Treat Toys Provide Enrichment and Mental Exercise for your Pet
Like it or not, winter's here and we'll be spending more time indoors with our pets. Older pets and those with injuries or disease are usually more homebound than their more physically-abled pals. Whether due to weather, injury, disease, or age, pets that need to stay indoors can benefit greatly from enrichment activities and mental stimulation. Enrichment activities are tasks that improve a pet's quality of life and activities in which...
Dog Harnesses - VITAL VET REVIEW
I must admit, I don't like dog collars. I've had healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic and neurologic issues and none of them appreciated being tugged around by their neck. I don't blame them! In general, harnesses provide better support and control, and definitely help ouchy dogs get around better. For dogs with injuries or who have trouble getting around, harnesses are indispensable. For hyperactive dogs who want nothing more than to chase...
Anti-Dragging Gadgets for Hind Paws: VITAL VET REVIEW
Vital Vet's Product Wizard did the research and sourced the best protection and anti-dragging gadgets for hind paws. Here's what they have to say and their picks. There are many conditions that can cause a dog to knuckle or drag their back paws. Some of these include degenerative myelopathy (DM), sciatic nerve injury, disc disease, spinal cord injury, cancer, and fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE, stroke). Painful arthritis can also cause a dog to scrape or drag their...
Dog Steps - VITAL VET PRODUCT REVIEW
Dog Steps are great to help your pup in and out of the car and on and off the couch or bed. Steps are especially useful for: Small dogs (small dogs can get injured jumping off the couch or bed) Seniors dogs (older dogs can have trouble getting around and up and down surfaces) Dogs with arthritis (pain can limit your dog's ability to hop on the couch, bed, or in the car)...
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,...
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,...
Cohesive Bandage Can Be Used For Traction and To Reduce Scuffing
Slipping or scuffing on hardwood or tile floors? Cohesive bandage (e.g., VetWrap) works well to reduce slippage and scuffing when used properly. In this video, Vital Vet expert Ilaria Borghese demonstrates how to apply VetWrap safely and for maximum impact. VetWrap Link Author: Ilaria Borghese, MS, MA, OT, Thera-Paw, Inc., STAAR Conference, Vital Vet Other Related Publications Traction for Weak, Unstable, or Injured Pets Custom Bracing for Pets with Injuries...
Progressing your Conditioning Exercises like a Pro!
Do you know how to progress your dog's exercises? As muscles become accustomed to the demand of a work out, you’ll need to introduce new challenges to make the muscles work harder - this is known as progressive overload. By increasing the challenge to your dog's exercises you not only introduce variety to the workout but you also proof the behavior and challenge your dog physically and mentally! When talking...