Dog Rehabilitation
When your dog has been unfortunate enough to suffer an illness or experience the pain of an injury or operation, they are likely to need a while to recover. It isn’t always easy making sure your four-legged friend gets back to their usual self, and you’re likely to be worried about them in the early days after an operation. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to make sure your dog has the best chance.
What is Canine Rehabilitation?
Canine rehabilitation is the name given to various therapies, including exercise and diet, that can be used to help a dog recover and rehabilitate. Just like humans will often have physiotherapy after an injury, canine rehabilitation can do the same for a canine’s body. You can devise exercises and even change their diet to aid strong regrowth and help to ensure the chances of an injury reoccurring are far lower, too.
How Diet Affects Animal Rehabilitation?
Dogs need nourishment. The right food is essential. It’s important to note that every case is different and depending on the breed of your dog, their age, and the injury they have sustained, there could be many different approaches. It’s best to visit a canine rehabilitation specialist if you are looking for a way to get a bespoke plan, tailor-made for your dog.
If you’re not getting the right vitamins and minerals in your dog’s diet, the process of recovering can take longer, and they may not be as strong. Similarly, too many treats and your dog might gain weight while they are inactive after an injury.
What Should you Feed a Recovering Dog?
Going back to their ordinary kibble might not be the wisest thing for a recovering dog.
If your dog has experienced a problem with its digestion and other stomach issues, then there is every chance that you’ll need to make adjustments to help your dog to be able to digest its food. Foods like simple scrambled eggs and rice help a dog recover in the aftermath of some operations.
Supplements can also be a fantastic way to assist a dog’s recovery and get them to the stage where they are back to their usual, active self. Some supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation and aid the canine body.
After an operation, it is a good idea to create a high protein diet to support your dog to increase their body mass gain. It should also be high in energy as your dog might not have the same appetite, but you still need to get energy into their system.
Rehabilitation Diets for Dogs: Tips from a Veterinarian
A couple of tips from veterinarians can help you understand your dog’s body and give them the best chance to recover fully.
- Remember that they might be insulin resistant after an operation, so you might want to ensure plenty of protein is in the diet to help combat this and reduce carbohydrates that they may be getting from dried foods.
- Keep it tasty. Dogs might be off their food for a while, but they still need to eat. You can encourage your dog by giving some natural treats such as simple chicken breasts and rice. Your dog is bound to appreciate fresh food, just make sure it isn’t too hot when you feed them as they are likely to burn their mouth.
- Remember that their metabolic rate might be lower, so if they aren’t eating quite as much, this isn’t too much of a problem. Just make sure your dog is still getting plenty of nutrients.
What Food do Vets Recommend for Dogs?
The recommended food for dogs varies based on breed, and different vets and scientists have their own opinions. Dried food can be a good solution, but make sure that it is balanced and nutritious, and try to introduce some fresh ingredients here and there. A dried food supplemented with omega-3 and other dog-friendly supplements can be a great option.
Wet foods can also provide plenty of nutrients, and your dog may enjoy these more.
Fresh food is another good choice if done right, but it doesn’t always make it easy to track what your dog is eating and keep control over their nutrition.
The right food can vary from one dog to the next, but make sure you do your reading and carefully look at the ingredients on any dog food you choose to feed your dog. This is true at any time, but during rehabilitation, it is even more vital.
Canine rehabilitation is a growing industry. As more people realize how good it can be for your recovering four-legged friend, it is becoming easier to find a suitable therapist.
Article written by Author: John Green
