Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about signs to look out for when your dog is having issues with mobility. One of the most common things we will see is limping or favoring a leg. There are many things that can cause limping, such as pain, weakness, and even numbness in the limb. This could come from the spine, hips, or a joint, so it’s always best to have a vet check out any consistent limping.
Another sign of weakening mobility is having a hard time getting up. If your dog does the boot scoot trying to stand each time, or seems to be really digging with those front legs, this could mean joint or muscle problems. Usually this is also a sign of osteoarthritis. Over time, especially if a certain joint is sore, they use them less and less frequently, thus causing weaker and weaker muscles. Especially those back legs. This is why a lot of hip arthritis dogs may end up needing something like a cart to help them walk eventually.
Stiffness or moving really slow can also be a warning of arthritis, weakened muscles,or neurological issue. Sometimes this will come with shaking or trembling. Dog’s do not typically shake or tremble from the cold, but they will shake if in pain.
Not wanting to play or jump anymore. If your dog stops at those stairs now and refuses to jump, they are not being stubborn. Perhaps there is something causing them pain when they use the steps, such as a back issue, limb pain, or muscle pain. You may need to get a temporary sling to use under their belly, to help them up and down the stairs.
Dragging toenails, or scraping them on the concrete. Sometimes this can be from numbness due to a neurologic issue, or pain/muscle weakness. Either way, make sure to let your vet know if your dog is showing any signs of dragging their feet or toes. Dog’s should naturally pick up those feet every time they step, but if there is pain or weakness, it becomes harder and harder. There are boots and braces that can be used to help prevent damage to their feet if this becomes an issue.
Again please let me know if you have any questions about weakening mobility! For more information please visit our Contact Page or Facebook Page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about signs that your dog may need a cart or a wheelchair. Unfortunately, just like us humans, sometimes our furry friends need a little extra help to get around. There are a lot of devices, such as our posh dog knee brace, that can be used with a limb injury such as a CCL tear, or even elbow and carpal issues, but sometimes that is just not enough.
Dog’s like to have their independence, just like we do. If you have a dog that used to be very active, loved to go outside for walks and enjoy playing, and now they are unable to really stand on their own, it may be time to consider a wheelchair. They are not as hard to put on as you would think, and most dogs will adapt to them quite fast.
I have worked with a few patients in wheelchairs, one had two legs that needed to be amputated due to cancer. She could fly in her little cart, go up and down stairs, there was no stopping her. Her attitude changed from depressed and unable to go play to immediately taking off in her cart. I have seen several great outcomes like this, and definitely feel carts are a great resource for patients that otherwise can’t walk.
Some patients with hip dysplasia may just be in too much pain to stand and walk. Those back leg’s have probably atrophied, and they are not strong enough to get up and go outside. Having a cart lets them have some of that freedom back, so that they can once again go outside, walk in the park, or even go to the bathroom without aid.
There are many great companies now that make carts and wheelchairs, be sure you do your research and find the right fit for you and your best friend. Wheelchairs can be anywhere from $100 to over $1000. Make sure you find a custom chair that is comfortable for your pup. I’m not a big fan of amazon braces or medical parts, so I would find someone that has great reviews, and good customer service like we do at Posh Dog Knee Brace
Again please let me know if you have any questions! You can contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
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.
Hey guys, this is Nikki the lead Vet tech with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about Prozac, and why we are seeing a rise in dog’s that need this. Well, first off, dogs can and do get anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and sadly depression just like humans. Now you might say it is the owner’s fault, they need to just be there for the dog more, do training, etc. That is not necessarily true. More and more we are finding that some of these disorders in dogs, and humans, are genetically passed on.
You hear about rescue dogs, sadly we call them “covid dogs” because so many rescues were adopted during covid. 2020-2021 was a huge year for adoptions, which is great! The downside, when everyone went back to work, these poor adopted shelter dogs, who have probably got some back story baggage, are now alone again and feeling abandoned. Fast forward to 2022 and on, and we have some serious separation anxiety going on with our fur babies. They don’t understand that there was a pandemic that happened and you need to work. They have major abandonment issues, lack of training, and now are acting out.
