Dogs with heat pad therapy can have less pain, less stiffness, and more relaxed muscles.
Can your dog’s arthritic pain be relieved by heat therapy? Indeed. In addition to providing your dog with certain benefits, an orthopedic dog heating pad can also be comforting on a chilly day.
Your dog with arthritis may find that heat helps both relieve and heal chronic pain over time. Not only can heat relieve your dog’s sore joints, but it also promotes blood circulation. Warmth frequently relieves muscle spasms and causes stiff joints to relax. Using heat on your dog can help him benefit as much as possible from stretching exercises or rehabilitation.
Heat treatment lowers muscular spasm, improves local tissue oxygenation and metabolism, and raises the pain threshold and extensibility of connective tissue.
Cold therapy works best to reduce inflammation after an acute injury. Consider using cold compresses for the first 24 hours if your senior Labrador aggravates a previous stifle injury, for instance. After surgery, cold therapy is the most beneficial alternative for up to 72 hours.
When using heat or leaving your dog on a heating pad, exercise caution. It’s possible to unintentionally warm the region and exacerbate the trauma. Pet-specific heating pads come with heat settings that are ideal for a dog’s requirements. It is possible to set a human heating pad too high, and overheating is particularly dangerous for elderly, injured, or young dogs.
Always make sure your dog is comfortable by checking on them often. Placing a covering, such as a towel, between your dog and the heating pad is usually the best option. Applying heat to your dog for longer than 30 minutes is generally not recommended, while your dog might benefit from as little as 10 minutes.
You may create a low-cost heating “pad” at home by heating a moist towel in the microwave. Keep in mind that your dog will find it too hot when you remove it if it is hot to the touch. You can apply the warm, damp cloth straight to a sore joint. The same goes for rice or maize kernels; keep them away from the dog, as well as hot water bottles. For your dog’s arthritis pain, warm therapy works great—but it’s important to use warm, not hot, therapy.
If you are interested in more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace or treatment for your dogs leg injuries please contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
When the weather is bad, a dog treadmill can come in rather handy for keeping your dog busy and content.
When your dog’s long walks aren’t feasible, such in the winter, they can get plenty of exercise on a dog treadmill. It’s important to gradually acclimate your dog to the treadmill. Make sure the treadmill belt is long enough for your dog’s stride in order to ensure their safety.
Larger dogs frequently have far longer strides than humans, although little dogs can use a human treadmill. A dog-specific treadmill is a preferable option for these huge dogs.
Train your dog on a treadmill gradually and with positivity. In order for your dog to exercise safely and effectively, you want her to feel at ease and at ease on the treadmill.
For more information about how to keep your dog healthy or how to train your dog wearing our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or Facebook Page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog knee Braces, and today I would like to talk about the prevalence of dog obesity, and the affects it has on your dog’s health. It seems that people were not the only ones who were affected by Covid, as the amount of obese pets has also really come up since the pandemic. Maybe it is because more people are working from home, and thus giving more food or treats to our pets. Either way, we are definitely seeing a very bad trend.
Just like in people, this causes a huge strain on our heart, organs, and yep you guessed it, the joints. Overweight people are so much more likely to have knee and hip replacements, as well as many health issues. The same thing goes for our dogs. Just last week I have had to decline 5 beautiful dogs from getting knee braces, because we just physically can’t brace their dog due to the enlarged belly protruding past the knee. It breaks my heart, because most of these patients also can’t have surgery, due to the increased anesthesia and surgery risks involved.
Once a patient get’s into the obese category, it is very very hard to loose the weight. They are now used to eating more food, treats, and not exercising, and bad habits have now formed from both the owners and the dog. Now, I am not saying you can never give Fluffy a treat, just please be aware of the caloric intake vs. the amount of exercise you are giving to your sweet dog. Dog’s love attention, they do not need a cookie or treat every single time they beg.
There are many successful weight loss programs for dogs, and it is important to start implementing these at the first sign of being overweight. Now I am not talking about a tiny bit of chub or fluff, we are talking about an 8+ out of 10 on the healthy weight scale. To check this, simply look down at your dog’s back. You should be able to see the curve of the ribs and a nice trim tummy.
Now, if you can see each rib, that is too thin. Next, you should be able to palpate or feel the ribs easily when you pet your dog’s side. I can feel every single rib on my healthy dog if I press gently, but they are not visible. If you must push to feel for the ribs, then your dog is obese. This is an easy trick.
