Activities For Dogs With Bone Cancer

Pick out a few new treats in the pet store that your pup has never tried. Aim to get at least three or more types of treats and get a good variety. Some crunchy, some soft, a few that are chicken based and others that focus on beef is a good way to go. You can also just opt to make the treats at home with a homemade dog treat recipe or just shred up some cooked chicken, cooked ground beef and some baked sweet potatoes as your treat samples for your dog. Anything new will do!

Place one of each treat on separate plates and bring them over to your dog. Let your dog relax and move as little as possible so they remain comfortable despite their bone cancer. Lay the plates around your dog and see which treat they immediately gravitate to (they will likely eat them all but which do they pick first?). Once all the treats have been eaten, place the treats on separate plates again and repeat the tasting test. Will your dog choose something different to eat first this time or will they go right for the same treat? Keep offing the treat variety plates to your dog until you discover which they like the best based on which they eat first.

Now that you know which treat really is your dog's favorite, give it to them often! You want your dog to be happy and well fed so that they enjoy every moment of every day. If your pup seems to be tiring on the same old treat (even though it was their favorite), play the game again with new treats! Who knows, your dog may love chicken chews this week and just want milk bones the next. Silly pups...

Get your dog's wagon set up so that it is comfortable for them to sit in. Some blankets and pillows will make it cozy and enable your dog to sit inside without pain. You can opt to put a small cup of water in the wagon corner, situating it so that it does not fall or spill as you walk. You still want to have a collar and leash on your dog just in case they get enough energy to try to jump out!

Plan where you would like to walk with your dog keeping in mind that you will be pulling the cart the whole way. Pick a flat road, sidewalk or paved trail to make it a little easier on you and for a smoother ride for your dog. Get your dog situated in the wagon and head out on your walk! Your pup is likely going to be very excited the second you step out the door!

As you walk, pull the wagon close to trees, bushes and fire hydrants so that your dog can get in a good sniff. You can opt to take your dog out of the wagon and let them "mark their territory" as well. Make sure your pup is comfy as you walk and try to avoid any big bumps so that they don't bounce around in the wagon. Make wagon walks a part of your daily routine as it is sure to make for one happy pup.

There are many treat puzzles on the market that involve putting a treat inside the puzzle and your dog using their nose or paws to unlock the puzzle. There are a variety of levels to choose from so you can start your dog with an easy version and work up to the harder puzzles that really lock those treats inside! Show your dog how to use the puzzle the first time you give it to them but then, after that, they are on their own!

Set your dog up with a self feeder which is a simple toy that will literally dish out the dog food whenever your dog asks. Forget any diet plans your dog may have been on or limitations on dog food - if your dog has bone cancer, let them eat all the food they want! When your dog pushes a simple lever, dog food will pour out and fill their bowl. You'll never have to worry about remembering to feed the dog again - your dog can feed themselves!

A simple Kong toy is ideal for dogs with limited mobility. Stuff a Kong with a few dry dog treats and let your pup toss it around to get the treats out. Put some peanut butter inside and let your dog lay around and lick it out. Melt some cheese inside (Kongs are microwavable!) and give your dog a gooey treat. Kongs are going to be your pup's new favorite toy for sure!