Caring for my dog after a road accident - any advice?

Minxy_Bella

My lovely Staffie ran out of the house into the road two nights ago and was knocked down by a car. The guy had to reverse back over him as the dog was trapped underneath. I was in such a state, I didn't get the guy's details but it really wasn't his fault, which I repeatedly told him.

We got the dog to the vets, where he's been for the last two nights - he's had an operation to repair a dislocated pelvis and the vet is very happy with his recovery so far so he's probably going to be allowed home today.

Obviously, I will be following any advice that the vet gives me - I'll be getting special dog food, antibiotics and painkillers for him and he'll have to wear a bucket collar but I was wondering if any of you guys had any advice on how to make him more comfortable.

He's just got stitches, no plaster cast, and he's starting to touch his poorly leg onto the floor which is great. But I know he'll get irritated with his collar and try to chew it off - as he did so when he had to wear one when he got neutered.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

MTIA

xx

Kinski

I've never been in you position but this is just a thought, is there a reason your dog will be getting a different food as changing him to a new food might just give him the runs, you could stick with fish or chicken mixed with rice or the odd meal of scrambled egg. I hope your lad makes a full recovery very soon. Also as walks will be limited you could try and play mind games with him to stave of boredom.

EmptyPockets

I've no idea what the vet's advice will be, having never been in your position before. Poor little pooch But, does he have a crate? If not, I would consider getting him one, as they are great for keeping a dog confined and restricting their level of activity until the vet suggests otherwise.

Best of luck with him, I hope he recovers quickly poor lad x

Minxy_Bella

Kinski wrote: »

I've never been in you position but this is just a thought, is there a reason your dog will be getting a different food as changing him to a new food might just give him the runs, you could stick with fish or chicken mixed with rice or the odd meal of scrambled egg. I hope your lad makes a full recovery very soon. Also as walks will be limited you could try and play mind games with him to stave of boredom.

Thank you.

The vet gave him a special wet food (ID??) as he wouldn't eat any dry food - he's not that keen on it in general, but he wolfed this stuff down apparently. He did insist on being hand fed though So I guess she thinks it's better to give him something that he will eat rather than him starving himself. Yes, he might get the runs - he's a smelly little hound at the best of times anyway, so I'm expected to have to use the air freshener rather a lot! I will try to tempt him with some chicken and rice - he likes human food!

Have you got any example of mind games I could try? He likes chewing pigs ears and things but he is very easily bored.

Minxy_Bella

EmptyPockets wrote: »

I've no idea what the vet's advice will be, having never been in your position before. Poor little pooch But, does he have a crate? If not, I would consider getting him one, as they are great for keeping a dog confined and restricting their level of activity until the vet suggests otherwise.

Best of luck with him, I hope he recovers quickly poor lad x

Thank you.

Ah no, he hasn't got a crate any more as he outgrew his puppy one - thanks for that suggestion.

We're all amazed at how little damage has been done to him, actually - so he's recovering much more quickly than I could have imagined. I did think he was dead when he was trapped under the car so the sheer fact that he's alive is a wonderful bonus.

Staffies are made of Teflon, I think!

Kinski

Mind games can be anything, you could play hide and seek with him, hide a treat and let him find it, get 3 yoghurt tubs or cups of any kind, hide a treat under one and get him to find it. There are loads of puzzle games that you can buy, if they're to expensive you might be able to devise something along the same lines yourself. http://www.dogtrainingstuff.co.uk/dog-toy-puzzles-26-c.asp. I've not tried them myself but I know my sister has tried a couple of them on her staffies and they loved them, she didn't buy them from that site that's just one I found when googling for the toys.

blue_monkey_2

A few weeks back my son had flu and the puppy had a poorly tum. Because I could not give the dogs as much time as usual I put the chicken and rice in a kong, wedged it right in and stuffed as much in as I possibly could (I also gave one to the older dog too so she was not left out) but this way she got her chicken and rice but it took some effort and time to eat it. It meant she did not wolf it down and it also helped with the boredom. The pair of them were there for half the day with those!! Staffies as well - I know what you mean by the boredom factor!! Even after she was done mine was wanting to play the same night.

Hope that he recovers quickly. It must have been the worst thing ever.

romylou_2

*Hugs to you and your dog*

Thankfully I have not and hope to never have to go through what you have. Im sure the vet will give you good advice, mainly keep your dog warm, quiet and comfortable. Think great big cushion/blankets in front of the fire. The more your dog rests, the better he will heal.

Good luck

babyshoes

Staffies are incredibly tough, intelligent dogs! As a child we had a young puppy who got knocked over by a car. The vet thought she should be put down, but my parents got a second opinion. Her leg was amputated and she lived to a ripe old age!

You could maybe teach your dog a new trick to keep his mind active while he isn't very mobile - something like playing dead, 'talking' or shaking hands to receive a treat. He will enjoy the attention I'm sure!

harkin_c

we had my springer home after an operation a a traumatic time and we fed him ID - It's very gentle on their stomach and easily digestible - after a general anaesthetic or any tramuatic situation a dog can vomit easily so it is is best to give them this but to gently wean them back onto their normal food after a few days.

I found with William (my springer) all he wanted was to be warm and loved - we had complications with infections to his stiches and it is really important to keep a close eye on his behaviour and how his scars are healing and to take him back to the vets if you have any concerns.

Minxy_Bella

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions - we have Kongs so I'll definitely try that. We've got a big blue 'weeble' shaped puzzle thing that I've put dry food in before but he cba with it! Maybe now we can give it another go. And the new trick idea is fab!

He's been very subdued over night - obviously he's doped up on painkillers but seems a little brighter this morning. We actually got some tail wags and kisses which is reassuring. Plus he's able to get outside in the back garden to do his business (it's too public in the front!) so at least we know the damage to his pelvis hasn't affected his digestive system.

We're having to confine him to the kitchen as he's not allowed to move much in case he jumps up on the sofa and he absolutely hates it - so I'm going to see if I can go and get him a cage today so that he can be with the family in the living room.

Here's my boy, displaying the Staffie 'hound dog' sad face.



I will feel much happier when he's able to put more weight on his poorly leg. He is toe-touching the ground but I hate it when his leg just hangs in mid-air. Still, it's proving he'd be able to get around with only three

Thanks for the advice.

xxx