The first few months following a CCL repair surgery can be trying for both you and your dog. It is important during this time to provide your dog with adequate stimulation to prevent them from falling into some of the naughty behaviors exhibited by bored dogs. So instead of feeling guilty that you have to keep your best buddy crated or in a pen, find games, activities, and toys you can enjoy while your dog is on the road to recovery. You will want to choose items that do not require much movement, but will provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Here are a few of my favorite toys and treats for a dog recovering from surgery:

• Kongs - Even the heartiest of chewers will be hard pressed to destroy this synthetic, conical-shaped toy. The shape of the Kong is perfect for prolonged chewing, and the ability to hide a treat inside is an added bonus for the persistent dog. I generally put peanut butter inside of the Kong, as I have found it is much harder (and fun) for my dogs to try to reach, but you can use practically anything that slides into the opening on the bottom of the toy – Milkbones work well too. Or if you want to go for the ultimate in Kong treats, place a few pieces of cheese inside the Kong and cover the openings with peanut butter, this should keep your canine occupied for hours!
• Marrow Bones – Marrow bones are a raw food, so be sure your dog has a healthy immune system before introducing this treat. Most dogs handle raw marrow bones just fine. Note that I am referring to knuckle or femur bones, where the dog will eat the attached cartilage, meat and marrow but not the actual bone. Look for good-sized bones (too big to fit entirely inside your dog’s mouth), and the more cartilage and meat attached the better. Cut off any large chunks of fat. If your dog hasn’t had marrow bones before, give him one under supervision, and watch for any stomach upset that might follow — the marrow is very rich and your dog may need time to adjust to it. You can find marrow bones at your local grocery (often labeled as “soup bones”) or at a butcher shop. Many butchers will cut the bones to any size you like — sometimes the ones they put out are too small for large breed dogs.



• Bully Sticks – As long as you are able to get past the fact that these meat sticks are made from bull penis, your dog will be occupied for hours trying to consume this jerky-like treat. Bully sticks are a bit on the expensive side, but you can buy them in bulk and save a little money at most animal wholesale stores. It usually takes my heavy chewers about an hour or so to get through an entire stick, and it is really money well spent for a dog that is being cooped up in the house to recover from an operation.
• Knotty Ball – This is a rope toy that is comprised of a bunch of knots forming a ball. While this toy actually tended to get our dog a little too excited as he thought we were going to start playing a rousing game of tug-of-war or fetch, I thought I would mention it for those dogs that are not necessarily interested in chasing balls around or pulling on ropes. This ball, whether engaging in rough play or just letting your dog have its way with it, lasts a long time, and also helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean while gnawing. Use at your own discretion, this one might not be perfect for every dog.

Best Toys and Treats for a Post Operative Dog is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

1. Get your dog used to his new place well before the surgery date. If you are crating a dog that is not used to being crated or confining a dog that is used to having run of the home, it is important to get them used to this change prior to bringing them home from surgery. I recommend starting this transition as soon as you are aware of the upcoming surgery.
2. Cover your floors with non-skid carpeting; this is especially important if you do not already have carpeted floors. You will want to do everything possible to ensure your dog has no chance of slipping or sliding on an uncovered floor.
3. Disconnect the doorbell and place a sign on your door advising people not to knock; the more quiet you can keep your home, the better for your dog.
4. Have leashes hanging on the doorknobs everywhere in the home where your dog may go outside for bathroom breaks; there is nothing worse than searching for a leash to let your dog out when they are in pain, or getting them all riled up because you can not find their leash.
5. Have chicken stock, rice, boiled meat, and pumpkin on hand in case your dog is refusing his regular food after surgery.
6. Prepare the area your dog will sleep the first night home by covering the bottom layer with plastic. If your dog is not staying overnight at your veterinary clinic the day of surgery, there is a good chance that he may wet himself during the night due to the high volume of IV fluids they are giving during surgery.
7. Have ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling for the first few days after surgery. You may also want to have hot compresses available for the 3rd day on – it is best to follow your veterinarian’s advice with regard to the use of hot and cold compresses.
8. Cover the windows to prevent your dog from getting overly excited by outdoor creatures and excitement. Again, do everything possible to keep your dog’s recovery area safe and quiet.
9. Make sure you understand the dosing instructions and have the proper medications for your dog upon leaving the clinic. Everyone has their own way of managing medication administration, some make charts, others record the times given, and some people will tailor medications around meal time. We found that the easiest way for us was to set up a web-based calendar (we use Google Calendar) to send us an SMS text message whenever a dose was due.



10. If you have steps, make sure your dog does not have access to them; use a gate or barricade to prevent any premature stair climbing.
11. Boredom usually sets in pretty quickly for dogs during the post operative period, and having indestructible toys on hand can help to alleviate some of this stress. Frozen Kongs and bones can provide hours of distraction, which is a must for an owner that is unable to be with their pet at all times.
12. Make arrangements to take time off from work or have someone check in with your dog throughout the day for at least the first few weeks post op.

Preparing Your Home for a Post Operative Dog is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information