Caring For A Special Needs Dog

Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, gives advice on simple accommodations owners can make for dogs with special needs in order to maximize their safety and comfort.

Simple Accommodations

Special needs can include conditions that dogs are born with, those that arise due to a medical condition, or natural changes as they age.

Generally, dogs with special needs are resilient and adapt well, especially with support and consideration for their individual needs. This is especially true for dogs that lose their sight, hearing, or one of their limbs.

“Dogs that have lost their vision are able to acclimate fairly quickly; they start to rely on their other senses to adjust,” Teller said.

Caring for a blind dog may include:

• Maintaining a stable environment where furniture and objects are not frequently rearranged

• Providing a clear path to their beds, food, water bowls, and other areas where they spend most of their time

• Being increasingly aware of their activity — especially around swimming pools

For pets that are hearing impaired, there are numerous methods owners can use to effectively communicate.

“Deaf dogs can learn sign language and be trained to sit, stay, lie down, come, heel, and more,” Teller said. “Since they cannot hear their name called, some owners benefit from using a flashing light to attract their attention, and they can be trained to respond to touch as well.”

Finally, most dogs that lose a leg adapt well to having three legs and are able to return to their prior exercise routines.

“Dogs are amazing,” Teller said. “I have seen so many three-legged dogs that take up walking, running, and most of their general activities very quickly.”

However, an unhealthy diet can hinder three-legged dogs’ ability to adjust to their new lifestyle and can also lead to further health struggles.

“While it is important to keep all dogs at a healthy weight, it is of the utmost importance for a dog that is three-legged, as additional weight puts extra stress on their remaining joints and can aggravate Arthritis as the dog ages,” Teller said.

Being A Constant Source Of Support

Behavioral challenges and chronic medical conditions may take a bit more effort to accommodate, but a veterinarian can help advise on the best ways to address your pet’s specific needs.

“For example, dogs that are paralyzed in the rear will need help getting up and moving around,” Teller said. “Carts or doggy wheelchairs can help with mobility and allow a dog to move freely around its environment.”

Nursing care is especially important for dogs with multiple chronic conditions or that need help with urination and defection; these pets tend to do best if the owner or another caretaker can be regularly available to help.

“Pets that cannot urinate on their own may require their bladders to be manually expressed multiple times each day and are prone to urinary tract infections,” Teller said. “If they also have trouble passing a bowel movement, they may need a special diet, stool softeners, and laxatives.

“These dogs may also need to wear diapers and will require extra time and attention for grooming to maintain adequate hygiene, and they are also at higher risk of skin infections that may require veterinary intervention,” Teller said.

Dogs with special needs may have an increased cost of care, but a veterinarian can discuss treatment options and cost-saving measures to ensure the pet maintains the highest possible quality of life.

Cultivating A Healthy Lifestyle

Dogs with special needs of any kind may require extra time to maintain their mental stimulation through specialized toys, activities, and experiences.

“Blind or deaf dogs may enjoy puzzle toys where they can use their sense of smell to find treats,” Teller said. “These animals can also benefit from leash walks or safe places outdoors to explore the variety of smells and pleasant weather.”

When walking dogs with missing limbs, it is important to allow them to set the pace and determine how far they are comfortable going.

“Paralyzed dogs can be fitted with a dog cart or put in a doggy stroller and be walked around the neighborhood as well,” Teller said.

Despite the lifestyle changes a dog with special needs is experiencing, their excitement for what the day has to offer remains the same.

“The great thing about dogs is that they are just happy to be alive, and they embrace every moment,” Teller said. “Once you make special accommodations, they do super well and can live a very happy and fulfilling life.”

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: www.vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.