Elderly care life of paralyzed elderly dogs: Nursing experience with wheelchairs, trolleys and manual assisted defecation

When the hairy children who get along day and night enter old age, their physical functions gradually decline, and even face the challenges of paralysis of their hind limbs and incontinence, as masters, we are not only ushering in a difficult period of care, but also a race against time. A precious journey to protect with love. My pet dog, Doudou, a 15-year-old golden retriever, suffered from a degenerative spinal disease three years ago with complete paralysis of his hind legs. From the initial panic and chaos, to now being able to cope with its daily life calmly, we have jointly explored a relatively complete care system. Here, I share these nursing experiences about wheelchairs, trolleys and manual assisted defecation without reservation, hoping to bring some practical help and spiritual comfort to pet owners in the same situation.

1. Mentality adjustment: Accept change and redefine "quality of life"

The moment they learned that the dog was paralyzed, I believe that the first reaction of many owners was collapse and unacceptable. We may fall into deep self-blame, wonder if we have not taken good care of ourselves, or feel confused about the future. Please first tell yourself: this is no one's fault, this is part of the natural process of life. Dogs will not stop loving you because they can't run. The source of their happiness still depends largely on your companionship and attitude.

Changing attitudes are the cornerstone of care. We need to redefine the "quality of life" for it. From chasing balls and taking long walks to enjoying the sun, getting gentle touches, tasting delicious food, and hearing encouraging words from the owner. A clean, comfortable and painless environment, coupled with the loving interaction of the owner, is the core of a high-quality life for a paralyzed old dog. Accepting it as it is and working to create the best conditions for this "new normal" is the most precious gift we can give them.

2. Mobility aids: Selection and use of dog wheelchairs and pet trolleys

Allowing paralyzed dogs to "stand up" and move again is crucial to their physical and mental health. This not only helps them move independently and explore the world, but also promotes blood circulation, exercises forelimb muscles, prevents bedsores and boosts spirit.

1. Dog wheelchair (scooter)

Purchase key points:

Accurate measurement:Key size such as the dog's chest circumference, back length, and leg height from the ground must be accurately measured before purchase. It is best to choose an adjustable style to adapt to possible weight changes in your dog.
Material and weight: Theframe should be strong and light, and aviation aluminum is a good choice. A heavy wheelchair can put an extra burden on the dog's forelimbs.
Support design:The sling or support pocket on the hind limbs should be soft, breathable, and detachable for cleaning. Make sure the support points are reasonable and do not rub against the groin or abdomen.
Wheel type:Choose according to the main event venue. Small wheels can be used indoors or on flat roads; if you need to move outdoors on grasslands or gravel roads, the passability of large wheels and pneumatic tires is better.

Adaptation and training:When using a wheelchair for the first time, dogs may be scared or overwhelmed. Do not force it in. You can place a wheelchair next to it for a few days to familiarize it with this "new partner." When using it for the first time, use snacks to guide it and use your hand to support its hindquarters to help it find a sense of balance. The initial use time should not be too long, starting from 5-10 minutes and gradually increasing. Be sure to practice on soft ground (such as grass, carpet) to prevent falls.

Daily use tips:Before each use, check whether the screws are tight and whether the tire air pressure is sufficient. After use, clean dirt on the wheelchair and dog waste in a timely manner. Pay special attention to check for any friction redness in the dog's armpits, chest and abdomen where it comes into contact with the wheelchair.

2. pet strollers

A good pet cart is indispensable for situations where a wheelchair is completely impossible, or where a long outdoor "walk"(actually promoted by the owner), medical treatment, or travel are required.

Purchase key points:

Space and load bearing: Theinterior space of the cart should be spacious enough to allow the dog to lie down and turn comfortably. The weight must be greater than the dog's weight.
Convenience in and out:Choose a style with a large opening at the front or top for easy carrying in and out. Some carts can be completely flat on the sides and are particularly friendly to paralyzed dogs.
Shock absorption and stability: Thefour-wheel suspension system can effectively filter road bumps and protect the dog's fragile spine. The wide track design prevents rollover.
Ventilation and vision:Large-area breathable mesh ensures air circulation, and transparent ceilings or windows allow dogs to see the scenery outside and reduce anxiety.
Ease of cleaning: Theinner pad is best removable and washable, and the bottom is waterproof and antifouling.

The cart greatly expands the range of motion of paralyzed dogs. You can push it to the park to feel the breeze and flowers, and go to the corner coffee shop to sit down so that it can still participate in family outings, which is very beneficial to its mental health.

3. Daily daily care: Create a barrier-free and comfortable home

Home is the place where dogs stay the longest. Environmental modifications can greatly reduce the burden of care and improve the comfort of dogs.

Rest area:Provide thick, soft, supportive memory cotton or egg nest mat. Be sure to put a washable urine barrier pad and cover it with a soft layer of old sheets or towels for easy replacement at any time. Avoid using overly smooth floors and lay non-slip mats or yoga mats on routes where you are active.
Anti-bedsore care:This is the top priority in paralysis care. Every 2-4 hours, the dog must be helped to change position, from left to right to lying down. Inspect the skin on bony processes of the body (such as hip joint, elbow joint, shoulder blade) multiple times a day for redness or damage. Once redness and swelling are found, immediately increase the frequency of decompression and use professional bedsores cream. Massage your body regularly with it to promote blood circulation.
Eating and drinking water:Raise the food basin and water basin to a height that it can reach without lowering your head to reduce cervical pressure and prevent choking. Choose easy-to-digest, high-fiber elderly dog food to help form feces with moderate hardness and hardness, which is convenient for subsequent processing.