I challenge people to put everything your dog consumes in a day, including any treats or people food, into a container. At the end of the day you will be surprised how much your dog is actually eating. A lot of clients would come in with an obese patient and say that they are “picky” eaters.
Your dog is not a picky eater. He is holding out for the goodies he knows you will make and feed him when he doesn’t eat his kibble. He has now trained you, not the other way around. A normal healthy dog will not starve. They may get stubborn, and go off food for a day to see if you will give in and feed them some treats or people food, but they will not starve.
As for supplementing their food to help them feel more full, I recommend feeding veggies. Peas, green beans, a small amount of sweet potato or carrots (remember these also have sugar, so not too much). As a treat I really love freeze dried liver. It can come in large cubes, in which I cut it down into tiny pieces, and my girl loves them. They are naturally fat free, sugar free, and a great snack for your dog.
Diets such as the Farmers dog have become more and more popular, as they mix fresh healthy ingredients specific to your dog’s dietary needs. You will notice your dog having a healthier coat, weight, and more energy. Diet plays a big role in how our dog’s feel and look.
There are some healthy kibbles out there, but if you see a carbohydrate as a first or second ingredient, I would keep looking. Dog’s do not need a lot of carbs, they need healthy proteins. Now I’m not saying go grain free, butfind a healthy mix. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions. Maybe start cooking for your dog, you will be amazed how much your dog’s health will improve.
If you have any questions, about dog obesity don’t hesitate to contact poshdogkneebrace.com via our contact form or visit our Facebook page.
One of the key causes of dogs’ passion of chasing other animals is their prey drive. Our veterinarians can offer guidance on prey drive and safe ways to handle your dog.
For many dogs, prey drive is an instinctive behavior. Unfortunately, prey drive can occasionally result in issues, mishaps, or damage to your dog or other animals.
If your canine companion is constantly chasing squirrels or sprinting after birds when you go for walks, check out our tips on prey drive and how to keep your dog safe.
Animals with a prey drive have a hunting urge that enables them to capture food. When many dogs play, such chasing a ball, tugging games, or ripping up plush toys, you may have witnessed this. We may provide them with a secure outlet for their prey drive by encouraging these behaviors in them.
Some canines are more troubled by prey drive than others. “My dog has a high prey drive” refers to a person’s dog’s propensity to chase and catch animals such as mice, squirrels, or farm animals.
Breeds including Greyhounds, Lurchers, Collies, and Terriers are frequently known to have high prey drives. But any breed of dog can exhibit high prey drive, so it’s critical to recognize the warning signs and provide your dog with training to help curb their chasing tendency.
When near animals, exercise strict control over canines. Allowing your dog to harm or kill a farm animal is illegal, and both you and your dog may face harsh consequences. In the event that your dog is uncomfortable among sheep or other animals, you can:
In the event that your dog escapes the leash or that a farm animal pursues you:
If you are interested in more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can send us a message via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
After knee injury surgery, custom braces can benefit your dog and in certain cases, can take the place of surgery.
It has been ten years since WDJ investigated the nonsurgical treatment of knee ligament problems, or “conservative management” (see “Saying ‘No’ to Surgery,” February 2010). Since then, there has been an increase in consumer demand for alternative therapies, such as the usage of custom-designed knee braces, even though surgery is still by far the most common therapy for knee injuries.
Canine ligament injuries are so common that almost every veterinarian has seen one. A dog may be completely unable to bear weight on the limb, exhibit a noticeable limp, or show signs of hind-leg lameness, depending on the severity of the damage. A partial or complete tear of a ligament could be the injury.
The terms “torn ACLs” and “bad knees” are well-known in the canine community. Knowing what these terms represent will be helpful if your dog sustains a knee injury that needs to be treated by a veterinarian.
The phrase “canine cruciate ligament disease” refers to a number of injuries that can harm a dog’s knee in this article. In general, the phrase uses the word “disease” appropriately because most dog knee ligament ruptures occur during normal exercise, despite the fact that the majority are the result of catastrophic injuries.
Additionally, several studies indicate that the majority of knee ligament injuries are caused by chronic degenerative changes within the ligament, as stated in an article titled “Review of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs” that was published in the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings in 2011.
Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that strengthen and support joints by joining bones to cartilage.
