Boots are for the Birds! Or at Least for Penguins and Ducks!
We've seen shoes on people, dogs, and horses. But can you believe that there are also special shoes for webbed feet? Yup, companies like Thera-Paw, Inc. make booties for our feathered friends who are in desperate need of special footwear. Meet "Enrique"! Photo courtesy Kimberly Washington Enrique is a Southern Rockhopper Penguin who lives at the St Louis Zoo with 19 other penguins, including his special lady friend, Paris. He's a very unusual penguin because the typical...
Shoulder Injuries in Dogs
Dogs can contort their bodies in incredible ways; they are amazing athletes! It's no wonder that injuries happen when their shoulders get bent or turned the wrong way. The Shoulder Joint Shoulder joints in humans are easy to find and palpate (feel) since they lie on the outer sides of the body. The shoulder joint of the dog is more elusive; it lies against their front chest and can be hard to feel, especially in...
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...
Does My Dog Need a Leg Brace - What I Need to Know
There are many reasons why a dog might benefit from a leg brace. Some of the more common include: Wrist or ankle arthritis or pain (lameness, limping) Injury, sprain, or strain Deviation or deformity of the joint Protection against injury Support for the remaining limb after leg amputation varus (outward bowing), hyperextension, valgus (inward bowing) of the wrist Leg injuries or conditions that are mild or moderate can be effectively managed...
Help for Hip Pressure Sores: VITAL VET REVIEW
Last week, Vital Vet's Product Wizard received this inquiry "My dog has DM (degenerative myelopathy) and now has a sore on his hip bone from lying on it too much. Is there a product that can protect that area?". Here's what the Product Wizard had to say. A pressure sore (also known as a decubitus ulcer) can happen when dogs spend too much time lying on a hard surface. These sores are typically seen over bony areas like elbows,...
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...
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...
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)...