When our canine companions face health challenges requiring crate rest, it’s can be a struggle, for us and our dogs to navigate. Crate rest, often prescribed by veterinarians for recovery from surgeries, injuries, or managing conditions like IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), confines dogs to a limited space and limits their physical movement to ensure physical healing. This period, while necessary, can be mentally and emotionally taxing for an active dog. There are some things that we can do that support our dos metal well being during crate rest, giving them outlets that make meeting these rest requirements easier ( for the both of you)
Setting Up your Crate Rest Area
1. choose appropriate confinement
- crate rest can be done in a regular crate, or if possible (my preference a pen). The dog should be able to stand, lay, turn comfortably with room to adjust their bodies as needed. The confinement care should be as secure as your dog needs it to prevent escape attempts, jumping or climbing climbing out etc. We also want a pen that is appropriate to our dog’s size and energy level to prevent accidentally it being knocked over. A mesh “lid” can be added to a pen to keep your go from climbing out. (see attached list at the end for recommended products )
2. supportive bedding
- our bedding should be supportive and easy for the dog to get in and out of, while supporting the joints and areas of injury. Orthopaedic beds and cots can be the best for this
3. non slip surfaces
- a non slip flooring surface of the pen as well as areas the dogs needs to walk to get out for potty breaks is essential to preventing falls and re injury. Non slip water proof liners for dog pens are available or you can also use rubber flooring, area rugs, or yoga mats to provide adequate traction.
Supporting Your Dog During Crate Rest
1. Mental Enrichment Activities
- Puzzle Toys and Feeders: These tools are vital for keeping a dog’s brain engaged. Food based enrichment can provide natural behaviour opportunities for the dog to scavenge and problem solve: snuffle mats, puzzles treat balls can all provide some boredom busters for your dog. You can purchase these items or make DIY enrichment toys with cardboard boxed, paper products tubes, and towels. Be sure to monitor your dog with their enrichment items to prevent eating of non food items
- Scent Work: Simple scent games, where a dog uses their nose to find treats, toys or target doors hidden around their crate area, can provide mental stimulation. Olfactory stimulation has been shown to enhance cognitive functioning in dogs, improve optimism and release energy.
- licking and chewing: natural calming behaviours such as licking and chewing are crate rest staples. Bones, stuffed kongs, lick mats, bully sticks, yak cheese chews are favourites around here. Chewing and licking are natural behaviours that promote calmness and soothing.
- environmental enrichment: sounds, scents, and change in scenery can be easily implemented by playing different music, sounds, offering dog TV, pheromone plug ins and dog safe aromatherapy.
- alternative “walks”: if enjoyable and can be done safely, a walk in a dog stroller to wagon may be a great way for your dog to experience nature and have some enrichment. Only do this if your dog can comfortably sit in these items, and can be appropriately be taken in and out without risk to their injuries. Ensure your dog has safety strap to prevent them from jumping out of these pieces of equipment. A car rise with the window slightly down may also be a great way for your dog to see and smell new things. Getting in and out of the car will require safely being able to pick them up to get them in and out gentle and without irritation to speak with your vet about carrying help
2. Training and Positive Reinforcement
- trick training: training simple behaviours can work your dogs mind and improve your bond. tricks like: chin rest, look left/ right, lift left or right paw, nose targeting, head tilts are all safe, low impact tricks that can be trained usually when. pet is on crate rest.
3. Interactive Play and Bonding
- Gentle Play: Engaging in gentle, interactive play within the crate’s confines can keep spirits high. Ensure any activities are approved by your vet and do not risk the healing process. being silly, belly rubs, get the hand, gentle tug games may be appropriate for your dog. Get specific list of activities from your vet that can be done based on your dogs rest needs and areas of concern.
- Quality Time: Spending calm, quality time together can reassure your dog, reinforcing the bond between you two during this challenging period. snuggles, watching TV together, listening to music or reading to your dog is a lovely quiet activity to do. If you are planning to do these out of the crate, use a leash if your dog needs help to minimize their movements and use caution where you and your dog choose to do this. Dogs on crate rest should not be jumping off and on couches. if needed carry them off and on or stay on the floor with them.
4. massage, touch, and physio therapy
- offering your dog gentle massages can facilitate blood flow and relaxation. Ensure you’re massaging appropriately and not over any areas of recent surgery or open wounds. Watch your dog’s body language. If the dog shows signs of discomfort or displeasure stop where you are causing that reaction to occur. If recommended, different temperatures of hot and cold therapy may also be recommeneded for your and your dog
- physiotherapy: under the direction of a vet or rehab specialist you may be given specific exercises to do to support your dogs healing. Doing these exercises can be enriching and challenging for your dog and can be a great opportunity to train while supporting their physical needs
5. Pharmaceutical Support
- With all your best efforts to enrich and entertain your dog their lack of exercise may still be really difficult for your dog to deal with. If that is the case, speak to your vet about medication that may be slightly sedating and promote calmness to assist your dog get through the crate rest periods with minimal stress and risk of injury.
Tools and Resources
Conclusion
The journey through crate rest can be challenging for both dogs and their owners. However, with the right approach focused on mental enrichment and positive reinforcement, it can also be a period of bonding and cognitive growth for your dog. Always collaborate closely with your veterinarian and consider consulting a certified dog behavior consultant for tailored advice.
Remember, the goal is to heal your dog’s body without neglecting their mind. By employing the strategies discussed, you’re not just ensuring a smoother recovery but also promoting a happy, healthy state of mind for your furry friend.