With the patella (kneecap) in front and the fabella (a tiny bean-shaped bone) behind, the stifle (knee) joins the tibia (leg bone) and femur (thigh bone). Ligaments hold everything in place while cartilage (the lateral and medial meniscus) cushions the bones.
Within the knee joint, the cranial (front) and caudal (back) cruciate ligaments cross. The tibia cannot move out of place beneath the femur because of the cranial cruciate ligament. While the words “cranial cruciate ligament” (CCL) and “anterior cruciate ligament” (ACL) are used in veterinary medicine and human medicine, respectively, they relate to the same ligament and are used to characterize knee injuries in dogs.
Despite the fact that radiographs, or x-rays, do not show soft tissue and cannot be utilized to distinguish between a partial and total tear or diagnose cruciate injuries, they are frequently used to screen for cruciate ligament illness. However, they can rule out other illnesses that might be the source of leg discomfort, such as bone cancer. Dogs rarely undergo advanced imaging tests like MRIs because they are costly and necessitate anesthesia, even though they can show tears in the ligaments.
The “drawer test,” which involves a veterinarian holding the femur in one hand while manipulating the tibia in the other, is the primary diagnostic method for CCL rips. Should the tibia be able to be pulled forward, as though opening a drawer, there has been a tear or rupture in the cruciate ligament. nervous patients may be anesthetized prior to the drawer test since it can be inconclusive if the stiff muscles of a nervous dog briefly stabilize the knee.
Another test for ligament damage is the tibial compression test, in which the dog’s ankle is flexed with one hand while the femur is kept steady with the other. The abnormal forward movement of the tibia is caused by a damaged ligament.
According to a recent estimate that has been cited by a number of veterinary websites, over 600,000 dogs in the US undergo cruciate ligament surgery annually.
Canine cruciate ligament disease risk factors include genetics, obesity, poor physical condition, conformation (skeletal shape and structure), age of the ligament (degeneration), and breed, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (acvs.org). Rather than being ruptured due to an acute impact to an otherwise healthy ligament, most ligament ruptures occur as a result of slow, subtle degeneration that has occurred over months or even years. Between 40 and 60 percent of dogs with damage to one cruciate ligament later have damage to the other knee. According to the ACVS, if a partial cruciate ligament rupture is not treated, it is likely to eventually become a full tear.
According to the ACVS, CCL injuries can occur in dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages, although they are most frequently seen in Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Akitas, Saint Bernards, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
There is a significant correlation between neutering before one year of age and ruptured cruciate ligaments. The study “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence” (Benjamin Hart, et al.) was published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science on July 7, 2020. It revealed that early neutering of male Bernese Mountain Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Poodles; male and female German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers; as well as female Saint Bernards and Australian Cattle Dogs significantly increased risk of cruciate ligaments.
The study’s conclusion was, “A likely mechanism related to disruption of the closure of the long-bone growth plates by gonadal hormone secretion as the animal approaches maturity is related to early neutering may cause a joint disorder.” According to our theory, neutering a dog well before the growth plates close allows its long bones to grow slightly longer than average. In some cases, this can cause enough joint alignment problems to cause a clinically noticeable joint condition.
Similar findings were observed in mixed breeds, particularly for dogs weighing 44 pounds or more and neutered before one year of age, according to a related study, “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for Mixed Breed Dogs of Five Weight Categories: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers” (Frontiers of Veterinary Science, July 31, 2020, Benjamin Hart, et al.).
There is nothing owners can do to reverse a dog’s neuter status, but there are plenty of things we can do to save our vulnerable pets’ knees. Excessive body weight and poor physical condition are risk factors for the development of canine cruciate ligament illness, as stated on the ACVS website. Pet owners have the ability to alter each of these aspects. Maintaining a lean body mass requires careful meal control, regular exercise, and consistent physical conditioning.
Custom braces—which go by numerous names including knee, stifle, ACL, or CCL braces—are made by several manufacturers using various materials and techniques. Braces are also made to fit the hocks, hips, ankles, and wrists of dogs.
In order to assess how strong the brace needs to be in order to support the dog’s weight and activities, as well as any unique features the brace might need, the first step in designing a bespoke brace is to analyze the patient’s size, breed, medical history, activity level, and environment.
Next, casts or detailed measurements create a model of the dog’s knee. The last step is to schedule a fitting visit, where any necessary modifications are performed and images and videos of the dog exercising while wearing the brace are taken.
