May 14, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Meds

Knee surgeries are becoming more common among dogs, as technology becomes more advanced and owners are increasingly willing to turn to these surgeries to help their pooches. Competing and working dogs tend to damage their knees more often than any other joint. Like humans, the knee is a complicated joint that is somewhat precariously stabilized. If your dog gets knee surgery, it is important to know how to care for it so it can return to its favorite activities as soon as possible.

Keep it comfortable

After your dog returns from the vet following surgery, one of the most important things to do is make it comfortable. Set up its Deluxe Orthopedic Dog Bed in a central location in your home so it can lounge comfortably but still feel like it is a part of the family. If your dog prefers to hang out on the couch or bed, consider setting up dog steps like Plush Foam Dog Steps to help it get up and down without straining its surgery site. Some dogs might just prefer to rest in their crates. If this is the case for your pooch, just make sure it is easy for it to get in and out of.

Maintain consistency with pet drugs

Your veterinarian may prescribe pet drugs like Metacam or Previcox to help the pooch cope with painful inflammation or other post-surgery pain. Make sure you give this medication consistently and exactly as directed by your vet, since this is the only way to ensure the most comfortable recovery for the animal. Some drugs need to be given with pet food, so make sure you know the instructions so the pill works its best and doesn't harm your pooch.

Look for signs of recovery

The time it takes for a dog to heal after knee surgery can vary, but it is important not to rush recovery. Your vet may recommend taking the pooch for short walks at first, then gradually lengthen them. Make sure not to let your dog get too active too fast. Even if activity causes the dog pain, it may be hard for it to practice self control, so you might need to step in to prevent too much vigorous activity and pressure on the healing joint. Going forward, your vet may recommend a joint supplement with glucosamine for dogs, like Dasuquin, to soothe joint pain after exercise. 

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