Activities For Dogs After A Heart Attack
1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
You love your dog and it nearly broke your heart when you discovered your dog had a heart attack. Fear of losing them may now have you protecting your dog closely, restricting their activities, and believing the best thing for your dog is constant rest. Just like humans, though, dogs do need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and that includes at least some daily exercise. It doesn't have to be strenuous but keeping your dog moving their muscles and joints will help avoid painful complications like arthritis. You also want to keep your dog mentally stimulated and enjoying life and for your dog, that involves spending time with you. Try some of these activities with your dog that has had a heart attack and see if they don't seem to be happier. Of course, at any time your dog seems to have had enough, is panting heavily, or coughing, it's time to take a break.
Three Cup Monte
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Tasty nutritious treats
Three paper cups
Activity description
This activity is mentally stimulating, yet requires little physical exercise. It satisfies your dog's love of the hunt while allowing them to take it easy. It's a great game to play in the house so weather is not a factor and your dog is in a nice, climate controlled environment. Playing this game is of very low cost. You do need to make sure you're using healthy treats as a reward for your dog. If your dog likes fresh veggies or fruits they'll make great treats. Since this activity isn't physically strenuous you can play as long as your dog is not showing signs of strain or you run out of time, whichever comes first.
Step
1
Gather your equipment
All you need to do is take three paper cups and use a knife or scissors to poke a small hole in the bottom of each one. This will allow the scent of the treat to reach your dog's nose. so he can win the game. The stronger the aroma of the treat the better in the beginning. You can use treats that are less aromatic as your dog learns the game.
Step
2
Set up the game
Sit on the floor with your dog seated beside you. Of course, now is a great time to give your dog some affectionate pats and a loving speech before you set the cups upside down on the floor in front of you. Let your dog see you take a treat in your fingers but do not let them have it. Place the treat under one of the cups then swirl the three cups around from place to place without lifting them from the floor.
Step
3
Discovery time
The stage is set so now is the time to tell your dog 'find it.' Let them give each cup a good sniff. Hopefully they'll either reach up with their paw and slap the cup the treat is under or knock it over with their nose. "Yeah, good dog! You found it." Give your fur baby lots of praise and let them eat the treat. This is a nice quiet game for dogs that need non-stressful play.
Love this activity?
Know the Toy
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
healthy treats
small variety of toys
Activity description
This is another activity that doesn't require much physical exertion, but is a great brain game. Your dog is never too old to learn new tricks and now is a great time for them to gain some skills. The object of this game is to teach your dog to recognize their toys by name. Get them to consistently recognize one toy, then another, and still another. Your dog will take pride in performing this trick and you'll enjoy showing off his intelligence to your friends.
Step
1
Start with one toy
Start with a single toy. Do not have any other toys around when working on this part of the trick. Have your dog beside you and lay the toy on the floor. Let your dog go. They will probably approach the toy. When they touch it with either their nose or paw, use the clicker or say "Yes!" with enthusiasm. Repeat this portion of the trick until the dog consistently touches the toy. As a reward you may either play with your dog and the toy for a minute or two or give your dog a healthy treat. Now use the name of the toy. Repeat several times.
Step
2
Introduce two toys
Get out another toy, different than the first. If the first toy was a ball, use a stuffed teddy bear this time. Lay both toys on the floor. Say, "Get the ball." If your dog touches the ball, click and praise. Give no reaction when he touches the other toy. Wait until he touches the ball before you give a positive response. Repeat this part of the trick several times.
Step
3
Teach the second name, then the third
Now that your dog will consistently get the ball when you tell them to it's time to teach them the difference between a ball and a bear. When you lay the toys down, say the name of each - ball, bear. Then say "Get the bear." If your dog gets the right toy, click and praise. Again, show no response if they go to the wrong toy. You may simply repeat the command to get the bear. If your dog successfully accomplishes consistently distinguishing between the toys, you can now add a third toy to the act. How about a rope?
Love this activity?
Massage Time
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Blanket
Activity description
Massage is a great therapy for both you and your dog. It helps ease pain and stress, helps eliminate toxins and edema, calms the nervous system, and enhances the body's ability to heal. This activity will actually build the bond between yourself and your fur baby and can be done right in your own home. The only supplies you need are your gentle hands and a blanket for your pup to lay on. Watch your dog for signals that they are not enjoying the massage or showing signs of discomfort. You don't ever want to apply too much pressure on your dog's body or manipulate limbs or joints in any unnatural manner. Most dogs love for you to massage them and probably think you are just lavishing them with love and nothing could make them happier.
Step
1
Everyday massage
Have your dog lay down either on your lap or on the bed or floor. With flat palms, run your hands all over your dog's body. Pay attention to what you're feeling. Focus on the fur, the skin, the muscles, the fat, and the bone. Your dog will eat up all the patting, but in actuality, you are getting to know your dog's body and what is normal for it. You will learn to recognize muscle tension, lumps, coat condition, localized swelling, and body temperature. Being alert to those things could help you spot future health problems.
Step
2
Calming massage
If your dog is frightened by thunderstorms or fireworks, or agitated by sirens or just feeling restless, this massage will help them feel better soon. Start by gently resting your hand on your dog's neck or head. Use long, sweeping strokes along the entire length of their spine, moving slowly. If your dog likes it, gradually increase the pressure of the stroke. Repeat this several times. When ready to finish, rest one of your hands the base of your dog's head and one at the high point over their hips. This is the area that connects with the spine's relaxation and rest centers and encourages digestion, sleep, and tissue repair.
Step
3
Massage to relieve soreness and stiffness
If your dog seems to be stiff, this massage should help relieve their pain. Start by patting the area around the joint you are going to concentrate on. This will warm the tissue. Then gently apply compression over the area. Use slow, steady, but light pressure for a couple seconds then release. Repeat. The pumping motion will help move fluids through the muscles. It also helps take tension off the joint around the area.
Love this activity?
More Fun Ideas...
Going Bye-Bye
As long as your dog doesn't get car sick, they will probably love to get a change of scenery and a car ride with windows cracked open so they can smell the breeze. You may even want to make a quick stop at a park so your furry friend can smell the roses.
Bubbles
Nearly all dogs love bubbles blowing in the air. It doesn't require any distance running but gives them a bit of activity as they try to catch the iridescent baubles. Be sure to stop right away if your dog shows any signs of distress like heavy panting, drooling, or coughing.
Conclusion
Just like people, dogs can recover from a heart attack. You may need to be extra attentive to their needs for a while and make sure you don't let them overdo. Most of all, though, they need your love more than ever. You may not be jogging together for awhile but there are still plenty of activities your dog can...and wants....to do.