The dog wears the brace during the day after a break-in period. “Most dogs put it on in the morning and take it off in the evening before bed,” the owner says.
The majority of custom brace designs are based on leg models that were cast at the client’s house or in a veterinary clinic using supplies supplied by the brace maker. For the purpose of designing the brace to fit, the resultant cast is supplied together with supporting measurements. Castings that are damaged during shipment or that were made erroneously may require repeat castings. The visit raises the price of the brace if it is performed at a veterinary facility.
The 77-pound Golden Retriever Pasha, then 11 years old, suffered a left hind leg injury that led to the creation of the Posh Dog Knee Brace seven years ago. Pasha’s veterinarian determined that he had a torn meniscus and a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. He advised surgery immediately once, stating that if the damage was not repaired, Pasha would suffer a similar lesion to his right leg, develop severe arthritis, and be unable to live an active life again.
Although Jim Morison and Beth Scanlon, who live in Florida, could afford the $5,000 surgery, they were concerned about Pasha’s age and past medical history, which included a bad anesthetic response. Pasha’s recuperation started when they ordered a custom-made knee brace rather than arranging surgery.
Although Morison was pleased with Pasha’s development, he felt that the brace might be made better in a few areas. He started creating modifications and, in the process, established his own knee brace business, which he called Posh after one of Pasha’s pet names. Pasha was swimming at the beach and running through tide pools six months after donning her upgraded brace, and she was fully recovered in nine months.
“We now use a different design, but we started with the type of brace that requires a casting mold,” says Nikki Bickmore, lead veterinary technician at Posh, who also manages the service department and production.
“Posh assembled a group of orthotists and veterinarians to create a new system that would do away with casting,” Bickmore adds. As a result, the brace has many padding layers and is semi-rigid rather than hard plastic, allowing it to adapt to the dog’s muscles as they contract and flex. The only brace that incorporates double-reinforced hinges from the Tamarack brand, positioned on two layers of plastic, to strengthen the brace at important stress locations is ours. The brace fastens with quick-release microbuckles, which are common in expensive snow and water sports gear, and fits without causing any rubbing, irritation, or slippage.
Ordering is sped up and slowed down by using measurements rather than casting to create a replica of the dog’s leg. Most braces come within a week after precise measures are given, but buying takes longer since clients need to watch instructional videos and take measurements with two individuals during a live video conference while a veterinary technician watches over them. A Posh vet tech must supervise the fitting of a brace during a second video chat before it can be worn.
The fact that our braces fit well and are simple to use is what most people appreciate about them, according to Bickman. They appreciate that our solution uses buckles and straps instead of Velcro, which can tangle in a dog’s hair. Because we use a soft shell instead of a hard one, the brace is more pleasant to wear, has greater range of motion, is long-lasting, and is very simple to clean.
Three-year-old Howdy, an Australian Cattle dog, was born with incontinence, spina bifida, and nerve damage in his hind end. Bickman states, “He’s a favorite of the Posh staff.” He was adopted by Alicia McLaughlin at the age of six months. Shortly after, he had a tear to his CCL and also had a luxating patella. Many believed that he ought to be put to death, but thanks to bracing, Alicia, and a lot of love and patience, he is now happily living in the country in New York.
Don’t think that just because your dog starts favoring one leg over the other, the issue will go away. That could be, but it could also be a sign of cruciate ligament damage. To be sure, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Both surgery and brace use need to be carefully considered. The proper usage of the custom-fitted braces discussed here requires time and attention commitments, and they are not cheap. Not every owner or dog is a suitable candidate for bracing. Information collection and a realistic grasp of the issues at hand are essential for making wise judgments.
For more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Absolutely, custom-made braces can be a great solution for dogs with a torn ACL (also known as the cranial cruciate ligament or CCL). Here are some points to consider when looking for a brace for a dog with a torn ACL:
Your dog’s veterinarian might suggest surgery if he/she tore his/her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). That may cause stress for your wallet, your dog, and you. You may be wondering if you can give your dog appropriate comfort and care while using an ACL dog brace in order to avoid surgery for your dog’s torn ACL. Indeed you can, but only if you get your dog a quality ACL brace, like our Posh Dog Knee Brace.
