Environmental Enrichment for Recovery & Restrictions
STRICT CRATE REST
If your pet requires crate rest, perhaps over a longer period of time following surgery or orthopaedic surgery, there are lots of things owners can do to prepare and manage this recovery time.
This advice is aimed at dogs as they are the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries at Westport Vets, however the same advice given is also applicable to cats. There are lots of ways to keep your pet entertained and mentally stimulated safely during restricted rest. 10 key areas to consider:
1. Preparing for Crate Rest
Some things to consider which may help crate rest recovery:
- Get crate-ready – start with the crate as soon as you can pre-op if possible. Make sure there are food and toy items inside so when your dog enters it’s full of fun and positive things happen when they go inside. Be super happy when the dog enters too – lots of praise communicates they are doing well!
- Building up time inside – again building up with the door closed keeping it positive – for example having treats inside to search out or attach a kong or type item to the bars filled with liver paste or doggy peanut butter type things.
- Consider the position of the crate – a lot of dogs are much happier when in direct view of owners, some may be safer away from busy hallways or kitchen areas if they get frustrated or too aroused if lots of movement is around – dependent on the individual dog. Also avoid placing crates in drafty areas or too close to heaters.
- Location of crate – If safe and possible you could potentially move the crate, but ideally having an additional crate is beneficial to dogs’ welfare. An example of this is would be if dog usually sleeps in an owners bedroom but requires crate rest, it would be beneficial having a crate in the bedroom to prevent dog getting very stressed out if left alone through the night – this scenario also risks trauma to their wound recovery if dog jumping about in crate trying to get out etc.
- Pathways – Ensure the route between crate and toilet trip is non-slip. A non-slip mat or material placed over the floor can achieve this simply.
- Aids – if a dog requires an assistance aid such as a harness or aid to help support hips or body – this can be started pre-op to get them used to it before they need it. Lots of positives when items are around, lots of treats to put on and lots of praise.
- Be Buster Collar ready – in the same way buster collar training pre-op can be an advantage for helping to reduce any stress that could potentially cause a pet on recovery.
- Water bowls – Pets must have access to water at all times. Normal pet bowls inside the crate are a spill risk, both increasing pets’ stress and a risk for getting wounds or bandaging wet. You can get fixed water bowls for traveling that hook onto the inside of the crate so would be a recommended option to prevent water spilling and pets lying in wet bedding. Lots available online, (most found under search ‘Dog Crate Bowl’ or dog fixed crate bowl type description)
2. Crate Bedding & Instruction
Bedding in the crate – Vet Bedding is good as top layer as it absorbs any water or accidents well by their design it draws liquid to the bottom of the bedding. This means less risk to pets lying in soaked blankets and they are very easy to launder. Also puppy pads may be handy. Video from the Dogs Trust for encouraging puppys to settle, contains simple technique: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/training/settle-training
Mat Work
If you have done mat work training this would help with focus onto the crate bedding, as well as giving the dog a cue or instruction when to go back inside. The crate bedding could be used for training like mat work, start outside the crate and gradually move this into the crate.
Mat Work demo (by Lothlorien Dog Services) can be found here:
3. Distractions
- Noise – Could have something on for the dog that will help with external noises so helps reduce stress and frustration if the dog thinks they are missing out if hearing other things happening in the home away from the crate. Can also provide mental stimulation.
- Dog Sensory Music – apps like ‘Calm my Dog’ for Alexa play in the background. There are lots of free downloads on this online as well as a variety of other Dog TV options.
The Bioacoustic compositions in dog sensory music are specifically designed to appeal to a dog’s sense of hearing.The sound of music playing can cover up outside noises that may trigger your dog.
- DOGTV is specifically designed for stay-at-home dogs to help reduce anxiety and issues associated with separation anxiety. It’s free for a month and a subscription is available to watch on most smart TVs, Apple and Android devices. Victoria Stillwell is involved in this – lot of work put into its creation to ensure is mentally stimulating for dog as well as providing anxiety reduction when dog alone and they state claim to helping with separation anxiety issues: https://land.dogtv.com/uk/
You can try this out for free on their YouTube channel:
4. Comforts
This is also dependent on the individual dog (and not for any that instantly shred toys) but some dogs get a lot of comfort having something to snuggle into.
