Canine Rehab & Mobility: Building a Plan & Equipment to Get Started

Young or old, dogs of all ages are not immune to injury. Whether they’ve sustained a competition-related injury or have aggravated an existing condition while playing, having a solid dog rehab plan in place for post-injury helps ensure a fast, full recovery.

In this week’s blog post, we’ll explore some of the best practices for dog recovery after an injury and the best at-home  dog mobility and rehab equipment.

The Importance of Dog Rehab and Mobility

Ensuring that your dog stays active, healthy, and free of pain is essential for helping them have the best quality of life possible. Dogs who are in pain due to an injury or an untreated joint or disc condition can quickly develop behavioral problems. They can also experience worsening of their condition or injury, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount.

Here are a few additional reasons for creating a dog rehab plan after an injury:

• Faster recovery: Much like with humans, the quicker you begin treatment of an injury or pain condition, the better the outcome. Utilizing the right dog mobility and rehab equipment can yield faster recovery times, which can help your dog get back to their normal routine as soon as possible.
• Improved quality of life: Your dog deserves to live life to the fullest at every age. Even small, seemingly harmless injuries can cause your dog to feel pain while walking around your home, playing, or when trying to sleep. As soon as you realize that your dog is suffering at all, it is crucial to take them into the veterinarian’s office for an assessment. Quicker recovery means that they can once again have an excellent quality of life.
• Mental well-being: Your dog’s mental well-being is also an important consideration post-injury. If left in pain for any amount of time, even normally well-behaved K9s can experience a shift in their behavior and personality. Some can even lash out with aggressive behavior as a reaction to extreme pain.

Equipment Necessary for Dog Rehab

What are some of the most effective strategies for helping your dog return to full health? First and foremost, if your dog is showing signs of pain or if you witnessed an injury, always seek immediate veterinary care. Don’t attempt to diagnose or treat your K9 without first consulting with a professional. What looks like a minor issue could be the sign of a more serious condition or injury that requires immediate attention.

Once you’ve confirmed your dog’s diagnosis with their veterinarian, you can purchase the necessary dog recovery equipment to help facilitate a fast and easy healing process. Restoring your pup’s quality of life as quickly as possible should be your number one goal as an owner.

Not sure where to start? Depending on the condition, these are some of the most popular pieces of dog mobility and rehab equipment that we carry:

• Balance balls and boards: Need to strengthen your dog’s core and limbs? Balance balls and boards are wonderful for helping build up muscle strength. They come in various sizes to accommodate small through large breeds. Wobble boards and balance discs can also help achieve the same goal of restoring balance and strengthening leg muscles.
• Orthopedic treadmill: Dog-specific treadmills are a great way to begin restoring your K9’s ability to walk. Designed for indoor use, most orthopedic treadmills can accommodate dogs up to 180 lbs. Another great benefit of these treadmills is that they ensure consistency in your dog’s rehab routine. Since they are created to be used inside, the weather never has to play a factor in helping your dog get the movement they need to heal. Here at J&J Dog Supplies, we sell models made by dogPACER and Dog Runner.
• Heated beds: Heated beds are ideal for helping dogs recover after various surgical procedures. A constant supply of heat to the body keeps blood flowing, which is a crucial component of the healing process. Most styles of heating beds can be purchased in sizes that accommodate all breeds. We sell a variety of heated beds made right here in America by K&H Manufacturing.
• Vitamins and supplements: Enhancing your dog’s nutrition while recovering is also important for expediting the time it takes to recover. For example, if your dog is facing joint issues, joint supplements can provide additional support and promote healing. Other supplements can boost the immune system, which is essential after surgery or after an illness.

J&J Dog Supplies Has All of Your Dog Recovery Equipment

Want access to the most comprehensive selection of top-quality dog mobility and rehab gear? Look no further than J&J Dog Supplies! We’re your one-stop shop for all of your dog’s needs