Tips for Keeping a Dog Active While He Recovers From Surgery

You have finally accepted the fact that your dog will be having surgery. You’ve figured out how to pay for it, have prepared your home for a post-surgery dog, and are ready to look after your dog while he heals. If you have an active dog, you’ve undoubtedly thought about how you’ll keep him quiet for the next 8–14 weeks as he recovers. Boredom-response behaviors like barking, licking, jumping, whining, destruction, or despair are likely to occur due to your dog’s boredom.

Activities Your Dog Can Enjoy During Recovery

During your dog’s recovery, there are a variety of activities you may do with him.

Because mental stimulation is just as pleasurable for a dog as exercise, you may keep his mind occupied while he recovers. Here are some daily activities to keep your dog active and out of trouble while he heals.

1. Substitute food release items for the food bowl.

These devices turn a three-second feeding session into a mentally taxing activity by delivering kibble and soft foods like yogurt, canned dog food, or pumpkin. If your dog has never seen these items before, start by introducing him to them so he can learn how to use them.

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2. Give your pet a raw bone if your veterinarian allows it.

These are available in various dog shops and will keep your pet occupied for hours. However, they are messy and should be kept in a box or X-pen.

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3. Teach your dog a new game.

With a dog recovering from surgery that requires the use of its eyes, nose, or a single paw, you can do hundreds of things. The Play & Train Kit from Woof It Up includes 80 such exercises that have been tested and modified with dogs wearing e-collars and those with limited mobility. Start by selecting a game to play. Your dog will be glad to have a job, and you will be happy with all he learns.

4. Make use of the dog’s sense of smell.

Certain dogs may benefit from being exposed to smells. Sprinkle a drop of lemon essence on the floor in the same room as the crate (not in the crate.) Change the scent every two or three days with a drop of lavender or vanilla. A single drop of scent placed at least ten feet away from the crate will be enough since a dog’s sense of smell is superior to ours. You might also use DAP, which is a dog-appealing pheromone. Because it chemically resembles the fragrance of mother’s milk, many dogs find it calming. DAP may be found at most pet stores.

5. Use contact activities and massage to help your dog relax.

Both will help your dog’s circulation while calming his mind and body. Deliberate interaction may be good if your dog is depressed following surgery.

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6. Switch up the toys to keep them interesting.

Consider purchasing five new toys in a range of materials and forms. Introduce them to your dog one by one. On day two, as you provide the following new item, remove the old one and rotate them to keep interest high. A new toy can brighten a dog’s day like nothing else.