You have finally come to terms with the idea that your dog will need surgery. You’ve worked out how to pay for it, prepared your house for a post-surgery dog, and are prepared to care for your dog while he recovers. If you have an energetic dog, you’ve probably considered how you’ll keep him quiet while he heals over the next 8–14 weeks. Boredom-response behaviors like barking, licking, leaping, whimpering, destruction, or despair are common when your dog is bored.
Activities to Keep Your Dog Busy While He Recovers
You can keep his mind engaged while he heals since mental stimulation is just as rewarding for a dog as exercise. Here are a few everyday activities to keep your dog occupied and out of mischief while he recovers.
1. Replace the food dish with food release items.
These gadgets convert a three-second feeding session into a psychologically demanding pastime by delivering kibble and soft meals like yogurt, canned dog food, or pumpkin. Start by introducing these objects to your dog so he can learn how to utilize them if he has never seen them before.
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2. If your physician permits it, give your pet a raw bone.
These may be found at various dog stores and can keep your pet entertained for hours. They are, however, untidy and should be stored in a box or X-pen.
Related: FAQs Cat and Dog Dental Care
3. Introduce a new game to your dog.
You can do hundreds of things with a dog recuperating from surgery that needs the use of its eyes, nose, or a single paw. Woof It Up’s Play & Train Kit contains 80 such activities tested and adapted for e-collar-wearing dogs and those with restricted mobility. Begin by choosing a game to play. Your dog will like having a job, and you will be pleased with all he learns.
4. Make advantage of the canine’s smell sense.
Exposure to odors may be beneficial to certain dogs. Change the aroma every two or three days with a drop of lavender or vanilla on the floor in the same area as the crate (not in the crate). Because a dog’s sense of smell is greater than ours, a single drop of fragrance put at least ten feet away from the crate will suffice. You might also apply DAP, which is a pheromone that attracts dogs. Many dogs find it relaxing because it chemically mimics the scent of mother’s milk.
5. Use massage and touch activities to help your dog relax.
Both will improve circulation while also soothing your dog’s mind and body. If your dog is sad after surgery, deliberate engagement may be beneficial.
6. Switch up the toys to keep them interesting.
Purchase five new toys in a variety of materials and styles. Introduce them to your dog one by one. On day two, when you introduce the following new piece, remove the previous one and rotate them to maintain interest. There’s nothing like a new toy for brightening a dog’s day.
For more information, you may also want to read: The Veterinary Surgery Process.
