Top Activities For Dogs After Antibiotics

Introduction

Whether your pup has been injured, ill, suffering from an infection, or has undergone surgery, you will often find they need a course of antibiotics. While the type of medication can differ depending on what your pup is suffering from, you may have been told by your vet to keep your dog “quiet” during their recovery period. For some pooches, this is easier said than done, and you may be racking your brain trying to find something to keep them stimulated. If your pup is poorly and quiet time is necessary, here are a few of the many stimulation options to stop them from getting cabin fever.

Chew Toys

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 3 hrs

Items needed

Chew toys

Activity description

It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing; you will find that chew toys can fill in a significant amount of your furry friend’s day. When they aren’t allowed to bound around in the backyard, filling their toy box with a myriad of bright, colorful and inviting toys could be the answer. Your pup will enjoy spending hours chewing on a delicious bone or a toy designed for tough little chewers. What’s more, chew toys for dogs are relatively affordable at most pet stores and can be a saving grace when all your pup wants to do is get outside and get active.

Step

1

Choose toys

You know your puppy better than anyone, so you will know which toys will last the distance and which they will destroy in mere seconds. Therefore, when you head to your local pet store, keep your dog’s chewing habits in mind. You want something that is going to keep them challenged and stimulated, not something that will break apart the minute they sink their teeth into it. You may find dental bones for dogs are a valid option, or thick rubber balls and ropes that are designed to test even the hardest little teeth.

Step

2

Set up an area

When your dog is on antibiotics, there’s every reason to believe they won’t be themselves. Therefore, you may like to set up a quiet area for them where no one will annoy them, offering plenty of space for them to relax, nap, and heal. Once you’ve purchased them some brand new toys, you can set these up in your designated area along with fresh water and their bed for comfort.

Step

3

Supervise

No toy is entirely indestructible, even if it takes several days, weeks, or months for your pup to make an impact on it. Therefore, when you load your dog’s toy box up with all those new goodies, be sure to keep an eye on them. Even though the toys you would have chosen are designed for dogs to chew, there’s always a risk – no matter how small – that they can get their toy stuck in their mouth or choke on them. If you read the packaging of the toy, you will often read that supervision is necessary.

Food Puzzles

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Food puzzles

Treats

Activity description

If your pup has been on antibiotics and hasn’t yet gotten their full appetite back, you will find that food puzzles can both entertain and nourish your poorly puppy. The best part about food puzzles, aside from their mental stimulation, is how quickly they entertain dogs while providing them with treats at the same time. One toy can provide between half an hour to an hour of entertainment while being affordably priced as well. While buying more than one can start getting quite expensive, they’re worth it when you see the look of wonder on your pup’s face as they try to work out what’s inside.

Step

1

Buy a puzzle

There are many food puzzles on the market from which to choose. You can opt for large ones that feature enough space for a full meal, or even ones that roll around or require your dog to lift items to get treats or dispense treats over time. Some are also designed to make dogs work for their dinner by being a regular food bowl with a “maze” design. Think about your dog’s personality. Are they “rough and tumble” and likely to destroy an item rather than use their brain? Or are they up for the challenge?

Step

2

Fill it with treats

If your dog has to remain inside to play quietly after being on antibiotics, you may find that your choice of food to fill the puzzle is important. Rather than fill them up on dog snacks that are a “sometimes” food, you can opt for more healthy ingredients that benefit their body while making them think they’re in for a reward. Frozen sardines, brown rice, cabbage, red pepper, and pumpkin are all delicious ingredients you can add to your food puzzle that your pampered pooch is sure to love.

Step

3

Start playing

Once you’ve loaded up the food puzzles with delicious food, it’s time to play. While your dog may not need supervision while they try to get their treats, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch them get that much-needed mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble. What’s more, if you find they run out of food, you can be on-hand to top it up so they can continue playing.

Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

10 min

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

If the sun is shining and your pup is beginning to get cabin fever, a short walk may not be the worst thing for them. Of course, if you’ve been instructed by the vets not to exercise them, it’s best to keep them at home. However, if you’ve finished your course of antibiotics and they aren’t in pain, you may find getting them out of the house will give them a new lease on life. All it takes is 10 minutes of your time, a leash, and a waste bag, and your dog can come home wagging their tail, excited, and so pleased at having experienced the great outdoors.

Step

1

Choose a route

Because a short walk is best for a recovering dog, you may find that a trip down to the end of your street and back is plenty of stimulation for the day. If you live near a park, you could even consider driving them there then letting them out to sniff around and enjoy the fresh air. The key to helping your pup heal, however, is ensuring they don’t get overly excited. Therefore, put some time into preparing a route that will benefit them rather than set their recovery back.

Step

2

Walk

With a leash, a doggy waste bag, and an excited pup ready to go, you can now head out on your walk. Sunshine and fresh air will do both you and your pampered pooch a world of good. Even though the journey is short, you will find that they enjoy the chance to escape from their “prison” for even a short amount of time.

More Fun Ideas...

Scent Game

If your pup has a keen nose and hunger for yummy treats, then you may find the scent game is a brilliant way to keep their little minds occupied. All you need to do is place one snack under one of three cups, then ask your pup to smell it out. Then, switch the cups around to set them a challenge.

Television

If your dog is not allowed to take part in physical activities, then you’ll need to think outside the square. Believe it or not, turning on the TV can be a great way to grab your pup’s attention. Choose a show featuring plenty of animals and watch how engaged they become. Some dogs will even enjoy seeing and hearing other dogs on the screen, wondering what they’re doing trapped in that funny electronic box!

Conclusion

When your poorly pup is feeling a little ruff, you’ll no doubt want to do everything you can to cheer them up. When a run on the beach or a trip to the dog park is not an option, you’ll find there are plenty of quiet indoor activities to provide that much-needed mental stimulation. The best part is, it encourages you to get involved and interact with them as well.