Here are some engaging mental stimulation games and puzzles for dogs:
Remember to always supervise your dog during playtime to ensure their safety.
I hope these ideas help you provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation!
For more information on how to help your dog use their Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Absolutely! Here’s a breakdown of safe and natural approaches to dog weight management, keeping in mind that it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice:
Remember: Always prioritize your dog’s overall health and well-being. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or health, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
If you have any questions about weight manangement or would like more information about our brace you can contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits, isn’t just for humans. It can also offer a range of benefits for our furry friends, particularly dogs. Essential oils, derived from plants, possess potent compounds that can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and even aid in physical healing.
Dogs, like humans, have a strong sense of smell. When they inhale essential oils, these aromatic compounds interact with their olfactory system, triggering various physiological and emotional responses. This can lead to a multitude of benefits, including:
While aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial for dogs, it’s essential to use essential oils safely and responsibly. Here are some tips:
By using essential oils responsibly and under the guidance of a veterinarian, you can harness the power of aromatherapy to improve your dog’s overall well-being. For more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any pet owner. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a holistic kit that combines traditional and natural remedies:
By creating a holistic first aid kit, you’ll be well-prepared to handle a variety of pet emergencies. Remember, while these remedies can be effective, they should not replace professional veterinary care. Always seek professional advice for serious injuries or illnesses.
For more information or have questions please contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Raw honey, a natural sweetener produced by bees, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of human ailments. But did you know that it can also benefit your furry friends? With its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, raw honey can be a natural and effective remedy for common pet problems.
Before using raw honey on your pet, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and usage method for your specific pet’s needs.
Here are some ways to incorporate raw honey into your pet’s routine:
By incorporating raw honey into your pet’s wellness routine, you can help them live a healthier and happier life. Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet or healthcare regimen.
If you are interested in purchasing a Posh Dog Knee Brace or would like more information you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Holistic approaches to managing pet arthritis offer a comprehensive and natural approach to relieving pain and improving mobility. These methods complement traditional veterinary care and can provide significant benefits for pets suffering from this common condition.
It is important to remember that while holistic approaches can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment or making significant changes to your pet’s care plan.
For more information about our brace or tips on how to help your dog you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about PROM and stretching, especially after an injury like CCL tears. So to explain better, let’s first dive into what happens when we injure a ligament. Those fibers are gone forever once torn. There is no surgery to re-attach them; they will be absorbed by our body. Then, our bodies do something quite amazing. They replace those collagen fibers of our ligament tissue with new collagen fibrous tissue, called scar tissue. So scar tissue can be a good thing, or it can be a bad thing.
Ever had a car accident or injury? Did the Dr. say to just rest for 6 months and never move that joint? I sure hope the answer was a big NO!! Letting scar tissue form, but not doing any stretches or PROM after an injury while scar tissue forms, will result in a joint recovering, sure, however, there will be no range of motion after. The joint will be stiff, the scar tissue hard and unforgiving.
I see these patients come in, months after the CCL injury, and their dog is stiff and sore still after the allotted recovery time. This is from lack of stretching those joints most likely. Scar tissue is strong stuff. Sometimes it takes surgery to remove scar tissue once it forms incorrectly, and we start over. The second time around, hopefully you would be doing the recommended stretches and PT.
When we do stretch and PROM after an injury, it not only tells our joints to produce lubrication to keep things healthy, it also makes those scar tissue fibers more elastic, and healthy. These patients have a much more comfortable long term success rate than those that do not do any PROM. They will have full function of their knee and joints, and much less discomfort long term.
Takeaway? Please follow our PROM and stretching recommendations when using the Posh Dog Knee Brace, or even the elbow and carpal braces. Find a physical therapist if you are unfamiliar with PROM, or uncomfortable doing it yourself. It is definitely in your pups best interests.
Again please let me know if you have any questions! You can contact us via our contact form or follow us on Facebook.
Today let’s talk about stress for our dog friends, and how to help your dog unstress. Sometimes dog’s will not outright tell us when something bothers them, instead they will give you clues or behaviors that may not be what we like. Sometimes dogs can come with some emotional baggage, both shelter pups as well as backyard breeder pups. Things like leaving them alone at home, going on vacations, changes to their routine, bringing home a cute new kitten or puppy (or human baby), even changing food can cause your dog stress.
There are much more options to consider to unstres your dog, but treating stress early on is the best thing you can do. Some bad behaviors or anxiety can turn into real issues that eventually need medical intervention, however, most of the time all it takes is a little love from you to pull them through. For more information you can contact us via our Facebook page or leave a message on our contact page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about signs that your dog has a wrist injury, sprain, or carpal hyperextension. First off, a sprain can sometimes be much more painful initially than other injuries. There can be swelling or redness, bruising, swollen paws, lameness, sensitive to the touch, general discomfort, and of course getting more cranky with mom and dad.
