How to Entertain Your Sick/Injured Dog?

Is your furry friend feeling under the weather? When our beloved dogs fall sick or get injured, it’s only natural for us to feel concerned and want to provide the best care possible. Besides medical attention, keeping their spirits high is essential during their recovery. In this article, we’ll discuss “How to entertain your sick/injured dog?” and explore creative ways to uplift your sick or injured dog’s mood, helping them heal faster and happier.

How to entertain your sick/injured dog?

If we provide proper care to our dogs, they would never be hurt in the first place. However, owning a dog can be similar to caring for an accident-prone child at times, and a few close calls with danger are almost always unavoidable. There are a few low-impact ways to keep your dog’s tail wagging if he or she has recently been ill, had an accident, or is recovering from surgery. But before that, we must understand that the period after injury or surgery is known as a resting period, and your dog’s activity must be restricted in this time span.

Restricted Activity

Depending on whether your dog has recently undergone surgery or whether your dog has sustained an injury that necessitates rest, your veterinarian may have prescribed restricted activity as part of your dog’s post-surgical guidelines. Usually, the meaning of restricted activity varies based on the type of surgery performed and the nature of the injury experienced.

Dogs with leg injuries, for example, must move as little as possible in order to avoid aggravating the injury. Keeping the canine companion confined in a crate or exercise enclosure, as well as keeping the dog on a leash when taken out for toilet breaks, may be necessary. After an elective operation, such as a spay or neuter, the dog may need to be placed on a limited activity schedule to prevent the stitches from coming undone and to enable time for the surgical wound to heal entirely.

What is the duration of restricted activity?

If you are unsure about the quantity and duration of limited activity that your dog is required to participate in, it never hurts to ask your veterinarian for more information. Activity restrictions can last anywhere from a few days to many weeks. For example, dogs who have undergone a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy may be required to be on a limited activity schedule for up to six weeks!

What Should I Do If My Pup Is Bored?

Even if your dog is allowed to engage in limited activity to aid in his or her recovery, it may prove to be a difficult task at times, especially when dealing with high-energy dogs who are used to running around for most of the day. It is beneficial to be imaginative and develop valuable techniques to keep your dog’s mind occupied in this situation. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways and tips that can be used to do this.

Tips on entertaining your injured/sick dog

1. Make mealtimes a special occasion

Because many recovering dogs are unable to go for walks, it is critical to provide them with something to look forward to daily while they are recovering. Feeding time is a favorite activity for all dogs; make it even more enjoyable by including their favorite treat.

2. Give them a little more attention.

When high activity levels aren’t an option, you can always spend time showering your loved ones with extra affection. Keep your dog close by and allow them to keep you company when you’re doing something low-stress, such as reading, watching television, or simply hanging out at home.

3. Throw them a bone

A raw bone is not only a delicious reward, but it may also keep your dog occupied for several hours. Alternatively, you could get them a different type of long-lasting, a natural chewy product that will keep them distracted from their recovery for just a little bit longer.

4. Teach them a new trick

There are various low-impact sports that you can play with your dog if he isn’t supposed to be engaging in excessive amounts of physical exercise. In fact, it might be a fantastic opportunity to teach your dog a new trick! Learn to teach your dog to pick up objects on cue (the command ‘Take It’ is commonly used for this action) or to ‘Give’ you something you wish them to let go of if they haven’t previously mastered this behavior. It may take some patience, practice, and time to get the hang of it, but what better time to give it a shot than when they’re stuck at home and searching for something to do.

5. Massage your pooch

We have seen the videos of multiple puppies who were treated via giving a relaxing massage. It is a good way to spend time with your puppy. It also helps to relax them. But it is not appropriate for all dogs, yet there is no better time than now to start! Perhaps a massage is exactly what your recuperating pooch requires. (Just make sure they don’t become too accustomed to it!)

6. Play Puzzle Games

Puzzle games are interactive games that engage and stimulate a dog’s cognitive abilities. These types of games are now widely available at pet stores, which is a significant development! Many good companies manufacture a collection of dog toys and puzzles with varying degrees of difficulty that are designed to keep dogs occupied and entertained. Kongs that have been stuffed in a difficult manner make excellent food puzzles that may keep dogs interested for an extended period of time.

FAQs: How to Entertain Your Sick/Injured Dog?

How long should play sessions be for a sick or injured dog?

Play sessions should be kept short and gentle, lasting no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Always monitor your dog’s energy levels and stop immediately if they show signs of exhaustion or discomfort.

Can I take my sick or injured dog for a walk?

Consult your veterinarian before taking your dog for a walk. In some cases, short and controlled walks may be beneficial, but in others, they might need complete rest.

My dog doesn’t seem interested in play. What should I do?

It’s not uncommon for sick or injured dogs to lose interest in play. Respect their feelings and try again later. Focus on providing comfort and companionship during this time.

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