Clarks crate rest supplies

Clark's helpful supplies for crate rest: updated 3/1/2010

__ 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://snipurl.com/f5d44 [Pro Select Crate]

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://snipurl.com/3sai4 [crate casters]

Alternatives: baby crib, playpen or an ex-pen which can be easier to get your doxie out of for potty breaks.

Pet stroller review
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. http://snipurl.com/f5byx [Dr. Foster food dishes]

__ Plastic weekly pill box: Some pharmacies provide them free if you ask. Helpful to insure dog is not double dosed or a dose forgotten.
__ Blankets and change of bedding: Fleece for bed covering wicks moisture away from skin (have 2-3 on hand) and dries quickly: inexpensive fleece throw that can be cut to sizes at Big Lots, Walgreens 2/$10. You can buy yardage at JoAnn Fabric Store or the like. No sew project. Fleece does not ravel.
__ 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/
__ 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/PetFoam.html
Pet Palace Bed, high density 1 1/4" thick washable veterinary bedding fleece http://www.palacepet.com/history.htm

__ Harness for potty breaks- no more collars as it is too much stress on the spine

__ Support:

Sling for suportive walking during potty break, ace bandage, a long scarf. http://dodgergallery.ourdogs.net/recovery/slingwalk
Here's one you can make from an old sweatshirt http://www.freewebs.com/dmroster/lyonpuff.html
Kristen's figure 8 sling made from two leashes

__ Liquids: Good thick low salt chicken stock is full of cartilage-building proteins and amino acids. Freeze it up into cubes for easy access as you need it. Fun to place cubes in a bowl for licking to keep system hydrated.
__ 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! http://riveradogs.googlepages.com/comfort
__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.

__ Entertainment: Puzzle toy, Kongs to be filled with frozen wet dog food, carrot, apple, oatmeal mush cooked in no salt chicken broth; frozen broth cubes; empty plastic peanut butter jars smeared very thinly with liverwurst, peanut butter (too much can cause diarrhea due to high fat content), etc., G's homemade Kong, at bottom of page: http://riveradogs.googlepages.com/comfort NOTE: Treats should be subtracted from the daily food allotment to avoid weight gain.

Video of wildlife or other dogs can provide a little variety during crate rest. Some dogs can focus on the sounds and sights and react with facial expressions and or join in vocally. This genre of videos can be found at your local library, or tape a National Geographic episode, or tape YouTube.com and other places on the internet.
__ 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.
__ Crate Rest details - 6 weeks post IVDD surgery; 8 weeks for conservative treatment. Tips and ideas: 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.
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