If you dog has begun showing signs of guarding a leg, or more irritable with people they normally love to be around, it may be time to have things checked out. Sometimes a splint or a brace is needed to help with pain and stopping movement of a joint to allow healing.
Sometimes damage to a joint can be mild, like a stretch or strain, but they can also be completely torn. This can happen with carpal hyperextension. Our ligaments are made of lots of little collagen fibers. Some breeds are predisposed to these fibers becoming brittle, like with degenerative joint disease, and breaking easy. Over time the more fibers that break, the more hyperextended we see the wrist become. Normally a dog should stand with a straight and upright front legs, ending at the paw.
Hyperextension makes it look like they are flatfooted, similar to a duck. Luckily we do have a brace to fix this issue, and help these patients get back into normal activities! Ask about our Posh Carpal braces.
Injuries can also cause wrist issues, such as allowing your dog to jump from high places. One of the most common is decking and vehicles. Jumping out of the back of a high pickup truck seems harmless, however, one wrong move and that wrist is toast. Think about if you jumped off a 6ft fence and landed over and over on your front legs. Eventually something will give or get injured.
We can also see fractures from this, or dislocations. Remember, our furry friends are just as able to be injured as we are, and it is our job to help protect them from themselves sometimes. Grabbing their harness to help them down the steps, car, deck, ect can save you thousands on injuries.
Again please let me know if you have any questions! Contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Hey guys! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s go over six fun activities you can still do with your braced pup.
First activity, walks, walks and more walks! We include a full rehab and walk schedule for you, so you don’t have to guess how long is too long. When starting out, nice and slow up to 10 minutes twice daily is perfect, if your dog is feeling up to it. Then, you can slowly increase the amount you are walking each week.
Second activity, swimming! Just like Dory says “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” Swimming takes all the pressure off those limbs and joints, so that your pup is using all of the muscle, without all the pressure on those legs. There is no overcompensating on joints with swimming, so enjoy some fun times with your furry friend at the beach, or a pool!
Third activity is hydrotherapy. Similar to swimming, hydrotherapy is done with a controlled setting, usually at a rehab facility. Exercising with an underwater treadmill is one of the most common forms of hydrotherapy. Make sure to find a facility that will accommodate this activity. This is one of the best options, as it is controlled, and helps strengthen those atrophied muscles.
Fourth activity is finding something that will help strengthen the core. This helps support our hips and spine, and keeps things happy and in alignment. This is why with the posh program, we include tips on doing dog ups and downs, sit ups, even doggy yoga specific for dogs!
Games that are less of an impact, such as nose work, obedience training, or something fun mentally like a puzzle treat game. Play hide and seek with your dog, have them try to find you. Have them try to sniff out their favorite toy or treat. Give them fun things to do.
Lastly is physical therapy. This can be done with a physical therapist, which is the best option, or at home. While a physical therapist can tailor a routine for your dog, you can find similar exercises to do online as well, such as passive range of motion, ladder work, curb work, sit to stands, ect. We do provide a lot of these with our PT handouts, as suggestions to our clients for use.
Thanks, and feel free to reach out with any questions via email Poshintake1@gmail.com or through our website and you can visit us on Facebook.
Think about the issue from your dog’s point of view if they won’t go for a walk with you while on a leash.
If your dog refuses to walk on a leash, consider things from their perspective. Why doesn’t he find walks enjoyable?
First, rule out any physical issues. Do his nails grow too long? He can have painful muscles, inflamed skin between his toes, or arthritis that makes it difficult for him to walk. To be sure, take your pet for a veterinary examination. Ask your veterinarian about the possibility of pain medication if your dog is an elderly dog with arthritis.
Examine how well his harness fits him; if not, try a different one or just use his flat collar.
Make sure the area you’re strolling on is pleasant for him; avoid hot concrete, rough grass, and steep inclines. Are his paws too cold if it’s cold outside? Some dogs try to elevate all four feet off the ground by practically sitting on their hindquarters. Some people stutter.
To make your dog more excited about going for walks, keep in mind:
Let’s now increase his enthusiasm for walks and the leash.
Say “Leash!” as you pick up the leash and place it on him. Present him with a treat right away. Next, use a fresh cue (one that you haven’t used previously) and invite him to accompany you on a walk around your home or yard. Saying “Walk,” “OK,” or “Let’s go!” is OK. It is irrelevant. It matters that you say it in a lighthearted, joyful manner and give him a reward as soon as he follows your lead. Give him rewards all the time. Limit the duration of sessions to three to five minutes. You might have noticed by now that he keeps staring up at you as he walks along.
