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Creating a safe space: Apartment modifications for your recovering pet
- A few simple and affordable adjustments to a Mumbai apartment to prevent re-injury. Of course each dogs needs and situation differ- but these are changes which cover a wide range of needs.
Apartment and City Dogs are a unique in their needs. They have to adapt to walking on pavements, traffic, noise and limited access to the outdoors. As pet families must ensure we attend to their needs, especially when they are recovering from a surgery or injury.
4 quick and cost effective home modifications for your recovering pet
- Flooring
- Crate rest
- Assistive aid
- Rehab therapy
1. Flooring - Non Skid
Ensure your dog has a surface which supports them. Slick flooring does not provide support because the dogs paw pads get no traction. In other words, your dog'spaws cannot effectively grip a surface. This is important because the dog has to learn to walk (often slipping frequently) and adjust its gait to prevent itself from slipping.
This simple modification can help your dog move easily, and provide safety if they are re learning how to walk/ move.
For apartments and warm humid conditions, choose a rubber based mat/ covering. This makes it easier to keep clean and infection free.
2. Crate Rest
A crate will be your dogs best friend when she/he is recovering from surgery or injury. Therefore, crate training your dog from the puppy stage is important. Crates are useful to keep puppies safe and out of trouble when they are unsupervised- but also as a safe place for your dog when they are required to rest.
Dogs can and should be crate trained to give them a secure space where they can retreat to feel safe - it does not matter if you are home with your dogs or away. These can be immensely helpful during loud festivals and fireworks.
3. Assistive Aids
An aid (rubberised flooring, harness, splint, cone of 'shame', neck brace) the list is practically endless. These aids are in addition to the vet/ surgeons instructions and recovery plan.
If your dog has been through a surgery rest is important to wait (unless the vet advises) before using a harness/ walking aid. The body must be given adequate time to recuperate and rest before exerting itself to try and move again.
4. Rehab therapy
Depending on your dog's needs, therapy may include hydrotherapy or only gentle range of motion exercises. These help rebuild muscle mass and gain strength. Many range of motion exercises can be done at home once the therapist shows you how to perform them safely.
A few quick tips and modifications for you to get started on your dogs journey to recovery. Each dog's needs are unique, but the overall requirements are universal. The most important thing to keep in mind is your dogs wellbeing and temperament.