This was a common occurrence, and still is, with some rescues and even purebred dogs. We don’t always know a dog’s story, how they were desensitized as a puppy or lack of. Sometimes without proper training and medication, these dogs are just simply miserable. They can act out, destroy things, urinate or poop inside, hide, lick everything, stop eating, restless, and develop compulsive behaviors. So many of these pups were sadly put down due to behaviors, biting family members, or destroying things.
Prozac is relatively safe to give long term, but the downfall is that it can take several weeks for you to see any difference. Don’t give up on your dog if they are showing signs of anxiety, even if it is hard. Prozac is one of the cheapest prescriptions, and can come in pill, capsule, or powder. You may even be able to get it compounded specifically for your dog, in a yummy flavor. My own dog is on Prozac, and it is less than $10/month to treat her.
In my experience, Prozac has really helped with some of the anxiety symptoms. Our dog has a genetic OCD and anxiety disorder, that kept her in fear of everything all day. She would put herself in a corner and stare at the wall for hours before Prozac. I am home with her all day, she sleeps with my children, is loved and given all the attention, on a great diet, exercised daily, has a dog best friend, but sometimes that is not enough. We tried supplements, plug ins, and even training therapies, but nothing worked. Until we started Prozac. It’s ok to help our fur babies when they need it!
Again please let me know if you have any questions! You can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook page for more information.
It’s said that you will never work a day in your life if you pursue your passion. And since dogs are considered a person’s best friend, we believe that working with dogs matches the definition of a vocation where you never have to work a day in your life. Bottom line: Working with dogs is healthy for you.
Take a moment to look at other ideal careers for dog lovers before committing to spending the next eight years of your life aiming to become a veterinarian (which is an extremely admirable career choice!). You never know what the future may bring.
For good reason, veterinarians must complete eight demanding years of education to become physicians of veterinary medicine! Animals cannot communicate their pain to a veterinarian, unlike humans, which makes a veterinarian’s job extremely difficult.
Veterinarians treat sick animals and ensure that pets are happy and healthy. Veterinarian work is immensely fulfilling, but it may also be emotionally taxing at times. You’ll need a strong background in the sciences as an undergraduate to become a veterinarian.
Unprepared for eight years of rigorous education? Within a few years of post-graduate study, veterinary technicians and vet assistants provide exceptional care for our four-legged friends. Taking care of animals is tough yet fulfilling work.
Veterinary assistants – Although there are numerous programs available through technical and community colleges to aid you in this career path, being a veterinary assistant does not require a degree or certification. Future advancement to a veterinary technician certification may be possible with this field of study with on-the-job training.
Vet tech – Programs for veterinary technicians usually last two years and offer a variety of specializations, including internal medicine and dentistry.
We are starting to think of our pets as part of the family. However, due to our hectic schedules and travels, we occasionally need to locate extra pet care. Dog walkers and pet caretakers can help with that.
Someone has to look after their cherished pet, whether the owner is leaving for a two-week vacation or the workweek. Dog walking, dog watching, dog daycare, and drop-in visits are available options.
Do you want something that takes less time? Think about going for a walk with your dog! It’s a fantastic method to workout for you and your dog(s), as well as a wonderful opportunity to see your city.
A profession as a dog trainer can be ideal for you if you have an abundance of patience that is just waiting to be used.
The secret to dog training is understanding a dog’s inner workings and knowing how to deal with them, whether you’re training an untrained dog one-on-one, teaching a puppy kindergarten class, or temperament evaluating rescue dogs for potential forever homes.
In order to maintain your accreditation, the Certified Pet Dog Trainer program requires 300 hours of coursework in addition to ongoing study.
You should also think about observing a respectable local trainer.
Service dogs make the lives of their owners safer, happier, and healthier.
Teaching people and dogs how to communicate with one another through service dog training is an incredibly beneficial endeavor. In addition to teaching a dog to do a task, training a service dog involves teaching the human partner how to collaborate with their dog and assist in retraining the canine and human team to new orders and duties.
You can research many national service dog organizations that train and place service animals, as well as find out more about volunteering, training as an apprentice, or participating in a service puppy raising program.
An animal behaviorist, often known as a dog behaviorist, examines the behaviors of dogs and looks for the factors that contribute to particular behaviors.
In order to identify—and address!—problem areas in a family’s relationship with their dog, dog behaviorists frequently visit homes, just like a psychologist or psychiatrist would with human patients.
