Dogs love to engage in all sorts of fun and exciting physical activities. While it gives them as well as their owners a fantastic time, it can also cause their joints to take a pounding. This is why dogs are susceptible to various orthopedic issues, ranging from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears to osteoarthritis.
While many orthopedic problems are treatable, some of them are irreversible. However, there are many ways to help dogs enjoy normal lives, such as wearing a Dog Leg Brace that provides joint stability or restricts movement, or both.
Aside from the use of a leg brace, there are many other things that dog owners may perform at home to facilitate the healing process of the affected limbs of their barking buddies. When carried out properly, they can help their dogs bounce back from an orthopedic issue in no time, or prevent possible complications from striking.
However, it’s important to note that getting the go signal of a veterinarian beforehand is a must before performing any of them. This is especially true if the problem is a fracture, or surgery was the medical treatment of choice for the injury or trauma.
Heat
One of the most effective all-natural home remedies for muscle stiffness or spasm is heat therapy. It’s also great for eliminating pain, although one must avoid giving it to a dog if it’s apparent that there’s swelling in the problem area.
Make a heat pack by soaking a small towel in water and microwaving it for a few seconds. Check that it’s not blistering hot. Stash it in a plastic bag, and then gently place it on the injured limb of your dog covered with another towel. Let the heat pack stay in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Remember to check now and then that the dog’s skin isn’t too hot.
Cold
If swelling accompanies the limb pain or muscle stiffness or spasm, a cold pack is the right home remedy to go for. For this, you have a variety of options: a commercially available ice pack, a frozen bag of vegetables, ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, or a frozen plastic bag filled with one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water.
When performing this solution on your dog’s swollen and achy limb, remember to place a cloth between its skin and the cold pack. If there is a surgical incision, first apply vitamin A or D ointment that the vet recommended.
Walking
Although it’s essential to give the injured limb plenty of time to heal and recover, it’s also a good idea to encourage your dog to walk from time to time. Such will help promote circulation, improve muscle mass and strength, and restore normal gait and movement.
You can expect for the veterinarian to provide additional instructions as your dog’s limb heals. For instance, he or she may suggest that you walk your dog up a short flight of stairs. Walking in figure-8 patterns helps encourage your dog to put weight on all limbs. Usually, wearing a Dog Leg Brace is essential to provide stability to the affected leg.
Conclusion
You can try multiple things at home to help speed up your dog’s recovery from an orthopedic problem. In the case of heat or cold therapy, it can also help make your pet feel comfortable while on the road to recovery.
