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Restricted area: Use a
wire (rather than plastic or canvas) crate
for a less isolating feeling. Allow room
to turn around in and fully stretch out
(approx. 2.5 x 1.5 times body length).
NOTE: Some crates have an adjustable
height floor panel which can prevent the
dog from standing on hind legs. http://tinyurl.com/4efkmbe
[Mid West Crates]
Tamara's
homemade lowering of crate roof to prevent
standing on hind legs: Cut a cardboard box
to the length and width of the crate.
Punch holes around the cardboard edges.
Use string or plastic ties to attach the
cardboard inside the crate at a height
that only allows standing up, but not room
to jump up or stand on hind legs.
Add
crate
casters to wheel from room to room.
http://www.pet-dog.com/Pet-Supplies/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=321
Michelle'
photos and instructions to convert a wire
crate to top
opening crate
Alternatives:
baby crib, pet stroller, playpen or an ex-pen
which can be easier to get your doxie
out of for potty breaks.
-
Pet
stroller reviews;
Roxanna's adapting a Graco
baby stroller.
NOTE: dogs should never be left
unsupervised while in a stroller.
Please read all of
the
listed restrictions when
using a pet stroller.
-
photo
of ex-pen
wrapped around mattress. After
crate rest, an ex-pen can be used as
gates to prevent jumping on furniture
or blocking off a room, stairs.
__
Bowls: Raised feeding
& water bowls that can be attached to
ex-pen or a crate. Attach at head height.
How
to make homemade bowl holder.
__
Mattress: Soft firm
mattress of some sort, some examples:
-
2
inch 4 lb density memory foam mattress
to relieve pressure points. NOTE:
protect the foam mattress by
inserting in a large trash bag and
duct taping closed. Tuck in/cover with
fleece.
http://www.foambymail.com
-
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Blankets and change of
bedding: Fleece fabric as a
bottom sheet wicks moisture away from
skin (have 2-3 on hand) and dries
quickly. Inexpensive fleece throw can
be cut to sizes at Big Lots, Walgreens
2/$10. You can buy fleece yardage at
JoAnn Fabric Store or the like. This
is a no-sew project as fleece does not
ravel. Layer in this manner:
Trash bag enclosed mattress, pee pad*,
fleece bottom sheet tucked in all around
mattress. *OPTION to disposable pee pads
are reusable waterproof absorbant bed
pads: reasonably priced, washable and
last a long time. http://www.allegromedical.com/
__
Plastic weekly pill box and
pill splitter: Some
pharmacies provide the boxes for free
if you ask when picking up your order.
Pill splitters are inexpensive, much
easier & accurate than using a
knife to cut pills. Make your own med
log
chart to avoid double dosing or
forgetting a dose, a safety measure in
families where several persons are
giving meds.
__ Incontinence supplies
Male belly wrap (insert a disposable
baby diaper side ways or Always with
wings). In a pinch use two baby
diapers end to end around the tummy
area, connect and close with tape. www.kennelkomforts.net
[wraps & diapers] Females:
disposable baby diapers. A baby onesie
helps to keep the wrap or diaper in
position. Note: avoid any
ointments containing zinc, can be
toxic when ingested. Source for
washable, reusable, absorbent pee
pads: http://www.odcmerchandise.com/
__ Clean up:
Unscented baby wipes for quick clean
up on your doxie; white vinegar in a
spray bottle to disinfect and remove
the urine ammonia smell from floors,
linens, etc.
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Harness for
potty breaks- no more
collars as it is too much
stress on the spine
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Do
not leave a dog unattended
in a harness.
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Support at potty times:
__
Liquids: Good thick
low salt/no fat chicken broth is
full of cartilage-building proteins
and amino acids. Freeze it up into
cubes for easy access as you need
it. Fun and to keep body hydraded is
to place cubes in a bowl for
licking.
__ Comfort: G's
rice sock. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups
of dry rice. Knot the end. Microwave
for 1-2 minutes. Wrap in a towel so
it's not too hot for the skin. Place
in the crook of your elbow to test
for proper temperature - if it's too
hot for you, it's too hot for your
dog. The rice sock is just like
snuggling up to a warm body! Snuggle
Safe is a commercial product that
will keep warm the whole night.
http://tinyurl.com/4jk2cx7 [snuggle
safe]
__Calmers: Rescue
Remedy for Pets is a natural
liquid herb combo to help with
relaxation. Another calming aid is plain
Benadryl. Contact your vet for
dosage. Normally
these drugs are not a problem, but
always let your vet know of
everything your pet is taking. A
dog that is rembunctioius in the
crate is defeating the purpose of
the crate, better to have a
slightly drugged dog than one who
might paralyze himself.
__ Crate Rest details
- 6 weeks post IVDD surgery; 8 weeks
for conservative treatment. Tips and
ideas for implementing crate rest
properly:: http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm
Disclaimer:
This information is presented for
educational purposes and as a
resource for the Dachshund
community. The coordinators are not
veterinarians or health care
professionals. Nothing herein should
be interpreted as medical advice and
all should contact their pet care
professionals for advice. The
coordinators are not responsible for
the substance and content contained
herein and do not advocate any
particular product, item or position
contained herein.
c2011 dodgerslist.com
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