There are programs in animal behavior at the master’s and doctoral levels. It’s advantageous to have a biology or psychology undergraduate degree.
K9 police canines are specially trained to assist law enforcement in locating missing persons and evidence from crime scenes, detect drugs and hazardous materials, and support and safeguard their police officer counterparts.
Being a K9 handler takes one to two years of experience in law enforcement as well as a passion for working with the public and animals. This is because police canines always attract a lot of attention when they are in uniform. The department offers on-the-job training for positions involving the handling of dogs.
An apprenticeship, or on-the-job training under an experienced groomer, is necessary for dog grooming. The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certifications that you can obtain after you have a sense for the trade. In addition, the NDGAA provides pet groomers with industry conferences, competitions, and courses on various grooming techniques.
And by the way, Rover offers dog grooming jobs in Austin and Seattle! You’ll receive a $250 welcome incentive on top of an 80% commission.
Having your own dog daycare or working at one can be a good fit for you if you enjoy the notion of being surrounded by several dogs going about their business. It’s a good idea to be certified in pet CPR and first aid, and to have experience handling dogs and interacting with them, much like at human daycares.
Before you start, you should do some study on the issues of how much space you have, what amenities you want to offer, and local rules and regulations whether you intend to operate your own dog daycare out of your house or a facility you own. In addition, there’s a maximum number of dogs you can host in a secure and comfortable manner at once, as well as additional safety issues you should consider beforehand.
Playing and engaging with dogs all day long more than makes up for any initial planning or certification requirements.
Becoming a dog photographer, dog show handler, search-and-rescue dog handler, or owning or working in a pet business are just a few of the many bizarre occupations available to dog lovers.
And once more, search for a workplace that welcomes dogs if you’re not interested in pursuing a dog-centric job!
If you are interested in one of our braces please contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Living with dogs, particularly a new puppy, teaches you rapidly how quickly your house becomes one giant chew toy and how much, uh, mess (don’t judge) is left in every room. A inquisitive dog won’t take long to find socks and rubbish beneath the couch—oh, and look at all those interesting cords plugged in all over the place! A veritable gold mine for our dogs, who also happen to be highly dangerous.
Your house has additional opportunities to dog-proof each room. There are some unexpected dangers everywhere, from the living room and bedroom to the kitchen and laundry area. However, be at ease! Making small changes to your furnishings and décor can provide your dog plenty of comfortable space to unwind in.
Dogs are fluffy danger vacuums on four legs because they use their noses and mouths to explore their surroundings. You are more likely to see things that could unintentionally endanger your best buddy, a dog, if you literally consider things from their perspective.
I always advise considering your dog’s perspective when assessing a room in your house for safety; what is their height and where is their line of sight? You can find dangerous items that might catch your dog’s attention by evaluating your house from their height. You may be shocked to learn that your golden retriever can easily take your brand-new watch since it is perched just right on your bedside table. Little things that are easily accessible should be taken out and stored in secure places where your dog cannot get to them, like closets or drawers.
Your end table, your bed, and your rocking rocker. If your dog is a good climber and can jump up on things quickly, you might want to remove any potentially dangerous furnishings. Jump-activated chairs have the potential to hurt your dog as well as injury other objects in your house when they swing back. Dogs who follow their noses and will put their paws up on furniture might quickly become distracted by end tables with glass picture frames or breakable family treasures.
Does your dog enjoy a nice, cozy couch spot? Is he more comfortable curled up on a blanket? Dog proofing your house requires careful consideration of where those things should be placed. Never put blankets, dog beds, or rugs next to heaters, fireplaces, fans, or electrical cords or outlets since they can easily become harmful.
The kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms are typically the riskiest rooms in your house, but you should spend time in every room since they can all be dangerous. To help divide up spaces or keep your dog out of areas you don’t want them to enter, get some strong baby gates. Your dog will have lots of wonderful spots to rest and unwind once you’ve made these sections of your house safe.
There are a lot of things in kitchens that aren’t dog friendly, like food, medicine, and cleaning materials. Your dog has the greatest opportunity to discover and eat objects that are not appropriate for them. However, kitchens may make excellent doggie hangouts once they are dog-proofed.