4. Core care challenges: manually assisted urination and defecation

Incontinent is the most strenuous part of paralysis care. Most paralyzed dogs lose the ability to excrete voluntarily and require regular manual assistance from their owners.

1. Assisted urination

For male dogs, you can use a "male dog urine bag" or a "condom-type urine receiver" to use it with diapers to keep it dry for a long time. However, it needs to be replaced frequently to prevent urine backflow or skin maceration.

A more recommended method isto manually compress the bladder:

Let the dog lie on his side or stand (leaning on the owner's leg).
Locate the bladder (between the rear legs, below the abdomen) and gently but firmly squeeze it up and back with the palm of your hand.
Continue the movement smoothly until the urine flow stops. Don't use too hard.
In the initial stage, it can be carried out under the guidance of a pet doctor to master the correct position and intensity. Squeeze is usually required 3-4 times a day.

For bitches, using diapers is a more common choice due to their different physiological structures. You can also try to gently press the bladder area to stimulate urination while it normally urinates. It is crucial to keep the diaper area clean and dry. Change diapers frequently, wash them with warm water and dry them thoroughly every time you change, and apply pet-specific hip protection cream to prevent urine burns.

2. Manual assisted defecation (poop)

This is the part that many owners initially find most difficult and uncomfortable, but for the health of the dog (retention of feces can lead to poisoning and megacolon), psychological barriers must be overcome and treated as routine medical care.

Preparation:Medical disposable gloves, lubricant (such as vaseline, paraffin oil or special pet anal lubricant), soft wet wipes, garbage bags, urine insulation pads.

Detailed explanation of the steps:

Timing:Usually 20-30 minutes after a meal, or when you feel the dog's abdomen bulging and willing to defecate but unable to expel.
Posture placement:Let the dog lie on his side in a comfortable position with a urine barrier pad under his body. It is best to have another family member to assist in soothing and stabilizing.
Stimulation and assistance:Wear gloves and apply enough lubricant to your index finger. Gently put your fingers into the anus about one knuckle (not too deep) to feel the feces in the rectum. If the feces are hard, you can gently use your fingers to make circular movements in the rectum to stimulate the peristalsis of the intestinal wall and try to dig out the feces on the outside. Sometimes, just stimulating actions can trigger a bowel reflex.
Abdominal massage cooperation: Usethe other hand to gently massage its left lower abdomen clockwise (towards the colon) at the same time to help the feces move downward.
Cleaning and soothing:After defecation, thoroughly clean the skin around the anus with a wet towel, dry it, and apply a little Vaseline for isolation and protection if necessary. The whole process should be gentle and the tone should be calm. After the end, give it snacks and touches to let it know that this is not punishment.

Important precautions:If feces are abnormally dry and hard, use oral softeners (such as lactulose) or caisol under the guidance of your veterinarian. Don't abuse it yourself. If blood or mucus is found in the feces, or if the dog shows pain, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Skin and hygiene management: combating urine burns and bedsores

The skin of paralyzed dogs is exposed to pressure and possibly moisture for a long time and is very fragile.

Clean frequently and keep dry:This is the golden rule. It must be cleaned after each excretion. Rinse locally or full-body with a gentle pet shampoo 1-2 times a week (as appropriate), and be sure to thoroughly dry hair and skin wrinkles with a hair dryer at low temperatures.
Trim hair:Regularly trim the hair around the anus, abdomen and hind legs to prevent adhesion of feces and urine and keep it fresh.
Use protective products:On skin that is susceptible to urine irritation (such as inner thighs and abdomen), use a hip protection cream or skin isolation cream containing zinc oxide to form a protective layer.
Bedding management:Prepare multiple sets of sheets and cushions and replace them immediately if contaminated. Using a waterproof and breathable bedsore pad can also help.

6. Focus on mental health: it is still the child who needs love

Physical inconveniences should not deprive them of their right to happiness.

Maintain social interaction:When it is in good spirits, invite familiar and docile dog friends to come to the house, or push it to participate in quiet social interaction.
Brain games:Use leaky toys, sniffing pads, etc. to provide mental stimulation to give it a sense of accomplishment.
Gentle interaction:Spend time every day simply touching it, talking to it, and grooming it. These intimate contacts can greatly relieve its anxiety and depression.
Pain management:Elderly paralyzed dogs often suffer from pain problems such as arthritis. Please keep in communication with your veterinarian and use appropriate painkillers or adjuvant therapies (such as acupuncture, laser physiotherapy) to ensure its comfort.

7. Carers 'own care

Caring for paralyzed pets is a long-term and high-intensity task, and the caregivers 'own physical and psychological pressure cannot be ignored. Please allow yourself to feel tired and depressed, it is normal. Actively seek support from family members or consider hiring temporary helpers. Join some pet care support communities and communicate with people with similar experiences to get great emotional support and practical advice. Remember that only by taking care of yourself can you take care of it for a long time.

Epilogue: Doudou's tail will still shake hard when I go home, and his eyes will still shine when he sees snacks. Although our lifestyle has changed, love and dependence have never diminished. Caring for paralyzed old dogs is a profound lesson about life, responsibility and farewell. This journey is full of challenges, but it is also full of deep fetters and silent gratitude. I hope these experiences can turn into a small lamp to light up the way forward for you and your children, so that each other's companionship can still be warm, dignified and full of love under careful care. Please cherish every moment, because your persistence is its entire world.