If you’re wondering if your dog has an ACL tear, the symptoms of an acute rupture are quite typical. Usually, the dog yells and stops bearing any weight on its rear leg when it is running and playing. The dog will frequently still walk around but may sometimes run on three legs and hike up or hang the injured limb.
For the majority of cruciate tears, surgery in the form of a tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is the best course of action; however, ACL braces are also showing to be an effective remedy.
Dog owners who participated in a study comparing TPLO surgery and custom stifle orthotics reported high levels of satisfaction with both procedures. The phrase “custom stifle orthotics” was used in the study. You might be tempted to order an all-dog cloth brace online in an effort to get one quickly and at a low cost. Your dog doesn’t require that in order to support its torn ACL. Your dog requires a specially made brace composed of durable material. Although many excellent companies make custom braces for a dog with an ACL tear, Posh Dog Knee Brace is a good option to take into consideration.
Restoring stifle joint stability is the aim of treatment for your dog’s torn ACL. The famous “drawer sign,” which happens when the veterinarian holds the femur in place while the tibia can be pulled forward like a sliding drawer, is caused by your dog’s unstable stifle due to the loss of an intact ACL/CCL. It’s a sign that the CCL has ruptured. Pain results from this laxity, which also promotes the growth of osteoarthritis.
It follows that neither braces nor surgery are a quick fix. A brace may occasionally be recommended by a veterinarian to aid in your dog’s recovery following surgery or be recommended as a alternative option instead of surgery as well.
Whichever approach you decide on, consult your veterinarian or one of our Posh Vet Tech for advice and direction as you help your dog heal as well as to ensure that you have the right diagnosis.
If you think a brace might be a good option for your dog, contact us today via our contact form or call us at 509-412-3065. You can also visit our Facebook Page.
Hi guys, this is Nikki Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces, and today let’s discuss how many hours a day your dog should wear a knee brace. Now this also really depends on what we are treating. If we have a full CCL tear with meniscus involvement, I may suggest you use the brace more often than a patient with a partial tear.
Also, how much energy your dog has is a big factor on how many hours you really need to be using the brace. Some brace companies say wear the brace all day long, with no breaks. This can lead to a lot of problems initially, if you have not properly broken in the wearing time of your brace.
If you have a high energy dog, one that dives off of stairs and furniture, and is harder to control, you may be advised to use the brace a bit more. Now, we only suggest using braces during times that your dog is supervised. This is a medical device, and should not be worn without direct supervision. I would suggest starting out slow, just using the brace during walks and activities hours your veterinary technician will go over with you. Once your dog has been using the brace well, and you feel more confident, you can begin to increase the amount of time (hours) your dog uses the brace.
I still like to give breaks during the day, especially if there is a time they like to lay down and nap. For instance, using the brace for 2 to 3 hours in the morning, while they get the wiggles out, go potty, walk, and breakfast is perfectly fine. You may then opt to remove the brace during lunchtime, as most dogs calm down around this time. Then, you can place the brace back on in the afternoon, and remove prior to going to bed. This is just a suggested scenario, but again you do need to continue monitoring them with the brace.
We do not suggest any patient to wear the brace 8-12 hours a day, as anything that is worn that long on human or dog can cause skin irritation.
If your dog is pretty chill, relaxed, and only really active outside (such as giant breeds), then I would suggest using the brace just for activities. These can include walks, car rides, when someone comes to visit, playing with another dog, stairs, ect. If they spend most of their time laying down, it would not be comfortable to leave a brace on all day long. Let them get cozy, but we will be suggesting some Physical therapy activities to help prevent atrophy.
Put a sign outside your door, this will help discourage people from ringing the doorbell or knocking. Most dogs react to hearing a knock and doorbell, so if we can cut back on those times that will really help with preventing re-injury. Instead, put your phone number on the sign, so they can text you if someone arrives to visit.
Always feel free to speak to your service veterinary technician with any questions, that is what we are here for! Thank you, and give your dog a big hug for us!
You can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Let Your Dog Recover With Our Custom Dog Knee Brace!
We’ve Helped Dogs All Around The World, Now We Want To Help Yours…
The Posh Dog Knee Brace is a 100% custom Dog knee brace, hand made only for your Dog. We make our custom brace with no casting. Our state-of-the-art brace for Dogs is very durable, waterproof, sand proof, and easily adjustable by customers. Our Veterinary Technicians provide personal live video supervision of measuring, and fitting of your Dog ACL brace in the comfort of your own home.