Electrical cords, fireplaces, open windows, and recliner chairs are the most frequent issues in living rooms. Since your dog will probably spend the most time in this room with you, it is crucial to make sure it is secure for them.
A dog’s favorite spot to search for intriguing treats to sample and entertaining “toys” to try is usually the bathroom. The greatest method to exercise effective management is to keep cabinets closed, and even better, to keep the bathroom door closed.
Dogs are frequently kept in protected places like bedrooms. Make sure to take out anything that could choke your dog and don’t leave anything out that you’d prefer not to become a chew toy before using your bedroom as a place for them to unwind.
Curious dogs might encounter numerous hazards in laundry facilities. While some risks are more overt, others are more covert. When in doubt, keep the washing room off-limits.
Dogs should never be left unattended outside, but if you do allow your dog to go outside for bathroom breaks through a doggie door in the backyard, make sure the area is secure and safe. Dogs that are bored can easily escape through holes, loose posts, and unlatched gates; therefore, it is important to supervise them whenever they are near pools or play equipment.
Our dogs quickly locate comfortable places in any home and are excellent adapters when we assist them in doing so in a secure manner. For the sake of your dog and to make sure they are comfortable and safe when you are not there, make sure your home is dog-safe.
If you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Pets that support you emotionally and enhance your health are called therapy dogs. To help both yourself and other people, you can teach your dog to be a therapy dog.
Dogs used for therapy reside in homes. They can also visit a range of locations, such as schools, hospice homes, hospitals, retirement or assisted living facilities, and schools. They have been educated to tolerate being petted or hugged by strangers and to be kind and amiable. When kids pull at their fur or when grownups want the younger ones to sit on their laps, they are understanding and unfazed.
One kind of therapy animal is the therapy dog. Additional animals that can provide emotional support include horses, llamas, alpacas, cats, bunnies, and birds.
Although they’re not the same as therapy dogs, service dogs are something else entirely.
*The ADA does not protect therapy dogs, sometimes known as emotional support animals.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, ADA National Network, 2014. They therefore lack the same rights as their owners to join them in restricted public areas unless prior authorization is granted. To offer some constructive comfort treatment, the therapy pet needs to be welcomed onto the property.
It is commonly recognized that therapy dogs can help with a variety of mental health issues and psychiatric problems.Interaction with therapy dogs and other companion animals is beneficial for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Alzheimer’s disease.
Therapy dogs can also assist with physical health issues that may be the cause of emotional difficulties. Empirical evidence indicates that individuals undergoing animal-assisted therapy may experience reduced pain during their convalescence following challenging surgery or a severe accident. According to studies, these connections can lower the stress hormone cortisol and raise the hormone that improves mood, oxytocin.
With a little instruction, any amiable breed of dog can become a therapy dog. Larger breeds are frequently utilized as therapy dogs, including Labradors, St. Bernards, standard poodles, and golden retrievers. On the other hand, when the patient and the dog are sharing a confined space, smaller breeds like Pomeranians and micro poodles make sense.
Although the breed may have some influence on the dog’s pleasant nature, the dog’s upbringing and even temperament development play a major role. Dogs are evaluated and studied for how they react to various stimuli, including unexpected grabs, loud or confusing noises, and even equipment like wheelchairs or canes, before they are approved as therapy animals.
Many internet directories are available if you would want additional information about how to find a therapy dog to aid you or a loved one. To identify people and organizations in your area, search for “therapy dog” along with the name of your town or city online.
Do an internet search for “therapy dog training” along with the name of your town or city to find out what options are available if you’re interested in finding out more about training your dog to be a therapy dog or visiting nursing homes or other facilities with your pet. Or just contact the facility of your choice by phone or email to find out about their admission policy.
For more information about therapy or our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or Facebook Page.
A smart environment can help you keep your dog safe and happy. Beyond simply caring for their animals, pet owners have numerous other duties. As a result, they might not spend as much time as they would like with their fur babies.
However, you want to be able to check on your pets even when they’re not with you because you’re a conscientious pet owner. You want to guarantee that their requirements are satisfied and that they are safe and comfortable.
Thankfully, technology provides you an opportunity to accomplish these things.
You may make sure that your pet gets the care they need even when you are not at home by using certain gadgets, such as climate-controlled cars, cloud-managed webcams, and automatic feeding.
