Do you have an older dog with muscular or joint problems? To improve his quality of life, you can offer him orthopedic accessories. Often recommended by vets, these help your pet regain comfort. There are several types, each with its own specific use.
Dog orthoses
Splints or orthoses are orthopedic accessories specially designed for dogs to support a joint or limb. Custom-made, they are useful after a serious injury, operation or accident. These products are also suitable for pets suffering from tendonitis, rheumatism or fractures. In fact, there are several models of orthosis, including :
- ankle-foot orthosis: this orthopedic accessory keeps your dog’s ankle in a functional position;
- shoulder orthosis: indispensable in the event of major ligament injury, this orthosis is prescribed to support the shoulder, elbow and scapula;
- lower-limb prosthesis: used to correct a congenital anomaly or deformity;
- articulated knee braces: knee braces relieve the pain of customers with dislocated kneecaps.
Orthoses provide physical support to help the dog benefit from correct posture. What’s more, these orthopedic accessories help to increase blood supply while bringing oxygen to the tissues. This speeds up the healing process. When used in conjunction with physical activity, orthoses optimize tissue flexibility. The use of these orthopedic products increases elastin production. Elastin is a protein that makes soft tissues extensible.
Orthopedic accessories for dogs considerably improve their mobility. If your pet is unable to perform physical activities, it may develop various disorders, such as :
- muscular atrophy ;
- obesity
- coronary problems;
- bone alterations;
- emotional problems such as anxiety and aggression.
To help your dog regain his well-being, it’s important to provide him with a suitable orthosis.
Soft splints
Made from flexible materials such as propylene and neoprene, these braces offer support in the event of mobility problems. These can be the result of osteoarthritis, ligament damage, hip dysplasia, etc.
Rigid splints
These are effective for treating fractures or correcting proprioception disorders. This type of brace facilitates healing.
Rehabilitation splints
These orthopedic accessories are reserved for dogs suffering from neurological disorders or muscular insufficiency.
Orthopedic bed
Dogs sleep around 14 hours a day. To ensure their comfort, it’s a good idea to buy them an orthopedic bed. Made from a memory foam mattress, this accessory helps your pet enjoy a quality, healthy sleep. With its enveloping effect, it adapts easily to every morphology and every movement. With its ability to relieve painful areas and joints, it is both comfortable and durable. This product also promotes blood circulation.
An orthopedic bed can be used by puppies, pregnant bitches and even older dogs. This mattress is also indispensable for preventing joint problems such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. These problems are common in older, large-breed dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. The use of this product is required following muscular injury or cruciate ligament rupture.
Thanks to this revolutionary accessory, you can give your pet a better night’s sleep, while protecting its health. You can also add an orthopedic cushion to the bed to optimize relaxation comfort.
To choose the right orthopedic bed for your dog, consider the following criteria.
Thickness
An orthopedic dog bed or cushion should be at least 7 cm thick. For older dogs, 30 cm is preferable. A thicker mattress is more comfortable and provides good support.
Size and model
The shape of the orthopedic bed must be adapted to your dog’s size. In terms of models, rectangular cushions are the most widespread. There are also round models with high edges. In all cases, these orthopedic dog accessories must be easy to clean and waterproof.
Orthopedic dog baskets
As dogs age, their joints tend to become swollen and damaged. This often leads to loss of mobility. These four-legged animals can also suffer from rheumatism or muscle pain. So, if your dog is older, an orthopedic basket is a more effective solution.
Providing support for your dog’s aching muscles and joints, this accessory can reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. Unlike a conventional bed, it gives your pet a better quality of life. He can rest quietly and comfortably in his basket. These orthopedic accessories are recommended for dogs of all ages to prevent joint problems.
If you’re planning to buy an orthopedic basket for your dog, there are a few points to bear in mind when making the right choice.
Care and maintenance
Made from soft, comfortable materials, a washable orthopedic basket can withstand tears and wear. Durable, it is removable. This makes it easy to care for.
Basket size
To determine your dog’s size, measure its length and height. Choose a larger basket if you have a growing pet. This accessory can accompany him even when he reaches adult size. Avoid smaller models if your dog is a Labrador.
Material
Most orthopedic dog beds are made of fabric. Particularly soft, they prevent your pet from feeling pain while sleeping. Hard plastic models are also available. However, these are less comfortable.
Orthopedic bowls
In addition to being trendy, orthopedic bowls offer health and practical benefits. Unlike conventional feeders, orthopedic bowls come in a variety of models:
The raised bowl
Placed high up on a stand, these orthopedic dog accessories are designed to fit easily over your pet’s shoulder. Some sophisticated models can be raised to an adjustable height. So they’re comfortable to use.
The anti-glutton bowl
Featuring a central island, this bowl has many small obstacles. These help to distribute food evenly in the bowl. This helps your dog to feed at an appropriate pace.
The inclined bowl
Orthopedic bowls are available that can be tilted. They are practical and allow your dog to eat comfortably. What’s more, the degree of inclination is adjustable.
Why use orthopedic bowls?
Dog owners are turning to these orthopedic accessories for many reasons.
Improving your dog’s posture
With an orthopedic bowl, your pet can feed while keeping his back, neck and head straight. He no longer needs to bend over to eat. The use of this accessory is a good way to correct bad posture. Poor posture is often the main source of muscular and joint problems in animals.
If your pet suffers from osteoarthritis, consider giving it an orthopedic bowl. When he eats in an incorrect position, he may feel intense pain. This can exacerbate the disease.
Avoiding digestive problems
With a traditional feeder, your dog has to bend over to get at the food. This posture is far from comfortable for your pet. If he eats in this position, he may ingest air, causing digestive problems. It also causes significant discomfort for your dog.
Choosing the right orthopedic bowl
The advantages of using an orthopedic bowl are considerable. To make sure your pet benefits, choose the right model. The bowl’s capacity should be selected according to the dog’s weight and size. You should also take into account the amount of food your pet consumes per feeding.
As for the degree of inclination and height, you can rely on your dog’s measurements. To avoid unpleasant surprises, opt for adjustable models. You should also pay special attention to the material used to manufacture your orthopedic accessories. Plastics are not recommended. Their micro-particles can cling to your dog’s food. This can lead to allergies and various pathologies. So it’s best to opt for healthy, easy-care materials such as ceramic, stainless steel or silicone.
How do I care for orthopedic dog accessories?
To ensure the longevity of orthopedic dog accessories, proper care is essential. Regular washing is recommended to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
Cleaning bowls
Dog bowls should be cleaned with water and washing-up liquid after every meal. Use a soft cloth to dry the bowl.
Canine splint care
Before and after each use, wipe the outside of the brace with a damp cloth. If the accessory develops unpleasant odors, clean it with soapy water. Rinse with hot water and repeat the operation until the odor disappears. Leave to air dry.
Washing the orthopedic bed
To keep your pet in good health, be sure to clean its orthopedic mattress at least three times a year. You can do this by soaking it in soapy water. Add a little baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors. As for the cover, it should be hand or machine washed every week.
Cleaning the orthopedic basket
Before washing, remove blankets and other objects from the basket. Clean the basket with warm water and soap. Remember to use a disinfectant to kill parasites and bacteria lodged in this accessory. Rinse the basket thoroughly and air-dry before storing any items in it.