As dedicated pet owners, we often find ourselves in uncharted territory when our best friends encounter life-changing situations. Bringing a motor-impaired pet home for the first time comes with many unknowns and unexpected challenges. In this article, we explore the key aspects of caring for a paralyzed pet and highlight some of the unexpected things you may feel unprepared for. This includes making the necessary household adjustments to understand the unique toileting needs of a paralyzed dog. Through our expert insights and real-life experiences, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and compassion you need to provide the best possible quality of life for your paralyzed pet, and ensure you, too, receive the self-care and support you need on this amazing journey.
Be prepared for changes around the house
When you bring a paralyzed pet home for the first time, you need to look at your home with fresh eyes. You need to ask yourself two things: Is the pet safe, and is everything it needs easily accessible? Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Crate Rest – This is often the first thing your vet will recommend. Crate rest is especially important during the healing process and before and after surgery. It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions and limit your dog’s activity until he’s given the go-ahead to roam freely.
- Pet gate – Just because your dog knows he can’t climb stairs safely doesn’t mean he knows they’re dangerous. You may need to restrict your dog’s access to certain areas of your home, including stairs. Pet gates are a great way to restrict your dog’s movement and keep him close and under your watch.
- Padded bedding – Many paralyzed dogs spend a lot of time on the floor. A padded surface acts as a protective barrier between the dog’s joints and the hard floor. Many paralyzed pets spend a lot of time on their side because they cannot easily move to find a more comfortable position. You may need help repositioning them every few hours to prevent bedsores from forming.
- Access to food and water – Make sure your dog has access to a water bowl at all times. Your dog may not want to get up and walk across the room to get a drink. Keeping your dog hydrated also reduces the chances of him developing a urinary tract infection, which means your dog needs to drink water regularly. More hydration means more trips to the bathroom.
What they don’t tell you about bathroom breaks
Caring for a newly paralyzed pet also requires careful attention to their toileting needs. Many paralyzed dogs are incontinent and may need help from their owners to wear diapers or manually express their bladders and bowels. Here are some things to keep in mind about a paralyzed dog’s toileting needs:
How many times a day should a paralyzed dog go outside?
There’s no one right answer to this question. Different dogs have different potty needs. Many experts say that most paralyzed dogs need to go outside at least three times a day. However, it’s not uncommon for dogs to need to eliminate four or even five times a day. Frequent potty breaks can help prevent accidents.
Getting your dog outside quickly can also be difficult — check with your vet first — but a dog wheelchair or simple lifting harness can be a great way to wake your dog up and take them outside when it’s time to go.
Hygiene is important
Caring for a paralyzed dog will require extra cleaning. Accidents will happen, so you’ll need to give them lots of baths. Hygiene is very important for dogs who wear diapers. Diaper changes should be frequent, as your pet’s skin is very sensitive. Regular diaper changes will help keep your dog comfortable and dry. They will also help prevent painful urine burns.
Dogs dragging themselves across the floor can easily cause abrasions. A drag bag is perfect for protecting your dog’s sensitive skin and allowing them to move around safely without getting hurt. For incontinent pets, the drag bag is made of water-resistant material and can be worn with a diaper.
Take care of yourself too!
Caring for a paralyzed pet can be rewarding, but for the primary caregiver, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting at times. It’s easy to become exhausted, so don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Take time to recharge yourself. Even just five minutes of quiet meditation or some fresh air can make a big difference. It’s true what they say on airplanes: “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.”
That includes getting a good night’s sleep. When dog mom Time Powell’s puppy Gravy was first paralyzed, sleep was one of the first sacrifices she and her partner made. Time says: “For the first few months, we slept on the living room floor or on the couch with him to make sure he wouldn’t fall out of bed, but we barely got any sleep either. Eventually, our physiotherapist said, ‘No, it’s totally fine for him to sleep through the night and Gravy will be fine,’ so we started trying other methods. At first, you have no idea what you can and can’t do.”
If you aren’t resting and taking care of yourself, you won’t have enough time for your dog, so giving yourself permission to take some time off is not selfish.
Conclusion
Caring for a paralyzed pet can undoubtedly be a challenging but also a truly rewarding experience. Providing unwavering love and support can make a huge difference in your pet’s life. Remember, seeking veterinary guidance and learning from the experiences of other pet owners can be invaluable. Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of self-care. Just as you provide comfort and care for your pet, it is essential that you look after your own health. By navigating this path with empathy, patience and dedication, you can ensure that your paralyzed pet enjoys a fulfilling life and create lasting memories of resilience, love and triumph together.
