Crate Rest

[The Midgets]

So I've never had to do crate rest before. Does he have to stay in it 24 hours a day? When I'm home can I have him on the couch with me? (Obviously I'd pick him up and put him down)

Any tips, ideas and or reccomendations?

[oceangirls]

Yes, the concept behind strict crate rest is that he would stay in there 24 hours a day, taken out only for bathroom breaks (during which he would only walk around a few feet, on a harness and leash if possible, with support for his back end if needed)... and vet visits or therapies.

Putting him on the couch with you places him at risk for reinjury if he jumps down or gets excited.

If you have a dog who is very distressed in a crate, you could consider an x-pen... but ideally the smallest confined space that he can stretch out and stand or sit in - you don't want any jumping or lunging.

Our members have had good success with doing things like placing the crate on a bed or cart so it can be moved from room to room and the dog can always see you and be in the middle of the family's activities. A pet stroller can also be a lifesaver.

Angel had a small wire pen - she could see out of all sides of it and turn around, and I moved it from room to room so she could always see me. I think it made her feel special to have her own "box" when Cassie did not :). It had little rollers on the bottom and I made a big production about moving her around. I *might* have made train noises :rolleyes:. Anything for my Queen.

[Ivan]

Sorry, no laps. Jackson must remain as immobile as possible while his spine heals (calcifies). Lifting & squirming can undo the healing. So best is confined to quarters for the duration. Btw, washable crib liners (from Walmart) helps for potty time, at least until bowel control returns.

http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm

Notice the linky in there showing how to safely carry the dog.
Did the vet show you how to express his bladder (to pee)?

Fwiw, our experience was here http://doxielovers.com/dlc/showthread.php?t=34133

[Rae]

Stroller = puppy dog chariot. Best thing ever. And crate rest really means it. It sucks, more for you than him, because we are well trained to cave to their every whim.

[lotsadox]

I agree with everyone. Crate rest is 24/7 until the vet says it's okay to release him. The stroller worked wonders for me because Bogart didn't like to have me out of his sight. After 2 weeks of sitting with him in the bedroom from the time I came home until bedtime or being barked at loudly because he couldn't see me, I got a stroller. What a relief! He was happy because I could take him with me when I went to the kitchen or outside. I had a small stroller and could even carry it upstairs! It was a life and sanity saver.

[BeauBuddy]

I used a second leash to be a sling for Georgia.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u174/pennypie_2007/IMG_1542_zps201229d2.jpg

We did have her on the couch with us, but leashed up and tied to our hand that she couldn't move more than an inch. She is and always has been very settled when held and very content. I think I wouldn't recommend it to anyone though especially with a spinal cord injury.

[The Midgets]

Boy this is going to be tough! The vet said Jackson's bladder is fine and he should pee, but we've been home for 8 hours and nothing so far. I have no idea how to express his bladder.....I guess it's google time!

[Ivan]

http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm

You can express him in his crate at first, then later on a cookie sheet (or whatever) lined with paper towels, then eventually outside. For now, you want limited movement. An open-topped crate is very handy for this and you can temporarily open up yours by removing (opening up) the metal clips ( http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/cratesupplies/preppingcrate.pdf ).

Amy had suggested this helpful post-surgery info:

http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htm

I suspect your furboy will want to vegetate all day, cuz he's gonna be swollen and sore for many weeks yet. Afterwards, he'll be right as rain.

[The Midgets]

Lots of great info guys, thanks. Jackson is fuzzy with painkillers and will be for the next few days, so that will help with the crating. It's not actually a crate, I'll try and get a picture of it tomorrow.