Take him for a quick walk somewhere fresh when you think he’s ready. Along the way, spoil him with lots of sweets. Use a very high rate of reinforcement (treats and praise) as you approach and pass the hurdle if you believe that something up ahead might annoy him. When he comes to you with a worry, eventually he will look at you like you’re a pleasure.
Walks should be gradually extended, but if your dog starts to show signs of reluctance after you’ve taken care of his equipment and health concerns, cut down on the distance and honor his boundaries! Not every dog has to walk long distances to be happy or healthy.
If you are interested in one of our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact page or check us out on Facebook.
People sometimes assume that a dog isn’t in pain if it isn’t screaming out or whining. However, a limp is a clear indication of pain and a warning that your dog is unwilling to bear weight on the injured leg.
Dogs are typically energetic, active members of the family, which makes them prone to accidents. These can include systemic infections, fractured bones, and strained muscles.
If your dog is limping, it’s time to take him to the vet. Depending on how serious the issue is, they might want you to keep an eye on your dog at home for 24 to 48 hours while you rest him. If your limp doesn’t get better or gets worse, they’ll probably want you to make an appointment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that in this situation, over-the-counter pain relievers should not be used. Dogs can safely take aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol), but overdosing can cause bleeding issues and liver failure. Do not take these drugs without first talking to your veterinarian.
To find out why your dog limps, the veterinarian must perform a complete physical examination. An examination from head to toe should involve taking your dog’s vital signs, feeling its lymph nodes, listening to its heart and lungs, manipulating the achy limb, and watching it while it walks. In order to identify potential reasons, it is critical to identify which limb and which part of the limb is afflicted.
Dog limping has a very wide range of causes. Infectious ailments like Ehrlichia and Lyme disease, inflammatory disorders like panosteitis, vascular disorders like blood clots, and orthopedic issues like fractures are some of the broad categories that encompass soft tissue strains or rips (ligaments, tendons, and muscles). These can be further separated into front and back limbs. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is one particular issue that can only occur in the back limb, however the majority of lameness issues are comparable in the front and back legs.
With a history and your dog’s age and breed, you can frequently determine the triggering cause (this is called the signalment). For example, panosteitis, a typical inflammatory illness of the breed, would be a strong suspect in a German shepherd puppy with acute onset of shifting leg lameness. If an elderly dog suddenly became lame in one leg and could not bear any weight, this could be a sign of a bone malignancy such as osteosarcoma and a fractured bone. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a common tick-borne infection, could be the cause of a young limping Coonhound with a history of tick exposure, fever, and abnormalities on bloodwork.
Your veterinarian may offer a variety of tests, such as bloodwork, tick disease testing, and/or x-rays, depending on what they discover. The optimal course of treatment will also be decided by them.
Additionally, your veterinarian will advise resting your dog. There won’t be much exercise involved—leash walks will only be taken to use the restroom. Icing or using heat can be helpful in certain situations. The cause determines the appropriate course of action.
Consult your veterinarian right away if your dog starts to limp, give them some rest so they can heal, and refrain from giving them over-the-counter medication without first talking to them. There are many different reasons why dogs limp, and your veterinarian should be able to assist your dog based on a comprehensive medical history and physical examination.
If you are interested in more information or would like to know more about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit us on Facebook.
For your dog, which is preferable—a dog collar or a harness? Most of it is dog-specific! The degree to which the equipment fits your dog will depend on a number of factors, including its design, fit, introduction, and usage.
There are a ton of dog collar and harness options available, along with a ton of contradicting information when contrasting dog collars and harnesses! Which is better for your adult dog or your puppy? How can you tell? Although the response is “it depends,” the following tips will assist you in selecting the ideal equipment for your dog.
Choosing which dog collars or harnesses to discard is the easiest part of the process. Any device intended to inflict pain or suffering on your dog is not eligible for consideration. This includes prong and choke collars, shock collars (marketed euphemistically as “e-collars”), and harnesses that tighten around your dog’s barrel, called “no-pulls.” Never listen to someone who claims these aren’t unpleasant. They are, and that’s how they use pain to manipulate the dog.
We would much rather teach dogs how to behave properly when walking than simply punish them for pulling or other undesirable behavior.
Next, even if the equipment isn’t made or meant to be unpleasant, we advise against giving it to your dog. It will be challenging to get your dog to willingly learn and comply with you if you employ equipment that they obviously detests.
When presented with some things, like head halters, most dogs find them repulsive at first. Many dog owners find the process of counter-conditioning and desensitization to be particularly difficult when trying to teach their dogs to accept head halters, as most dogs need a very slow, gentle introduction and significant conditioning before they will accept these devices. It’s best to put the head halter away if your dog exhibits signs of disliking it.
