Caring for disabled pets can be difficult. But it is rewarding. These animals need us to take care of them. And they return our care with all the love and affection in the world. For animals, just like for people, setbacks come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, animals are born with a specific defect or disability. Others meet with injury and must learn a whole new lifestyle halfway through life. Still others simply experience changes as their bodies grow older. Whatever the cause of the disability, each pet must be treated with love and care. Thankfully, Tipp City Veterinary Hospital has plenty of information to help you do just that.
Common Diseases & Disabilities
Complete or Partial Blindness
Blindness is often the result of old age in a pet. If this is the case, the pet may not understand what is happening or why they cannot function like they used to. If your pet is constantly bumping into things, is startled easily, or is having trouble finding their food and water, take these as clues that your dog may be experience loss of sight. The blindness may be full, or only partial; it may be in one eye or both.
Heart problems
It’s not uncommon for animals to experience heart conditions, and they can range from relatively benign to very serious. Heart disease may be caused by a fatty buildup in your pet’s arteries or by a genetic condition. Either way, the heart is weakened, which limits the pet’s ability for physical activity. Heart disease can cause sudden death if untreated. You may notice your pet coughing, wheezing, or even refusing to eat. If this behavior is common, you should get your pet checked out immediately.
Deafness
Similar to blindness, deafness often occurs later in life for pets and can cause disillusionment. Assuming your pet is young, if hearing loss is only partial, it may simply be ear infection or wax buildup. If you suspect that your pet is losing their ability to hear, watch for their responses to various stimuli. If they do not respond to noises (squeaky toys, books banging shut, vocal commands), this is a sign of deafness. Other signs of deafness include excessive barking and being scared by sudden visual stimuli.
Missing Limbs
Many pets are missing limbs due to a birth defect or an accident. While either situation is tragic, many pets with missing limbs can still live a full and happy life. Most pets have the amazing ability to adapt and learn a new way of life. In fact, many animals who are missing limbs forget that they are disabled at all! Devoted, loving care by an owner will make or break the quality of life for animals such as these.
Diabetes
Diabetes in animals is very similar to diabetes in humans. The animal’s body simply does not produce enough insulin to regulate their blood sugars. Thus, the blood sugars become extremely concentrated in the bloodstream unless an insulin supplement is taken. Check for excessive thirst and unusual weight loss or weight gain in your pet. These are common signs of diabetes. Thankfully, diabetes is treatable.
How to Help
Get regular checkups.
Going to the vet regularly is a must for all pets, and even more so for disabled pets. Your vet will help you know which steps to take when facing a disability or disease.
Keep up a regular diet, including any medications your pet needs.
Different disabilities and diseases require different diets. For example, if your pet has diabetes, they will need a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. They will also need regular insulin shots. Create a healthy routine for you and your pet.
Exercise with your pet.
Many disabled pets are afraid to get up and get moving because they are afraid of getting hurt. If your pet is blind, they may refuse to play or run because they do not want to run into furniture. But exercise is healthy and necessary for all pets. With you by their side to guide them, your pet will be able to play and exercise with more confidence.
Maintain an orderly and “baby safe” home.
Pets love order and continuity. Keep your pet’s toys, bed, litter/pee pad, and food/water in the same place, so they can find it easily. Do not rearrange furniture in the rooms they frequent. Also, baby proof your home, especially for blind or deaf animals. Put gates in front of the stairs so that they will not fall down, secure bookshelves to the wall, so they will not tip, etc.
Help protect your pet’s body from bumps and bruises.
Make sure your pet has the protection it needs. Many disabled pets are prone to stumbling, falling, and running into things. Consider getting your pet a sweater and/or knee pads to wear to protect from bruises. You may even want to purchase back, neck, or leg and ankle braces.
Helpful Products
Medications
Hundreds of medications have been developed to help disabled pets and diseases. Talk to your vet for the best options.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are an amazing option for animals who have lost limbs. They can enjoy life with everyone else!
Helmets
Whether or not you will be taking your pet out on a motorcycle ride, some animals may need a little extra protection in the home.
Boots and Suits
More protection for your beloved pet! Whether your pet is recovering from a surgery, needs some help while learning to walk on three legs, or anything else, these will keep them from hurting themselves.
Halo Collar
This keeps your blind pet from running into things.
Hearing Aids
These can be pricey, as they have often custom-made by the vet to fit your animal’s ear. But if it is worth it it you, go for it!
Last But Not Least
Remember that you are not alone in caring for your disabled pet. Dedicated and compassionate veterinarians are on call to help you and your pet every step of the way. Tipp City Veterinary Hospital is ready to field your questions and offer assistance. If you would like to learn more, please contact us. We are more than ready to help you and your pet live life to the fullest!
