Strollers for Pets - VITAL VET PRODUCT REVIEW
Strollers aren’t just for children anymore. Now, there are strollers specifically made for dogs. And not just little dogs - strollers are available for most dogs, regardless of size, shape, or physical condition. And strollers are so versatile that you can walk, jog or even bike ride with your favorite furry companion in tow. Older or disabled dogs still enjoy family outings and love to be part of the action. With a...
Wagons for Dogs - VITAL VET PRODUCT REVIEW
Jane L., who's part of the Vital Vet community, wrote and asked if we could recommend a dog wagon for her beautiful 63 lbs Pittie girl, Cora. Jane had researched wagons but couldn't quite find what she needed. Cora is a big girl; she has arthritis and can only walk short distances. "Once Cora plops down, that's the signal that she needs a wagon to ride the rest of the way." said Jane, so she...
Help Painful, Weak Dogs Get Moving Again: Leda's Story
This awesome article was sent to us by Jeff VerHoef of Canine Mobility who worked with "Leda" the Bouvier. He was interviewed by Kate Poss, the founder and writer for This is Whidbey. We've talked about how physical therapy, massage, braces, and anti-knuckling devices can help dogs regain mobility. Now read Leda's story about overcoming severe arthritis and spinal stroke (FCE). It may "take a village" but they're soooo worth it! Reliable resources for treating...
DJ - the Rescue Dog in Bike Shorts
Some animals have a hard time getting adopted from traditional shelters, particularly if they are handicapped, injured, or have a serious medical condition. That’s where Animal Lifeline in Des Moines, Iowa steps in. As a special needs, no-kill shelter - the only one of its kind in Central Iowa – Animal Lifeline rescues animals who need medical or rehabilitative care before they can be adopted out to their forever homes. Animal Lifeline,...
Devices for Pets with Knuckling or Dragging Paws
There are many conditions that produce weakness and can lead to knuckling or dragging of the front and hind paws and limbs. Conditions that can affect the hind legs include degenerative myelopathy (DM), sciatic nerve injury, disc disease, and spinal cord injury. Brachial plexus and radial nerve injuries can cause front paw knuckling or limb dragging. A fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) can affect either or both the front and hind legs and paws. Regardless...
GET A GRIP: Keeping Seniors, Injured, and Weak Dogs Safe at Home
Older dogs and those with injuries or balance issues can have trouble moving around the home, especially on slippery surfaces like tile or wood floors. Some dogs react to slippery floors by not wanting to get up or walk - they lack confidence and will elect to "stay put" rather than risk slipping. Pets that are nervous about moving around can become weak because they are less active. Other dogs are less self-protective or fearful,...
Spinal Cord Disease in Dogs
What is Spinal Cord Disease? Spinal cord disease in dogs can be very concerning to pet owners, as the symptoms are often acute, and affect their movement or control of their bodily functions. When disease occurs within the spinal cord, dogs often present with difficulty walking, loss of coordination or balance, partial or total paralysis, and/or pain. The spinal cord cannot regenerate when damaged so diseases in this location are...
What Gives a Dog a Pain in the Neck?
Here, you see my cute Yorkie patient, Amort, looking good, but the past week has been anything but a good one for him. He lost his appetite and at first, we thought it was his chronic pancreatitis, but his family figured out he would eat if his food was held up off the floor, making us wonder if his neck was painful. Neck Problems in Dogs The neck is a...