Nose Work & Target Training - Useful and Fun For All Dogs
Last week, we saw a Facebook post that really caught our attention - a Corgi named Daisy competing in K9 Nose Work. What jumped out was that this Corgi had degenerative myelopathy (DM) and was in a wheelchair, and her mom wheeled her around in a wagon, going from station to station to compete. In their last competition a few weeks ago, this dynamic duo came in 9th overall! This is Daisy, in...
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...
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,...
Great Trick for Using Pawz for Anti-Slip
Dog Boots The trouble with using dog boots to provide indoor traction is that a dog's paw is essentially round, and booties (or anything that is not really snug and form-fitting) tends to spin on the dog's paws. Then, you end up having the "traction" tread material on the top of the foot and the slick non-treaded material at the bottom of the foot. The other issue is that most dog boots are not...