankets or crate pads for incontinent pets, but I love the idea and I was completely sold on the product after I saw them on the Blankets In Bloom website.  Who wouldn’t want a blanket that repels moisture away from your dog’s sensitive skin and can be easily tossed into the washer for cleaning? [Read more…]