How to Help Your Disabled Pet Thrive

As an owner of a disabled pet, one of the things you’ll definitely do is to look for ways on how you can make everything easier for your furry friend.

However, caring for pets with disabilities, like missing limbs or blindness, isn’t an easy one. But, with few modifications in your home combined with proper care, you’ll be able to ensure your disabled pet thrives.

There are actually many ways you can help disabled pets live a healthier and happier life. But, before you get started with anything, it’s best to consult a local veterinarian for any suggestions or recommendations. You may also search over the internet about the tricks or tips to keep your disabled pet well. Good online sources, will help you know the things you should or shouldn’t do when caring for your disabled pet and other information on how to take care of your pets in general.

Here are the other ways you can help your disabled pet:

Invest in a Wheelchair

Having a wheelchair is one of the best ways to take care of your disabled pet. As their owner, you’ll see how their disposition will improve with their range of motion.

Always choose a wheelchair made with quality and durable materials that provide comfort to your disabled pet. To get the right wheelchair, you should measure your pet first. As most mobility problems will progress and worsen over time, be sure to choose a dog wheelchair that will adapt to fit your dog's changing needs. Keeping your pet mobile will greatly improve their quality of life. Allowing them to run, play and get the exercise they need to be happy.

Modify Your Home for Easy Maneuvering

Modifications in your home vary depending on the needs or disabilities of your disabled pet. However, there are several adjustments that you may consider for easy maneuvering. You can start by placing feeding bowls and toys within the reach of your disabled pet. A simple modification is elevating your pet’s feeding bowl so they don’t need to bend down for water and food.

Aside from that, you have to puppy-proof all of your furniture pieces. This is especially important for pets who are visually-impaired pets or have limited mobility. Your coffee table’s sharp corners could cause harm to your disabled pet. To avoid any possible injuries, you may place extra padding. You should also remove any clutter on your furniture so your disabled pet may navigate the space freely.

If there are stairs in your home, consider installing small ramps. You can purchase ramps online or make your own. Just clear some power cords in the pathways that might cause your pets to topple. Ramps are important for disabled pets as they can maneuver without any obstacles.

Consider Training Suited for Disabled Pets

Disabled pets, regardless of their age, can learn some new tricks. Adapting a training suited for disabled pets is a great idea since it’s an enriching activity, which can keep your puppy happy and engaged. However, make sure that your chosen training is suited for the unique needs of your disabled pet. Depending on the command, you may need to adapt to fit your dog’s circumstances. If your dog is in a wheelchair, ‘sit’ may become roll back and stay. With just a few tweaks, many handicapped pets are able to pass their Canine Good Citizen test with flying colors.

For instance, if your pet suffers from hearing loss, it’s a good idea to train them through hand signals. If your pet is having trouble with their new wheelchair, try spending more time helping them and don’t forget to praise them.

Try Alternative Therapies for Your Disabled Pet

Like human beings, disabled pets can benefit from a holistic approach. It doesn’t mean that you should consider some questionable methods, but it means that you may consider massage therapy or physical therapy.

At present, there are some physical therapy exercises that help disabled pets regain flexibility. A good therapy that targets and restores weakened muscles is hydrotherapy. Water’s weightlessness can help a disabled pet restore their mobility.

In recent studies, it was found that acupuncture can be a helpful therapy for disabled dogs, especially the ones with intervertebral disc disease. Dogs that received Western treatments and electro-acupuncture also recovered easily.

Provide Your Disabled Pet with Protective Clothing

See to it that disabled pets have the protection they need. Some disabled pets are prone to running, falling, and stumbling into things. All of which may cause additional injury.

To protect them from bruises, getting sweaters or knee pads may be beneficial. You can also buy braces for ankle, leg, back or neck.

Adapt Your Routine

The only difference between a healthy pet and one with disabilities is the time you need to care for them. Any pet thrives on routine, but a schedule is especially important in special needs animals. Their meals and bathroom times need to be regimented to maintain their health. You will need to adjust your schedule to match your pet's needs.

Disabled pets can also benefit from routines or places where they can always find their comfortable area. You can teach your pets with words that would help them in dangerous situations. These words may include careful, stop, or danger.

If your pet’s disability is blindness, you can teach them your home’s layout. You can place some treats in every area where they can walk and get to the things they like. Having a pet drinking fountain can also help your blind pet when looking for water.

Purchase Supplements and Aids

Other than wheelchairs and ramps to make your pets happy and healthy, there are some mobility aids that you can consider purchasing, one of which is a harness. This will help you lift your disabled pet out and can be helpful when assisting them to go upstairs.

Your disabled pet will also thank you for buying supplement and vitamins. There are numerous helpful supplements for disabled pets. However, before you give one to your pet, you should talk with the vet first because some of these might not be good for your pet’s overall health condition, or your pet might have special needs when it comes to supplements or medications.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to caring for your disabled pet, being positive with everything is the most important thing. Remember that your pets mirror your emotions, so make sure that you praise them whenever they did something good or right. Consider giving them treats when they finally get all of your commands.

Also, don’t forget to give your support to your disabled pet. Although it’s a bit challenging to care for disabled pets, those above mentioned tips will surely help your furry friend thrive in your home.