BACK BRACES FOR STABILITY

Wiggleless Back Brace
Purchase Wiggleless (USA)

When used as directed, the WiggleLess® dog back brace offers firm support, back stability and stress relief for your dog

L’il Back Bracer
Purchase Lilbackbracer (USA)

BOREDOM BUSTERS

Kongs filled with treats (non-fattening). Remember we are trying to keep our dog at a good weight to avoid stress on its back.

Enrichment treats such as LickiMats – available on DISA Shop LickiMat

SnuffleMats

Healthy chews

CALMING OUR HOUNDS

It’s not uncommon for our IVDD hounds to suffer from severe anxiety during restricted rest, this is where herbal supplements may help or even stronger medication (as prescribed by the vet or specialist) may be needed to prevent them from doing more harm than good.  Here are a few suggestions which may help –

HERBAL/NATURAL

Adaptil Diffuser. A synthetic analogue of canine appeasing pheromone, which has a comforting and reassuring effect on dogs

Canine Tranquil Formula 
Thunderstorms, fireworks, car trips, visits to the vet, seeing visitors and being separated from their owners and loved ones are all uncomfortable situations for dogs. Every dog has an individual personality and therefore deals with these events differently

PRODUCT INFO

CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)
A growing number of pet owners are using products containing cannabidiol or CBD to keep their pets calm and pain-free

FURTHER INFO

Lickimats
To soothe and calm anxious hounds

Makes treats and food last longer and prevents overfeeding
Helps clean dog’s tongue by removing food particles and bacteria
Freshens breath over time with regular use and improves overall oral and dental health
Keeps your pet entertained and helps them relax

ORDER ON DISA ONLINE SHOP 

paw Complete Calm
Tasty kangaroo-based chews that contain Tryptophan, B group vitamins and a blend of multivitamins and nutrients to support the general health and nervous function in dogs.  

PRODUCT INFO

Zylkene
A complementary feed for cats and dogs that contains a natural product derived from casein, a protein in milk.

PRODUCT INFO

Tellington TTouch Wrap

If you have a dog who experiences anxiety (think storms/fireworks!), this “HALF WRAP” is a great DIY way in which you can help to calm your dog.  And even better,  this wrap can also be used for various other situations too … like CRATE REST!   Yep, this simple method can help to keep your dog calm and relaxed.

Pharmaceuticals
If all else fails have a chat with your Veterinary Professional who can suggest anti-anxiety medication options.

CRATE IS YOUR MATE

Past experience has shown dachshunds are great escape artists. Soft crates, and even baby pens, are no contest for a desperate sausage!  Try and start off with a ‘trusty old’ metal crate with a roof.  We recommend 36″ and these can be found online – simply Google – Dog crates 36″.

If your hound simply doesn’t play nicely with a Crate you can also consider a Child Play Pen.  These also work well but beware if you have a jumper.

Recovery suites are another excellent concept – a pen with a crate inside!
A good solution when you have more than one hound after all our dachshunds are pack animals.

Another helpful tip is to use a dolly underneath your crate for ease of moving room to room

DRAG BAGS FOR DISABLED HOUNDS

Custom made exclusively for DISA by Pattern Maker Catherine Winter

Available for purchase on DISA Shop
ORDER HERE

Made from exclusive material imported from the UK that is used for moving and handling patients in hospital as it’s tough and is scuff resistant, though it is not designed for outdoor use.

HEAT PILLOWS

A handy aid during recovery and rehabilitation.
Used by physiotherapists during treatment to keep muscles warm and supple.

Cuddle heat pillows are available on the DISA Shop
Shop here

HOUND COMFORT

Blankets

A good orthopaedic type mattress for crate/pen.  Should not be too soft or too high.

A water bowl for crate (attached to side) which is raised high enough so that your dog does not need to bend down to it.  NB:  Ensure it’s one that clamps on to the crate with screws.

Towels & Baby Wipes (fragrance free & sensitive skin)

INCONTINENCE AIDS

If your hound is suffering incontinence belly band wraps for boys or baby diapers (with a hole cut out for the tail) for girls are lifesavers!

Check out Undercover by DISA Belly Band Wraps for Boys
ORDER HERE

LOTIONS & POTIONS

When hounds are paralysed or drag when mobile they can scuff and cause injury to their lower limbs etc.  These products have found to be useful in healing injuries.

Aloe Vera Gel – Thursday Plantation

Coconut oil

Calendula Cream

Medical Manuka honey

Dermoscent Bio Balm WEBSITE

Colloidal Silver USES & INFORMATION

PEE PADS

Dog pee pads are essential during the recovery period.  Simply lay them underneath and also in their crate/pen/stroller to catch any unexpected “surprises”

PHYSIO @ HOME

When the pain has eased and your dog needs to get moving or “If you don’t use it you lose it”

Physiotherapy and alternative therapies play an important role in a dog’s recovery.  DISA urges all owners to seek the advice of an animal physiotherapist, they will guide and provide you with a range of exercises including lots of homework.  Working on your dog doesn’t need to be difficult, it can actually be beneficial and very rewarding for both of you.

Here are some items that will help –

Electric toothbrush (used for massaging feet, legs and other parts of the body (as per professional advice) to stimulate nerve endings

Yoga mats can be used in several ways – standing your dog up on a mat while doing stretching and massage prevents slipping, rolled up and slipped underneath your dog’s stomach holds them up for balance and when your dog becomes more mobile. Yoga mats lined up in a row are great for proprioception exercises. eg. stepping over items like broom handles, garden hose etc.

