Lessons from a paralyzed dog

A tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park.

WiggleLess Award Winning Back Brace for IVDD Dogs

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WiggleLess Dog Back Brace for dogs with IVDD and other spine problems.

Lisa Luckenbach is an accomplished yoga instructor, a breast cancer survivor, public speaker and founder of the WiggleLess® award winning back brace for IVDD dogs. Her company has been a friend to Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog since I posted my first story about Sophie and life with a paraplegic dog.

Lisa had a similar story with her two Dachshunds, June and Henry, who suffered from IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease) so it was likely that our paths would cross. We each were determined to help other dogs with spinal problems, but we went about it differently. I decided to bring information and resources to pet parents and Lisa created a  canine back brace that has changed the lives of countless dogs. [Read more…]

When Is A Pet Stroller The Best Choice For Your Paralyzed Dog?

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pet stroller | pet stroller for disabled dog | dog strollers | dog stroller for paralyzed dog | best pet strollersThis story was updated October 2018.

This is an important story I wanted to write for a long time. It’s about strollers and how to decide when is a pet stroller the best choice for your paralyzed dog.  Somewhere along the line, I realized that for many pet parents the idea of transitioning your paralyzed dog from a wheelchair to a stroller is a sign of failure and it had a stigma attached to it.

I think that belief is partly due to the fact that we know how important exercise is for the health of our disabled pets. The concept of pushing them around in a stroller seems like the exact opposite of what we should be doing.

And I believe we secretly tell ourselves that if our dog can use a wheelchair they are doing well, even though they can’t walk. Unfortunately life doesn’t always work the way we hope and one day your dog might reach the point when they don’t have the strength or balance to use their cart. That’s what happened to my dog. This story will help you be prepared…. just in case. [Read more…]

Greatest Products for Paralyzed Dogs From SuperZoo

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Two dogs who participated in finding the greatest products from SuperZoo.

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this post. The products listed below are ones I discovered at SuperZoo and thought would benefit my audience.

One of the benefits of living in Las Vegas is that my city plays host to lots of conventions. SuperZoo was the most recent event for pet professionals and I had the opportunity to attend as part of the local press. It gave me the chance to check out and report to you the greatest products for paralyzed dogs.

More than 21,000 people attended the trade show, which is divided into two groups of professionals. They are made up of retailers who are looking for new products and dog groomers who want to enhance their skills through educational workshops. The groomers also demonstrate their amazing talents in competitions that go on throughout the week. It was wild. [Read more…]

How A No-Knuckling Sock Trains Dogs To Walk

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A dog wearing a Walkin' Pets No-Knuckle Sock training dogs to walk.This story was updated July 2018.

Can you guess why this dog is wearing a strange contraption on his leg?  Let me reassure you that it is NOT a device to torture the dog, although it kind of looks that way. The boot is actually a unique tool called a No-Knuckling Training Sock that provides support for dogs who drag their back legs when they walk. The No-Knuckling Sock is just one of several new therapeutic devices available for pets with spine and neurological health problems.

Paw knuckling was one of the first signs I noticed when Sophie started to lose her ability to walk. It was a pretty typical scenario. She would try to take a step, but her hind paw would bend under itself so that her nails scraped on the ground. The sensation would cause her to stop in her tracks because she wasn’t sure where her hind paw had landed. It was hard to watch her struggle. I would have loved to have a device like the No-Knuckling Sock to help her. [Read more…]

How To Choose The Best Orthopedic Dog Bed and The Key Role They Play For Paralyzed Dogs

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We all want to sleep on a great mattress. It’s important to our overall health and longevity. Studies show that sleeping on the right mattress makes our joints less achy, improves our memory, and it can even alleviate stress. A quality mattress is equally important for our pets; especially those with disabilities. I’ve pulled together the latest facts about dog beds to help you with how to choose the best orthopedic dog bed and the key role they play for paralyzed dogs. [Read more…]