Whoever said crate resting a Dachshund was easy needs to be hunted down and locked in a room full of IVDD sausages without earplugs for a week :-/>
When a human is admitted to hospital for back surgery they are confined to a bed, topped up with medication and hauled out of bed as soon as possible for physiotherapy. Easy right?
Try telling that to a Dachshund.
Let’s face it, hearing that your dog needs to be confined is up there with most dog owner’s worst nightmares. When their freedom is taken away through injury or illness, dogs can become anxious and destructive, and this is exacerbated when they are not used to being confined.
Facts to consider
- Crating/pen resting your dog will prevent further damage to the spine and most importantly allow much needed time to heal
- Every dog is different. Some will embrace crate rest and others will HATE it.
- Dogs aren’t humans, they WILL believe they are Super Dog when under the influence of heavy-duty pain relief. Nothing is impossible!
- There are different methods to restricted rest depending on your dog.
- It is imperative to understand the importance crate rest also plays in preventing further injury, relapse and promoting healing and recovery.
What is best for my dog?
When your dog it at the Vet/Specialist it will be contained in a metal enclosure with a door. Dog crates are designed to replicate a dog’s natural den and as such can provide them with a place of refuge.
Therefore, a metal crate with a roof is recommended, 36″ is a good size, small enough to keep your dog safe and large enough for them to move around to eat and use a pee pad at one end.
Why metal?
Experience has shown Dachshunds are great escape artists. Soft crates, and even baby pens, are no contest for a desperate sausage!
Help! my dog isn’t a jumper & hates being confined in a crate
Pens are another great option. Bunnings sell a sturdy child pen (Perma Child Safety Playpen Barrier) for around $100, well worth the investment.
My dog is an angel – can I use a soft-sided pen?
Sure! As we said earlier, every dog is different. If you have a dog that will quietly & calmly use a soft-sided crate/pen power to you.
Bunnings Canvas Playpen Enclosure (Fido & Fletch 1140 x 580mm) $61, is a great soft-sided option.
Doggy Boudoir options
Use your imagination when it comes to keeping your IVDD hound safe (& happy) during recovery.
Build a fort, pop a crate inside a fence. As your hound recovers add more room. Pop down Yoga mats to help with balance.
Mobility an issue?
Use a dolly or wheels underneath the crate for ease of moving room to room.
What do I do if I have another dog/s?
As much as we all love happy dog families, during the early stages of recovery your dog should be restricted and remain on its own to allow for healing and regeneration.
Some owners create a fort, popping a crate inside a fence so that the healthy dog can sleep close but not with.
As time progresses some owners allow the healthy dog to sleep inside the crate/pen but only when supervised.
Only you know your dog and its mate/s, do what works for you provided your IVDD hounds can recover and heal. Common sense is the key.
Helpful links about Crate Rest
Dr Marianne Dorn BVM&S PGCertSART MIRVAP MRCVS is a veterinarian, physiotherapist and rehabilitation practitioner and lives in the UK. She provides a wonderful online resource for recovering dogs and comes highly recommended by https://www.dachshund-ivdd.uk/