How to Help a Puppy Heal...Without Losing Your Mind!

Moose broke his leg after playing too hard with a litter mate. He's on the mend now.

I did the easy part. I put a cast on "Moose's" hairline tibial fracture, dispensed him lots of good pain medications and kissed him on the head. I reminded his mom to bring him back next week to have his leg examined to be sure the cast doesn't need to be changed.  After all, he's going to grow A LOT and that cast could get too small. 


Finally, I gave his mom strict instructions to be sure he "rests' for 4-6 weeks while his fracture heals ("No running, jumping, playing or access to stairs" - said my discharge instructions). As I closed the door to the exam room, I thought, "How in the world is this lovely woman going to get a 13 week old Bernese Mountain Dog puppy to "rest" for a month and a half?!?

I've diagnosed plenty of orthopedic injuries in dogs from torn ligaments in knees to back problems from bulging discs to fractured bones. But I've never actually had to LIVE with a dog who is healing from this type of injury and requires exercise restriction or cage rest for long periods of time.

For pet parents who have had to keep their pet confined as they heal from an injury, what are YOUR tips for keeping them calm and comfortable for weeks on end, without losing your mind? 

Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

Please comment below.