5. Feeding
- Routine – keep your routines close to normal – such as feeding times and toilet breaks. For crate rest you could put some of their food in their bowl at usual meal times but keep the rest as a way to mentally entertain them in the crate throughout the day.
- Puzzles – depending on the vet’s advice on how mobile to dog can be when inside the crate depending on their surgery, kibble could be used in various puzzle formats..
- Chews – Veggiedent ZEN chews – these are low calorie vegetable based chews you can purchase from Westport Vets. Dental chews specifically designed for dogs who need a little help with daily relaxation. These contain L-theanine which helps to reduce anxiety.
6. Toys
Lots of toys can be used on crate rest in a safe manner. Some could be frozen with some food or in something like chicken stock type things like rope toys – good for teething but all toys must have maximum supervision all times to ensure nothing ingested which shouldn’t be.
7. Owner Interaction
Ensuring recovery includes lots of attention and calming interaction from owners will help pets feel they are being included and reduce frustration levels if they feel they are missing out of activity inside or outside the home. Comfort and cuddles, speaking in soothing gentle tones, singing to them or reading to them.
- Brain Games – interaction with owners whilst exercising the dogs mind. Playing very simple games with food, such as getting them to pick when hand food may be hiding in.
Some target work such as chin to hand targets whilst dog in a sit or lying down position.
This involves head movement but nothing strenuous. - Dog massage can be a great tool so your dog gets attention without getting them too over excited. More information can be found online:
https://www.ttouchtraining.co.uk/ttouch-for-dogs - Physiotherapy – Speak to your vet regarding any physio appropriate activities or movement that could potentially be suitable on rest. It is vital you speak to your vet and ensure what may or may not be appropriate in case anything risks compromising surgery.
8. Pheromones
Dogs and cats have “receptors” (located between the nose and mouth) that help them recognize certain pheromones as positive, which produces a calming effect. Dog-specific pheromone products can help with separation anxiety, noise phobias (including thunderstorms or fireworks) and travel. Pheromones such as Adaptil or Pet Remedy.
9. Reward the Expected
When a dog is chilling or relaxed in a crate, it massively benefits to reward this. Even though the dog is doing what we want or expect by being relaxed and quiet in the crate – it should be communicated to the dog that this is good and can help the dog continue to be at ease for future. Reward the expected behaviour!
10. Routine
Having a routine can help create rest. Changing routine can be very stressful to some dogs. Ensuring the dog settles and sleeps at particular times and not just when overtired from seeking attention in the crate. A crate cover for part may help for napping times or quiet times. Breaking up the day with a routine with multiple feeding and interactions can also help dogs as they understand you are coming back to give them attention and may help them prevent attention seeking all day.
Take Care
Care must be taken not to do anything to compromise your pets recovery from surgery. Strict crate rest is vital to ensure wounds can heal and that surgery performed is given the best chance of success. If you are unsure please check with your vet before putting anything in place that could potentially compromise recovery.
Useful Links:
Website with cage rest tips:
https://www.thevetsaysrest.co.uk
Fun For Free:
Great games for recovery and to reduce energy on restricted exercise (please note care with last game as involves jumping last in video best left till fully recovered)
Ways to entertain your dog after dental surgery these can apply to any recovery and for restrictions – gentle enrichment games using soft food): https://youtu.be/U3eS24Upd48
Using feeding for mental enrichment:
BOOKS:
‘No walks no worries’ by Sian Ryan:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/walks-worries-Maintaining-wellbeing-restricted/dp/1845846052
‘Beyond The Bowl’ Enriching your dog’s life through food and mental stimulation by Diane Kasperowicz & Jodie White (Author, Contributor), Darryl White (Illustrator):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Bowl-Enriching-through-stimulation/dp/1527209865‘Brain Games’ by Claire Arrowsmith: (some if these could be adapted to crate to help mental stimulation):
Fun Ways to Build a Strong Bond with Your Dog and Provide it with Vital Mental Stimulation:
