Taking care of your disabled pet can be a challenge. Seeing them after an accident or a severe illness is heartbreaking, but this should not stop you from loving them any further. Their condition would require more attention, but don’t let this worry you. Animals adapt to disabilities far better than people do, so you can be assured to see your furry friend regaining that optimistic disposition.
As pet owners, you should administer the proper care as per your pet’s disability, however, don’t forget to provide them the right amount of nutrition for your pet’s total wellbeing.
The Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured Campaign of the Pet Food Institute (PFI), in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), shares some best practices on proper care for their disabled pets.
The rule of thumb – consult your vet
Seeking medical advice is always good. This is to keep track of your pet’s health. With regular visits to the vet, you’ll able to know any detection of damage and ways that could prevent or cure it. Doctors also offer medical procedures or treatments to pets with special needs. Towel therapy, for instance, supports your pet’s paralyzed hind limbs that would allow them to maneuver their legs and keep their muscles flexible. Specific therapies do not necessarily apply to all types of pet’s conditions, so it is always best to seek a doctor before taking any actions.
Choose the perfect gear
Pets such as those with dysfunctional or amputated limbs would require mobility aids. There is a wide variety of mobility aids for your handi-abled pet available in the market. Wheelchairs or carts come in different shapes and sizes. Make sure it fits perfectly otherwise it could compromise the comfort of your pet. Rear leashes, harnesses and slings offer help by strapping on the body parts where your pets needed it most, and may help to give the exercise they need. Ramps are useful to assist pets who are unable to walk up a leveled surface. Boots on the other hand help senior pets for their stature. The footwear’s friction will help them stand or walk on slippery floors. Special padding or bandaging can help prevent skin abrasions or sores from chafing on the pressure points.
Choosing the right gear can be extremely helpful to both you and your pet. With the right gear, your pet will surely be able to move more freely and comfortably.
Build a habit
Building routines will lessen the burden for you and your pet. Observe how your pet is doing and develop practices that would suit their needs. Your handi-abled friend might not groom themselves as often as they did before, so it is important to give your pet regular thorough baths. If your pet suffers from dry skin, moisturizers can do the trick. Good flea control is also necessary for your pet to keep them from scratching.
More often than not, disabled pets are prone to intestinal infections and arthritis because they tend to urinate and defecate less frequently. Their functional limbs tend to be overworked, too. It is important to supervise their bladder and bowel movements, so always be on the lookout when your pet’s got to go.
It is also important to maintain a balance of proper care and a healthy diet with the right nutrients and ingredients. PFI upholds the practice of proper feeding to nourish your pet by providing the Philippine market a wide range of nutritionally balanced commercial pet food scientifically formulated in the U.S. The ingredients and the processing techniques are made with the highest standards; ensuring pet owners like you can give the proper diet your pet needs.
With the ambition of proper pet care and nutrition, PFI and VPAP’s Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured Campaign encourages pet owners to provide the best nutrition and lifestyle for their pet’s wellbeing.