How to Help a Paralyzed Dog

Being the owner of a paralyzed dog is often a difficult, stressful and heartbreaking experience. Dogs can experience paralysis due to a wide array of causes, from brain tumors to nerve injury. However, being paralyzed doesn't mean that your dog cannot still enjoy its life. Learn how to help your pet thrive and cope despite paralysis. Euthanasia is no longer the only answer for paralyzed dogs, including your own dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Doggie diapers
  • Dog wheelchair
  • Dog shampoo
  • Moisturizing rinse for dogs
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your dog frequently. Many dogs experience paralysis due to spinal damage. Damage to the spine can lead to the rear legs becoming paralyzed. Dogs that are paralyzed in this way often experience incontinence, and as a result, are very difficult to groom. To prevent odor problems and urine scalding over the skin, bathe your dog every few days or so. If your dog develops skin dryness because of the frequent bathing, consult your veterinarian about obtaining a moisturizing rinse.

    • 2

      Get your dog a wheelchair. Purchased a customizable mobility wheelchair to help your dog get around despite its paralysis. Consult the veterinarian before doing this to determine exactly what kind of wheelchair suits your dog. These types of wheelchairs are designed specifically to cater for dogs' needs by veterinary orthopedic surgeons, and can allow them to continue living lives that are active and fun.

    • 3

      Get doggie diapers. After your dog adapts to life in a wheelchair it can then normally relieve itself outside. However, during the time when the dog is adjusting to the new wheelchair, it may experience some accidents. To make the situation easier on yourself, provide your dog with temporary doggie diaper.

    • 4

      Engage your dog in physical therapy. For paralyzed dogs, physical therapy can work wonders. Flexibility allows muscles to feel more comfortable and relaxed. If your dog does not have healing fractures, its limbs will benefit greatly from light massages and passive extension. Gently move your dog's leg joints through its broad range of normal and natural motions. This calms and soothes its legs. Repeat these exercises for approximately 10 minutes, and try to do them about two times every day.

    • 5

      Play with your dog. Just because your dog is paralyzed doesn't mean that it doesn't want to play around. Keep your dog participating in activities like you would any other dog. A couple of ideas to keep your dog active and happy include playing fetch with the newspaper and with chew toys.