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It's important that your dog's splint or cast doesn't get wet. Avoid letting your dog run around in your backyard or the park off leash. Also, make sure you clean up any puddles or spills on your floors so your dog's splint or cast doesn't get dragged through them. If the splint or cast becomes wet, reach out to your vet. They may ask you to bring your dog in so they can replace the splint or cast. It is important that your dog does not lick his wound. A dog's mouth is full of bacteria and licking will likely infect the wound. Talk to your vet about the different options that are available to prevent licking. There are various neck braces that prevent the dog from turning around to lick its wound. If your dog is not a chewer, a light dressing or an old sweatshirt can provide a barrier between his tongue and the wound. While your dog recovers from the broken bone, you'll need to restrict their movement to a few five-minute walks a day, or just enough to let them eliminate outside each day. Although it is not absolutely necessary, you might want to keep your dog in a crate during this time, so you don't have to worry about them injuring themselves when you can't see them. Crates are widely available from pet retailers and sold for the purpose of housebreaking puppies. You don't want a crate that is overly roomy. The general rule is to use a crate that the dog can sit upright in without banging its head. After a few weeks and if your veterinarian approves it, you can start to increase physical activity. Keep your dog away from stairs and slippery surfaces. If you let the dog out of its crate, it may run around and injure itself again! If your dog is pawing at you, biting, or reluctant to move about, it could be an indication that they are in pain. There have been advances in the treatment of pain in dogs, so you should ask your veterinarian about the different options available for your dog. Your veterinarian may prescribe a pain medication, which could be a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), a synthetic opioid, or an opioid. You should ask your veterinarian which medication works best and when it will make your dog's pain go away. You should also ask about side effects of specific drugs. If NSAIDs do not work, your veterinarian may prescribe opioids. Depending on what type of treatment your dog received, your vet will let you know when you need to bring your dog back in. They will do X rays to make sure the fracture is properly healing. They will also give you new recommendations for home care, such as longer, fifteen-minute walks. They may recommend hydrotherapy for your dog. Hydrotherapy is like physical therapy, but it takes place in water. The buoyancy of the water makes it easier for dogs to move their joints during recovery. Choose bedding that keeps pressure evenly spread under your dog's weight, such as orthopedic memory foam beds. There are also some beds that have a wicking effect, which means that if your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom in the crate, the moisture will be drawn away from its skin. If the weather is cold, cover the crate with blankets at night. You may also want to give your dog a blanket. To relax your dog during recovery, you should be sure to give them lots of attention. Giving your dog lots of attention to ensure that your dog is calm and promotes relaxation. Caress your dog's ears for five minutes. Pet your dog's back to make them feel better. Since your dog will be spending lots of time indoors or in a crate during the recovery period, you'll want to keep them stimulated with toys and loving attention. Give them a new rawhide toy or bone to chew on in their crate.
Keep the injured area dry if your dog has a splint or cast. Stop your dog from licking the wound. Restrict movement for the first four weeks after surgery. Ask your veterinarian about pain medication. Go for a check-up after six weeks, or earlier if your vet recommends it. Provide memory foam bedding. Give your dog calming attention. Throw your dog a bone.