How to Live With a Dog With Neurological Damage

It can be very disconcerting to discover your dog has sustained neurological damage or has contracted a neurological disease. There are many variations of neurological ailments in dogs. While many are treatable, the treatments vary depending on the diagnosis and severity of your dog's symptoms. Choosing to take a proactive role in your dog's treatment plan will give your dog the best chance for a comfortable and enjoyable life.

  1. Veterinary Care

    • Consult your veterinarian about your dog's health, including any new symptoms or changes in your dog. The veterinarian may recommend medication depending on the neurological ailment or the severity of your dog's symptoms. Anti-inflammatories or steroids may alleviate pain and muscle loss. Surgery may be an option for certain neurological diseases. Keep your veterinarian updated with your dog's progress to ensure medications and traditional treatments are effective.

    Alternative Therapy

    • Alternative therapies such as herbs, chiropractic work and acupuncture can alleviate symptoms including pain and can improve muscle memory. Ginkgo biloba can increase blood flow to the brain, while echinacea can boost your dog's immune system and keeps additional infections at bay. Consult a veterinarian who specializes in alternative therapies to find out whether these treatments are a viable option for your dog's specific neurological ailment.

    Exercise

    • Regular exercise can keep your dog's neurological symptoms under control and improve his motor skills. Walk your dog daily. If your dog appears to be in pain or has difficulty, begin with a short and slow session and slowly work up to longer walks. Water therapy is a low-impact option that is highly effective. Your dog can walk in a shallow pool or walk on a treadmill under water to increase mobility, especially if he has difficulty due to weight or pain.

    Management at Home

    • Create a comfortable space for your dog to live. Place his food in a location that is easy for him to access. If he is tall, place his food and water bowl on a box so he does not have to struggle to reach it. Purchase a sling to wrap under your dog's belly to assist him in walking up stairs or on slippery flooring. If you allow your dog on furniture, consider installing a ramp or small staircase for your dog to use to get on a bed or couch.