Dogs can be prone to injuries related to various physical activities. Understanding the types of injuries associated with specific activities can help dog owners take preventive measures and seek appropriate veterinary care when needed. Here are common activity-related dog injuries:
Preventing activity-related injuries involves being mindful of your dog’s limitations, ensuring they are adequately conditioned for the activity, and providing proper warm-up and cool-down periods. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and address any underlying health issues that might predispose a dog to injuries during physical activities. If an injury occurs, prompt veterinary attention is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
For more information about related injuries or if you would like information about our brace contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook page.
Hello! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s go over how to break-in a new Posh Custom Dog Brace. First, we want to take things nice and slow. You wouldn’t take a brand new pair of boots to Disneyland resort for 10 miles of walking each day I hope. Neither should we put a custom brace on a dog for 8-12 hours without first working into that time. Just like in people, a dog’s skin needs some time to get adjusted to wearing something.
Over the next few weeks, as we gradually increase the times we have them in the brace, the skin will start to thicken and get stronger. Just like our feet do with a new pair of shoes. After a few short weeks, they should be able to tolerate wearing the brace longer and longer.
In the first 1-2 weeks, we suggest only using the brace during short leashed walks. This is to get your dog used to walking in the brace, to prevent soreness, and to get their skin used to having something touching. It can take a patient sometimes up to 3-4 weeks for the soreness in the muscle to get better, just like if we did physical therapy.
You wouldn’t want to run a 10K marathon with no practice or training, right? Even if your dog was walking 4+ miles each day before the injury, we now have atrophy and muscle loss (yes even if its only been a few weeks). Starting out with nice slow walks, and building up the times slowly, will really help prevent soreness and rubbing issues.
We typically don’t see rubbing sores with Posh, because we are so clear on our direction to our clients. Wearing the brace gradually more and more each week, really helps them adapt to having something touching their sensitive areas. The upper groin and ankle area seem to be the most common areas we see any irritation, and usually if the brace was worn for too long too fast. Doing 10-15 minutes twice daily for 2 weeks, then adding 15 minutes weekly to their walk schedule will really help.
We have this break-in schedule completely broken down for our clients in the handouts we send after the brace has been fit properly with a technician. A custom brace should never be worn right off without some sort of consultation, to ensure proper fit and make sure your dog is using the brace properly. Any company that does not do this is a red flag in my book.
Let me know if you have any questions about our break-in schedule! Please contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Nikki, Posh Lead Veterinary Technician
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan and is based on the concept of channeling healing energy through the practitioner’s hands. While scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Reiki is limited, some dog owners and practitioners believe that it can provide various benefits for dogs. It’s essential to note that Reiki should not replace conventional veterinary care but can be used as a complementary approach.
While some dog owners report positive experiences with Reiki, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and consult with a veterinarian before incorporating it into your dog’s care plan. Always prioritize conventional veterinary care for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
For more information on how to help your dog recover with their injuries or if you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Hey guys, this is Nikki lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Let’s talk about the cruciate ligament, and what it does for us. As the name states, the cruciate ligaments form a cross behind the dog’s knee. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament in dogs is the same as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. This is made up of many different fibers that work to attach the femur to the tibia, which keeps the tibia from moving.
This is why in order to diagnose a CCL rupture, your veterinarian will do what is called a “drawer test” in which they check the movement and shifting of the tibia. If the ligaments are healthy, there should be no movement, or positive drawer sign.
Trauma or degenerative disease to the ligament can damage some of the fibers that make up this ligament. Sometimes you may be told it is a “partial” or a “full” cruciate ligaments tear, however, this is impossible to fully know without going into the joint arthroscopically, or having an MRI done.
We can’t know if the ligaments are simply diseased and stretching more than they should, or fully ruptured which then puts strain on the meniscus. With a trauma, these fibers tear all at once, causing pain and inflammation, and more acute symptoms. Degenerative disease is like a fraying rope, those fibers break over time, and you may not notice the subtle signs. Or your dog may limp here or there, but not all the time.
Unfortunately, most ruptures in a dog are the result of long-term degeneration, where things get weaker and tear over a period of time. Genetics are one of the reasons for degeneration, these breeds include Labradors, rottweilers, boxers, west highland terriers, and newfoundlands. There are more breeds, but these are the most common. Some family lines can be checked out, and I would encourage asking about any history on a future puppy in one of these breeds. It can be detrimental to have a healthy 2 or 3 year old dog with bilateral CCL tears, and we do unfortunately see that.
