Recovery Must-haves

These are some products that I have found very helpful after Finley's surgeries. Everything from keeping them clean, to changing bandages, and keeping your pup mentally and physically stimulated. We hope this helps you whether your dog is in good health, has a temporary, or permenant disability!

Licking mat: Amazon

- Useful for keeping your dog busy during bandage changes, cleaning wounds, bathtime, nail trimming, etc!

- Use peanut butter, plain yogurt, pumpkin, etc. to spread on the mat and freeze to make it last longer. Dishwasher safe.

Kong: Amazon

-One of the OG dog items that everyone should have! They come in a variety of sizes and colors.

-I used this during crate training to reinforce that being in his space was a pleasant experience. Each time he gets in the crate he gets a licking mat or kong to keep him distracted as I leave.

- Use peanut butter, plain yogurt, pumpkin, treats, cheese, apple, carrots, etc. to put in the Kong and freeze to make it last longer. Dishwasher safe.

Bully Stick Safety Chew: Site Link

- Not only is this important for safety, but makes it easier for Fin to eat bully sticks without me holding it. It uses a pin locking mechanism that goes through a small hole at the end of the bully stick purchased on the site.

Bully Sticks Organic: Site Link (use code FINLEY15)

- These natural dog treats are FDA and USDA approved and the company offers a 100% dog satisfaction guarantee. They have a variety of chews that will keep your pup busy and get some of their energy out.

- Sold online and in some local FL shops.

*Always contact your vet prior to giving your dog new treats/chews*

Harness: Amazon

- I have tried over 5 harnesses for Finley and I keep coming back to this one! Easy on and off - only 1 buckle, velcro on both sides, variety of colors, and adjustable.

- The handle on top allows for you to slightly lessen the weight on the front limps by lifting them off the ground (depending on your height and theirs) while they walk or take steps up or down.

Custom Velcro: Amazon

- Help others know that your dog has special needs or even just customize with their name! We decided on "in recovery".

- There are other pre-made patches for "ask to pet" "emotional support animal" "do not pet" "working dog" "service dog" etc.

Leash: Amazon

- This leash is great because you have two handles, one at 2 feet and one at 6 feet. This gives you control when you want to bring your dog closer and maintain control upon meeting other dogs or walking in the road.

Speak Leave in Conditioner: Amazon

- This conditioner is perfect to refresh a pup who cannot take a bath. We have the coconut & papaya. Made in US and clean ingredients that I would even put in my hair!

- Spray directly on hair and comb through on dry or wet hair.

Wagon: Amazon

- This has been amazing for any long distances that Finley can't manage walking! Consider it like a dog wheelchair. There are strollers for dogs but because he is so big, most of them do not fit.

Lion Mane Collar: Amazon

- Such a fun e-collar that is soft and flexible for your pup, secures with velcro. There are other designs and various sizes, however XXL does not fit Finley at 7 months so we are trying other options!

Donut Collar: Amazon

- Comfortable and allows your dog to have more peripheral vision than the typical collar.

* Any collar should be trialed while under supervision first before left alone to ensure that it is doing its job and the dog cannot get to the injured site.

Fence for home or yard: Amazon

- Typically if your dog is recovering from an orthopedic injury, the surgeon will have activity limitations or even crate bound limitations to ensure healing. With Finley, I gate off the living room where there is carpet and he won't slide on hard woods, but can still see me and have freedom to play.

-This folds up completely flat and makes for a great option for a portable crate if traveling!

Ramp for the SUV: Amazon

- Pretty self-explanatory but this ramp only weighs 10 lbs but supports up to 150lbs. It has high traction surface and folds out super easily.

PawRamp

- 2 sizes depending on the size of your pup or furniture.

- The larger one goes up to heights of 12, 16, 20 & 24 inches.

- Slim enough to slide under a bed or couch if not using it. 

Self Adhering Bandages: Amazon

- If you have ever seen a puppy picture of Finley it is probably in a cast! I decided to make it a little more fun by adding some color to it - plus replacing the bandage almost every other day kept it more clean. This will not keep your dog from biting at an incision though so please continue to have them wear their cone if they have one!

If you think of an item you think should be on this list - please use the contact me tab! I would love to continue adding to it to help others :)