Prepare the Dog’s Bed
During the late stages of degenerative myelopathy, your dog will spend most of its time lying down. The best thing to do is to prepare a nice mat with a cushion on top where the dog can stay. Since the illness targets the dog’s lower body first, its bladder control will soon become weaker and bathroom accidents will surely happen.
Keep it Clean
A good way to keep its sleeping area clean is to cover the cushion with material that is waterproof and easy to clean. This way, it will not get soiled very easily. Keep the area clean and dry so that the dog stays clean and no foul odour develops. Give it regular baths and make sure to dry the dog completely.
Play and Feeding Time
Just because the dog cannot run around and play anymore, does not mean that you still can’t have fun. Play with it and show it that you are still there to take care of it. During meal time, depending on how the illness has already affected the dog, you might need to help it eat. If the dog can still lift its head up, then get a feeding bowl that’s a little lower so that it will not have any trouble eating.
Be Emotionally Ready
Sooner or later, you dog will pass away and you have to move on. It is very difficult to lose a pet, especially if you have been very close and emotionally attached to it. You will have to accept the fact that it soon will be leaving you. The earlier you accept this, the easier for you to move on.
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