A smart environment is one in which electronic equipment such as computers collaborate to improve human comfort.
Technically speaking, these devices need to complete certain activities on their own and function well even with little assistance from humans.
A smart environment for pet owners also includes utilizing technology to simplify the task of providing for their animals.
Technologies That Are Pet-Friendly
More often than not, fascinating new technologies are introduced in the market. These days, several of these technologies are being utilized to develop pet-focused solutions that enhance the lives of both pets and pet owners.
It is easy to forget when it is time for your pet to eat when you are overworked and occupied. Pet feeders with intelligence offer a solution to this issue.
You may program smart feeders to automatically administer pet food according to a schedule. Even when you are not there, you can still feed your pet on schedule, every day. Just remember to restock it as soon as the feeder runs empty.
Security isn’t the only use for home cameras. They can also be used to observe or check on activities within your house.
Having security cameras in your home gives you the ability to visually check on your pet’s whereabouts and activities.
For instance, you might think your pet has a flea problem when you are gone from home. You can use your home cameras to watch your pet from a distance in this scenario.
Consider purchasing natural flea repellents for your pet, such as essential oils, from a pharmacy before you leave for your house if your pet is always scratching and itching.
There are numerous choices for installing cameras. However, having as little physical equipment at home as feasible (apart from the cameras themselves) may be desirable if we are talking about a smart environment.
With cloud-managed cameras, you can monitor your pets more intently and spend less time on deployment and maintenance because you won’t need cumbersome infrastructure like servers and video storage.
It should be simple to set up these cameras with little equipment. When combined with fast internet, you can see your pets from a distance even when you’re away on business.
Using wearable technology, you can keep an eye on your pet as well.
With GPS trackers, you can monitor your pet’s location. Because these gadgets are small and light, you can discreetly fasten them to your pet’s collar.
There are GPS trackers that let you set up “safe zones” for your pet. Let’s say your pet goes beyond the bounds of the zone. The gadget can then warn you of your pet’s whereabouts by sending you an alert.
A fitness tracker is an additional wearable gadget. These gadgets can measure your pet’s heart rate, distance covered, and caloric expenditure.
While your pet is receiving therapy or medicine, fitness trackers can be a useful tool. Fitness trackers have alert features just like GPS trackers.
Fitness trackers can also be used to arrange for your pet’s veterinarian visit, medication schedule, or to remind you to give your pet dietary supplements like glucosamine, fish oil, or plant extracts and oral tinctures for dogs.
Pets want playtime and entertainment as well. They could get fidgety if you’re not around to play with them.
You can communicate with your pets even when you’re not there to do so thanks to toys that are remotely connected. Your pets can hear you as they play with these toys since some of them have cameras and others have audio.
Among these toys are remote-controlled ball launchers that toss balls for dogs to recover and interactive cubes, which are compact, cube-shaped cameras that are pet-friendly.
Pet owners frequently bring their animals along in their cars, particularly when making a quick trip to the grocery store or a drive-thru restaurant.
Leaving your pets inside the car, however, could be risky because they could suffocate or suffer from heat stroke if left alone for an extended amount of time.
These days, some cars come equipped with a climate control system. Pets may remain cool and have adequate ventilation thanks to this feature, which maintains the interior temperature even when the owner is outside the vehicle.
These days, technology plays a big role in daily life. A smart environment not only benefits humans, but it also keeps dogs safe and comfortable.
However, you shouldn’t rely solely on technology to take care of your pets. Device malfunctions and lost internet connections are also possible.
Interaction between humans and animals cannot be replaced by technology. It is still preferable than having no way to check on your pet while you are gone from home.
As technology advances, gadgets will get even more dependable and contribute to the development of a closer relationship between you and your pet.
If you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact page 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.
Hey guys! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about harnesses, and when they can be useful. First off, let’s go over the different types of harnesses, so that you are familiar with the options out there.
There is a sling harness, which is simply something that goes underneath the entire body and has handles that you can hold on to. This can be anything, from a towel, shopping bag that has been cut down, or something youbough on chewy. A sling is helpful if there is any spinal issues or hip discomfort, in giving full lower back and hip support. The downside to this sling is if you have a male dog, it will make it difficult to urinate outside. There is also more pressure on the bladder, so try to be aware of giving your pup more bathroom breaks.
