Introduction

Pet owners can help their dogs cope with injuries to their cranial cruciate ligaments (basically, injury to their knees) by keeping the dog’s activity levels down, feeding the dog an appropriate diet and working with the dog through veterinarian-recommended therapies.

Helping a Dog Cope with a CCL Injury

Most dogs with CCL injuries require 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity following surgical correction. It is difficult to keep playful and energetic dogs quiet for that long of a period of time, but owners need to be diligent about helping their dogs maintain a low level of activity. Restricted activities are especially important during the first few weeks of recovery post-operatively. Owners should physically help their dog during this time to get up and down, and to walk outside to go potty. The dog should have a very soft, large, comfortable bed to rest on, and food and water dishes should be placed close to the dog’s bed for ease of access at all times.

As a dog recovers from CCL injuries and surgery, low-impact therapies such as swimming and moderate amounts of walking may be recommended by the veterinarian. To help their dog recover, pet owners will need to take the extra time to help their dog through these therapies. Most dogs adore this extra attention.

Watch Diet and Weight Gain

It can be hard to keep dogs from gaining weight when they are on restricted activity levels. However, it indeed is important for dogs with stifle injuries to maintain normal, and not excessive, weight, to prevent repeated CCL injuries. Overweight dogs should be placed on a strict diet. Dogs that are not overweight, but are recovering from a CCL injury, should have their weight closely monitored. In many cases, dogs that are recovering from CCL injuries eventually need to be placed on a low calorie diet.