Top Activities For Dogs After Bladder Stone Surgery

Introduction

When your dog has to undergo surgery of any kind, it is a scary and stressful time for not just them, but you as well. While bladder stone surgery is a straightforward procedure, it is major surgery and your dog will need time to recuperate. Since you cannot explain why they hurt or cannot go out and play until they are healed, you will need to come up with activities to keep them occupied and content. There are plenty of sedate activities that even the most active dog will enjoy while recuperating from bladder stone surgery.

Brain Games

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

45 min

Items needed

Games and Puzzles

Kong

Treats

Activity description

Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation, especially after being under anesthesia. Since they are not going to be able to move much the first few days after bladder stone surgery, you will want to introduce some new brain games and puzzles for them to enjoy. Puzzles and games come in all different shapes, sizes, and difficulties. Get a few different ones so they do not become easily bored. Your local pet specialty store will have a selection of puzzles and games to choose from. You may also want to pick up a Kong that can be filled with treats so your dog can roll it around when they are able to move around more.

Step

1

Find games and puzzles

Look for games and puzzles that do not require your dog to move or stand to complete. You will also want to choose a few different ones with varying levels of difficulty to keep them guessing which puzzle or game they are going to get. You can even make your own puzzles and games at home such as hiding treats in a muffin tin and placing tennis balls over so your dog has to move the ball to get the treat. As they start to feel better, fill a Kong with their favorite treat or even peanut butter and let them roll it around trying to retrieve the treat.

Step

2

Entice with treats

The first few days after bladder stone surgery your dog may not feel up to doing much of anything. Have a favorite treat on hand that might entice them to play with their new games or puzzles, maybe even have special treats that they do not normally get such as chicken livers or cheese cubes that would make them more willing to work with their puzzles.

Step

3

Watch them enjoy

After the stress of surgery on both you and your dog, there is nothing sweeter than being able to sit back and watch them having fun with a brain game and enjoying the treats that come with them. Take the time to sit with them and relax. Give them encouragement and plenty of TLC while playing with their games and puzzles.

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Short Walks

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

15 min

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Activity description

Do not expect your dog to go for short walks immediately following bladder stone surgery. Consult your veterinarian on when they can begin being more active. Once your veterinarian has given you the go-ahead for short walks, prepare for each walk and plan short trips so you do not overtire your canine friend. They will be weak and need frequent stops. Walk at a slower pace and keep them on leash so they do not try to run or do too much while walking. Walking is great exercise and will give your dog a chance to enjoy being outside where you can keep an eye on them. They will love being able to stretch their muscles and be in the sunshine.

Step

1

Plan your walks

Before setting out for your walks, talk to your veterinarian and make sure your dog can take 10 to 15 minute walks. After bladder stone surgery, some dogs cannot take short walks for several days. You want to make sure that it will not cause harm to your pooch. Bring treats and water with you even though you are only taking short walks. They are still recovering from surgery so you want to be cautious with them.

Step

2

Keep calm

It is only natural that you will feel the need to hover and constantly check your dog as they walk. However, your nervousness or stress will transfer to your dog and they will then not enjoy the walk either. Stop halfway through the walk and check how your dog is doing. If they seem to be tiring quickly, take a break. Sit on the sidewalk or find a bench so they can rest before heading back home. Smaller dogs can even be carried home if they become too tired during their walk.

Step

3

Enjoy several a day

Keep each walk short. You do not want to exhaust your dog while they are recovering from bladder stone surgery. Plan to take them on two to three 10 to 15 minute walks each day. This will break up the monotony of the day for your dog and give them something to look forward to each day. It also gives you the chance to spend time with your friend and simply enjoy their companionship.

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Movie Night

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Dog-friendly Movie

Snacks

Sofa or Pallet

Activity description

Okay, so really the movie is more for you, but snuggle time is for your dog! Some dogs actually enjoy watching television from time to time but they really enjoy being with their family more. Pick out a dog-friendly movie, pop some popcorn, open some doggy treats, pop open a soda and settle in for a few hours of relaxation. If your dog is too big for the sofa, make a pallet on the floor and sit with them during the movie. Maybe even give them a light massage while they are stretched out next to you. They will love being near you!

Step

1

Set up movie room

You do not need an actual movie theater in your home to enjoy a movie night with your pooch! If your dog is too big to be comfortable on the sofa, or they are simply not allowed on furniture, make up a pallet with fluffy quilts and pillows for you guys to cuddle up on and relax. If you are on the floor, make sure the snacks are out of your dog’s reach. You do not want them getting into human snacks that may not be good for them!

Step

2

Settle in

Have the movie ready to go and the remote control handy. Then, bring your dog into the movie room and settle them into their spot. They will want to be near you so snuggle beside them once they are settled. Be sure to show them that you did not forget their favorite snack and give them a taste before the movie starts. They may still be tired even if it is several days after their bladder stone surgery so if they prefer to snooze through the movie, let them.

Step

3

Have fun and relax

It can be so relaxing to just sit and pet your dog. While you are watching your movie, be sure to reach over and gently stroke their head and neck. You can even lightly massage them while they are snuggled next to you. Do not be too rough when messaging them, but lightly work any tension out of their muscles. By the end of the movie, you will both be ready to be tucked in for the night!

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More Fun Ideas...

Trick Training

Your dog will be sore from bladder stone surgery; however, there are several simple tricks that you can work on with them while they are recovering. This will keep them somewhat active and also work their mind. Keep training sessions short and space them throughout the day so they have something to look forward to as the days wear on.

Targeting

Targeting is when you teach your dog to touch an item with their nose or paw. This can be done even while recovering from bladder stone surgery because you do not have them move much when learning targeting. To begin have them touch your hand with their nose to get a treat and move on to other targeting areas.

Conclusion

Bladder stones can be a serious condition if not treated quickly. However, bladder stone surgery is usually successful and most dogs make a full recovery. While recovering, however, your dog will become bored and tired of being limited in their exercises. Have plenty of activities planned so you can keep them entertained, calm and healing nicely. If you are unsure of your dog’s ability to do a certain activity, consult your veterinarian before attempting it. They will guide you and let you know when your dog can resume normal activities.