Life jacket for swimming, great for strengthening the core.  We recommend Ezydog Floatation Device

Dog boots, Pawz dog boots or baby socks (encourages your dog to start feeling their feet and place them correctly.

Pawz Dog Boots are available for purchase on DISA Shop
ORDER HERE

Human hands and fingers – great for a gentle massage, tickling and stimulation

Click here REHAB 101 for lots more information!

POO PROBLEMS

It’s not uncommon for hounds to become constipated upon the onset of an IVDD episode.
Prescribed medications and changes in diet often cause this problem and here are a few ideas to help get things moving.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR VET BEFORE ADDING ANY OF THESE SUGGESTIONS TO YOUR DOG’S DIET

Actilax Lactulose Solution (500ml) is a lactulose solution for the effective treatment of chronic constipation. Since Actilax solution relieves constipation by producing a physiological change in the colon, it may take from 24 to 48 hours before normal defecation occurs.

Parrafin Oil

Mashed Pumpkin or Sweet Potato

Psyllium

Fecal incontinence and losing the ability to control bowel movements can be distressing for both the dog and the owner. You can learn how to express the bowel or stimulate a reflex to cause your pet to empty the bowel at a convenient place and time, minimizing your stress. Simple changes in your routine, like adjusting your pet’s diet can help produce stools that are easy to clean up. By working with your pet’s natural elimination schedule to avoid surprises.

Bowel Management for Incontinent and Constipated Pets

RAMPS TO KEEP 4 PAWS ON THE FLOOR

Ramps are recommended wherever possible to protect backs, particularly after an IVDD episode.

Dashie Dog Ramps are a generous sponsor of DISA and their ramps have been given the sniff of approval by our little IVDD hounds.

ORDER FROM DASHIE DOG RAMPS

SLINGS TO ASSIST WITH TOILETING

It’s not uncommon for Dachshunds to become very weak or paralysed following an IVDD episode.  Some may not be able to move their legs at all and others may be able to move their hind legs but unable to take proper steps (drunk walking). Without any assistance, these dogs either fall or drag their hind legs along the ground when trying to walk.  It’s not advisable to let your dog drag itself along.  Firstly, dragging can injure the skin where it scrapes along the ground.  Secondly, your dog will find it very hard to walk properly again once it’s got into the habit of dragging itself along.  A good way to learn to walk is to be given some physical support while attempting to walk.  By doing this you are keeping your dog out of harm’s way and also re-training the action of walking.  PS:  don’t forget sure you pop your dog on a lead as well to control your hound’s enthusiasm!

Support Sling by DISA
Available for purchase on DISA Shop
ORDER HERE

Gingerlead Support Sling
Available for purchase on DISA Shop
ORDER HERE

Slings can come in all forms, many owners “construct” their own or simply use a dressing gown cord, other use pantyhose/tights and even the old-style green shopping bag works a treat!

STROLLER BADGES TO MAKE A STATEMENT!

Custom embroidered patches/badges perfect to use on strollers when out and about with your IVDD hound. 200 x 100mm

Available for purchase on DISA Shop
ORDER HERE

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STROLLERS – AN OWNER’S BEST FRIEND!

Dog strollers are fast becoming the number one “must have” for IVDD hounds.  They offer owners an excellent way to “crate rest” while being close to you and the family and are back savers!

Depending on your needs strollers come in at a variety of price points.  If it’s only for house and garden use you can opt for a lower price point (hard wheels/no suspension) BUT if you are heading out to pound the pavements you will require one with the adequate suspension to prevent further injury to your dog.

Here are a number of links to get you started on your search.  Alternatively Google “dog strollers” for other options.

Ibiyaya (Google for best price)
Buddy & Belle Pet Stroller (Available from Pet Stock)
La Luna Pet Strollers (Australian-based company – lift-out capsule for transport in the car)

SUPPLEMENTS TO AID RECOVERY & MAINTAIN HEALTH

• Rose-Hip Vital Canine
• Ester C by Wagner – low acidic Vitamin C
• PAW Blackmores Fish Oil 500 Veterinary Strength
• Turmeric – Golden Paste
• 4CYTE Canine Joint Treatment
• Sashas Blend Joint Health
• Paw Fish Oil 500
• Antinol for Dogs
• Blackmores Osteosupport
• Green Lipped Mussels
• Hemp Seed Oil
• Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements
• Healthy diet
• Gut health supplements

TAPES & BANDAGES

When hounds are paralysed or drag when mobile they can scuff and cause injury to their lower limbs etc.

These products have been found to be useful to protect against wear & tear.

Cohesive tape

Vet tape/wrap

Rock tape

Melolin dressing (shiny side down)

Elastoplast

WHEELS FOR MOBILITY

Aussie Dog Wheelchairs
(Melbourne Vic)
Website

Australian made and owned. Perfect solution to assist your dachshund after spinal surgery to encourage rehabilitation if you are not able to access a Canine Rehabilitation facility or an Animal Physio.
Lightweight and have “All Terrain” wheels especially designed for our Aussie environment and lifestyle.

Eddie’s Wheels
(USA)
Website

Eddie’s Wheels designs and manufactures custom dog wheelchairs and wheelchairs for a variety of handicapped pets.

Walkin’ Wheels
(USA)
Website
Available from:
Dogs in Motion – Moorabbin Vic
Pets Need A Life Too – Semaphore SA
Animal Physiotherapy Solutions – QLD & NSW