BOREDOM -- Surgery Recovery

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We are two weeks out from Lucy's ACL Repair surgery and are just trying to get things in order for the long recovery process.  She will be crated for the first 6 weeks, 24/7 except to walk out to potty.  The next 6 weeks she will be allowed short walks, building up in duration, but then in the crate when she isn't on her walks.  I'm looking for ideas for things for her to do that won't add significant calories to her diet.   She has been on a diet leading up to surgery as the Dr wants her as lean as possible.  She will chew on a rawhide although I don't let her have them very often and only one particular one when she does.  Are there calories in a rawhide?  She isn't crazy about antzlers, but will occasionally chew on one for a little while.  She isn't one to chew up her toys or even really play with too many toys (unless they are treat toys).  Can anyone think of anything I can give her to occupy her time but not add calories?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm sure there are some calories in rawhide but not very many I'd think. Does she watch TV?

Here's what Drs. Foster and Smith say:

"Though referred to as a treat, rawhide is not a food source. Instead, it is a chewable toy low in fat with few calories. When your dog has chewed on a piece of rawhide to the point where it has become soft, take that rawhide chew away and substitute another. Allow the softened rawhide to harden, and then it can be given back to the dog. When the rawhide becomes small enough to be swallowed, take it away from your pet. As with all treats and toys, however, supervise your pet's use of it at all times. "

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks ... Duh, I didn't even think to see what they said on their site.  Actually Lucy does love to watch TV so it will probably be on for a solid 2 months (DH will love that, he's a junkie).  We will have a crate in the LR for her and then one in her room for night time so she will be in front of the TV all day. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Maybe she can watch educational TV and teach when she's all better : )

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

If she is watching with DH, that is exactly what will be happening.  She will know "How It Is Made", how to cook it, where every Diner Drive-In and Dive are located, how it works, etc., you get the picture.  Now if I can just figure out how to get her to teach!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you don't mind spending the money, because they can get pricey, she might like one of those Nina Ottosson (sp?) puzzles. Leslie has some videos of Halas doing them, and I think Jane has one for Guinness, too. You do have to use treats, but you could use something tiny, like one Zuke's mini treat.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

we do actually already have one of these and Lucy loves it (of course as it involves food).   She stands when looking for the treats and has to use one of her paws, so think this will have to wait until a couple weeks into recovery but will come in handy then.  I might try and find another one as well. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

She'd have to be standing up to do the one I have too.  I have the same problem with the treats because of Guinness's GI issues.  He loves it, but I really have to limit those treats and he won't do it unless there are good, smelly treats hidden.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You might try giving her a big marrow bone (beef femur) with the marrow removed. (Just boil or microwave it long enough to soften the marrow enough to push it out, then rinse it well in hot water and let it cool).  The marrow bones are too hard for them to be able to ingest much of anything, and the little bit of bone crumbles she may be able to get from the matrix won't add any significant calories. That's why they're often called "recreational" bones, they're more a way to occupy a dog than to provide any nutrition.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks I'll definitely get one and give it a try.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Boredom is right!  This is going to be a LONG 12 weeks for all of you!!  Unfortunately, I have no suggestions for filling the boredom - but I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!!!  

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks, I think we are going to need them!  While it isn't going to be a lot of fun, I am just thankful that it is something that can be fixed.  It isn't nearly as bad as what some others are having to endure with their doodles.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

stuff a low cal canned food (or pumpkin if she will eat it frozen - my Cooper will only eat it fresh from the can) into an empty marrow bone and freeze it - will take her a few hours to get through it....