Another factor to think about would be early spay or neuter. I have another blog on this subject if you would like more information, but to summarize we should not be spaying or neutering until a dog has reached maturity. By doing so, we cause the tibia to continue to grow, which can change the angle in the knee stretching the ligaments. At least a year as a minimum, some large breeds should be 2 years before sterilizing.
Fraying of the ligament can trigger a lot of internal things, such as pain and lameness. Usually with degeneration, there is already osteoarthritis present. The goal here is to stop the movement of the knee, either with a surgical procedure or the less invasive knee bracing options. Bracing will stop the movement of the tibial thrust, as well as acting as a shock absorber, allowing a patient to fully weight bear with the brace on. This will help with getting back to walks and a happy lifestyle.
The more osteoarthritis present, the less successful a patient will be with surgery. As the majority of cases are degenerative, bracing seems to be one of the better solutions. Please email us with any questions, and check us out on Facebook. Let’s help improve his life and yours with our Posh Dog Knee Brace. Custom Crafted Dog Knee Brace, is much more effective than a ready to wear or a soft dog ACL/CCL brace. You can contact Posh Dog Knee Brace via phone at 509-412-3065.
Knee injuries are relatively common in dogs and can lead to varying degrees of pain, lameness, and mobility issues. One of the most prevalent knee injuries in dogs is a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. The CCL helps stabilize the knee joint and prevent excessive movement between the femur and tibia bones.
If you suspect your dog has a knee injury or is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention promptly. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, possibly including X-rays or other imaging tests, to diagnose the specific knee injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the injury, the dog’s age and overall health, and the veterinarian’s recommendation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving the dog’s comfort and mobility and preventing further joint damage or complications.
If you are interested in purchasing a Posh Dog Knee Brace you can order from our shopping page or if you have questions about our brace you can reach out to us via our contact form or visit our Facebook page for more information.
The amount of exercise a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their breed, age, size, and overall health. However, most dogs require a combination of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some general guidelines for the amount of exercise dogs need based on their life stage:
Puppies: Puppies have boundless energy and need frequent, short bursts of play and activity throughout the day. As they grow, their activity can gradually increase. Aim for a total of 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily, spread across several short play sessions.
Adult Dogs: Adult dogs generally require around 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise each day, depending on their breed and activity level. Breeds with high energy levels, such as Border Collies or Retrievers, may need closer to 1-2 hours of activity daily, while smaller or less active breeds may be content with 30 minutes to an hour.
Senior Dogs: Older dogs may have reduced energy levels and mobility, but they still benefit from regular exercise. Lighter and shorter exercise sessions are more appropriate for seniors, typically around 30 minutes per day. Keep in mind that senior dogs may need more frequent breaks and slower-paced walks.
In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is crucial for all dogs, regardless of age. Mental exercises, such as puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games, help keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and individual dogs may have different needs. It’s essential to observe your dog’s behavior and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Some signs that your dog may need more exercise include restlessness, excessive barking, destructive behavior, or weight gain. On the other hand, if your dog appears tired, lethargic, or is experiencing difficulty exercising, consider reducing the intensity or duration of their activities.
If you have any questions you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Today I would like to talk about recommended activity levels with a brace or CCL tear. It is still important to remember that this is not a race. Recovery from a CCL takes time, which is why we use a gradual increase in activities.
Initially, we start with walks and light physical therapy and massage. Gradually, we can increase activities, such as adding hills or inclines to the walk, sit stands, more muscle building activities.
It is not recommended to let your dog run off leash while in recovery. This can lead to injury of the other leg potentially. Braced walks are meant to be nice and slow, not a jog. The goal is to have your dog placing full weight down on his leg. If you walk or run too fast, they will skip and not place full weight on the leg.
We will get to a point where your pup can play off leash, but ask first, and take things slow. Feel free to email or send in a contact request with any questions, we are happy to help!
Give Your Dog a Big Hug From Us!
Nikki, Posh Lead Veterinary Technician
Looking for more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
For dogs to maintain their physical and mental health, regular dog exercise is crucial. To avoid injuries, it’s important to select workouts that are suitable for your dog’s age, breed, size, and degree of fitness. The following canine workouts and injury prevention advice:
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