Although vibrating dog collars are sometimes advertised as aversive, they can be utilized positively if you help your dog associate the vibration with good things from the beginning. Vibration dog collars are frequently used by owners of deaf dogs to signal or cue their pets for certain actions, though the dog does not need to be deaf to use the collar for this purpose. However, once more, it’s not a good idea if your dog indicates to you that she finds the vibration unpleasant even after you’ve tried to desensitize and counter condition her.
Regular harnesses, which are typically regarded as non-aversive, make most dogs happy. On the other hand, you may mark it off your list if your dog flees from you when you pick up her harness because it means she detests it!
Every dog collar and leash has the potential to be unpleasant if used incorrectly, therefore even our recommended training aids must be used correctly—please don’t yank, jerk, or hang! Generally speaking, our top picks for dog walking equipment are:
Our initial tools of choice are usually flat collars, martingale collars fitted correctly, and front-and/or back-clip harnesses.
Back-clip harnesses and flat collars are ideal for non-pulling dogs.
Martingale dog collars can be extremely helpful if your dog has mastered the ability of pulling out of her collar. Martingale collars, sometimes known as “Greyhound collars,” are perfect for dogs with extremely narrow skulls and thick necks when the head is smaller than the neck. Just enough is tightened with leash tension on these “limited slip” collars to keep them from slipping over the dog’s head.
We prefer the more recent style of front-clip harnesses for pulling dogs. There are no shoulder straps on these goods to restrict the dog’s range of motion. We believe that vibration collars and head halters are appropriate for dogs who are accustomed to them.
For dogs who play or wrestle with a lot of mouth-to-neck biting, we suggest breakaway collars. In order to avoid potentially fatal choking incidents, take off your dogs’ collars before they play or when you leave them together unattended.
Puppies need to have the greatest consideration when selecting a collar. Aversive tools are obviously out of the question, but even a flat collar can cause serious harm to a puppy’s delicate trachea if it pulls. Use additional caution when handling your puppy to ensure that you aren’t applying pressure to its sensitive throat; wearing a harness is usually a preferable option.
Regarding the collar/harness conundrum, there is no simple solution. Examine your alternatives, seek assistance (if necessary) in selecting the right product, observe your dog’s reaction to your selection, and make adjustments as necessary. And don’t forget to train your dog so that regardless of the equipment you select, pulling becomes less of a problem.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace contact via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Dogs stay in shape and healthy with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and the occasional massage.
Keeping your dog healthy is key. If you would like any information about our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Why aren’t more people teaching their pets to walk nicely on a leash? I rarely see dogs with good leash etiquette, even though it seems like this very basic conduct would be the first focus of everyone who takes their dogs anyplace. I promise that a dog that doesn’t pull is the exception, not the rule, even though that may be overstating things.
I believe that part of the issue is that people just sort of expect their dogs to know to stay close to them when they go for walks together. However, if you’ve ever taken your dog on an off-leash stroll, you are aware that most dogs walk very differently from most people. We usually proceed with a purpose, knowing where we are heading and moving at a steady speed.
On the other hand, if given the freedom to roam around, the majority of dogs will run ahead, pause to sniff, fall behind, sprint to catch up, and repeat this cycle for all but the longest hikes. During extended walks, they may begin to accompany us simply out of exhaustion; but, the sight of an unfamiliar bird, bunny, or friend ahead on the path will prompt them to begin a new race ahead, fall behind, or run to catch up sequence.
Additionally, we typically walk quicker than many dogs do, but not as quickly as they trot. It’s terrible that they have to continuously change their gait—walk, trot, walk, trot—to match our boring plod! However, it’s not quite as annoying as the fact that we rarely take the time to smell.
In actuality, most people become just as frustrated with their dogs’ leash etiquette as their dogs do with people’s ignorance of their needs and desires. When dogs are frustrated and have no fun activities to do while out for a walk, they tend to get disinterested in their humans’ attempts to lead or control them. This might result in the purchase and usage of painful dog training equipment like prong, pinch, or choke collars.
Sadly, the majority of dogs I see wearing these collars are still pulling and ignoring their owners, therefore I refer to them as management tools rather than training tools because no one seems to use them in a way that would teach the dog to cease pulling! Simply put, compared to a flat collar, the owners have a little more clout.
Don’t wait any longer if you and your dog are having trouble walking together. Invest in a few one-on-one or group dog training sessions with a non-coercive trainer who can teach you how to make your dog’s stroll with you worthwhile. You’ll be happy you did, as will your dog.
If you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact form or Facebook Page.