The next type is a loop type harness, that goes around the back legs, not underneath them, and connects to a harness by the back shoulders. I prefer the help em up harness in this style, as there is a handle between the front shoulder blades, and the back hips. You can also use this style with leg braces, and keep it on for easy use. You simply lift the handle to help you dog stand up vs the sling harness you will need to lift your dog up and slide it underneath the belly.
Each harness has its own benefits. If you have a dog that has a newly injured CCL or ACL, then initially it may be easier to use a sling to help them up and down until you can get a help em up type harness. I would suggest an actual harness with handles for a CCL tear. If your dog, however, has both back legs affected, and potentially the spine, I would suggest a sling type harness, to give them better pelvis support.
Let us know if you have any questions about different types of harnesses! You can contact us via our contact page or our Facebook Page.
Healing injured dogs involves a combination of veterinary care and supportive measures at home. Always consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some commonly used canine healing methods for injured dogs:
Remember, individual cases may vary, and it’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s advice closely for the best outcome in your dog’s recovery using any canine healing methods . If you have any questions on how to help your injuried dog you can contact via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
While home treatments can be helpful for minor injuries or as supportive measures alongside veterinary care, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before attempting any treatment. Serious injuries or conditions require professional medical attention. Here are some general home treatments for injured dogs:
It’s crucial to note that while these home treatments can be beneficial for minor injuries or as supportive measures, they are not substitutes for professional veterinary care. If your dog experiences a significant injury or shows signs of distress, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Professional guidance ensures that the right diagnosis is made, and appropriate treatment is administered for a safe and speedy recovery. If you have any more questions about home treatments you can contact us via our contact page or 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.
Hey guys, my name is Nikki, and I am the Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about Elbow Braces, and when your dog may need one. First of all, make sure you have a firm diagnosis from a Veterinarian that there is in fact an issue in the elbow. We suggest this prior to ordering any of our braces, just to be sure the issue is not something else. Neck pain can also show up as limping in the front leg, so make sure your veterinarian has gone over the entire body before diagnosing one of the following issues.
First issue, and the most common, is Osteochondrosis Dessecans, or OCD. You may hear OCD said a lot in reference to younger dogs that grew too fast. This can happen in the shoulder, knee, and hock/ankle, as well as the elbow. We see this In large breed puppies receiving too much energy/protein and calcium in the diet. Genetics, rapid growth, trauma and hormones may also be a factor. This can be treated with surgery to remove the cartilage, however, bracing can provide some pain relief and support in the meantime.
Second is elbow dysplasia. This is basically arthritis in the elbows, and can be painful. Bracing can alleviate some of the strain and pressure on the elbow, allowing the patient to use the sore leg again.
Another issue we see in the elbow is Degenerative Joint disease. This can also cause multiple joint issues, such as CCL tears and hip issues. Support of the joint with an elbow brace will definitely help in these cases.
Chronic Joint instability is another issue, where we need to stabilize the joint to prevent motion and pain. The more a joint moves abnormally, the more chance of early on set arthritis forming.
Elbow Luxation is another issue, although not as common. The brace in this case will help keep things in alignment, and alleviate some of the discomfort with this condition.
We have also had patients that had Tricepts Tendon Avulsion surgery, and braced them post op with lots of success. This is usually due to a trauma, but keeping the elbow stable and preventing movement can be key for healing.
Lastly, prevention of elbow hygromas. These are those swollen areas that can sometimes be filled with fluid on the back of a dog’s elbow. Usually due to laying on hard surfaces, like concrete, for long periods. Having protection on that elbow can really help.
Below is a recap of things the elbow brace can really help with, please let us know if you have any questions!
If you are interested or have questions about our Posh Dog Elbow Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Carpal hyperextension and other wrist injuries in dogs can cause discomfort and affect their mobility. Identifying these issues early is crucial for prompt veterinary intervention. Here are some signs and symptoms, as well as potential causes of canine carpal hyperextension and other common wrist injuries:
If you suspect a wrist injury in your dog, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, possibly including imaging, to diagnose the specific injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may involve rest, medication, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. Early detection and intervention contribute to a better prognosis and faster recovery for your dog. If you are interested in a Posh Carpel/Wrist Brace or have questions you can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
