Did your dog understand? - Foot Problems Message Board

LBB33 · 06-21-2008, 05:05 PM

Yes, I'm crazy waiting for my surgery to actualy happen. I'm worried about how my dog (german shepherd) is going to act. I was thinking about sending her to doggie camp for a while, but I also want to keep her company. I'm worried about her jumping up and bumping or hitting my foot by accident. Will she understand that I can't take her out and she'll have to wait for others to help out? Will she know that something's wrong? I know pets can sense this kind of thing. When I fell out the front door twice in the same week after my ankle turning, she sat nicely and waiting for me to take a few deep breaths, and eventually be able to get up.

Tracie1204 · 06-21-2008, 08:43 PM

I had to smile when I read your post. I am almost 6 weeks Post-Op, and I have 2 Boxers. They are my little babies---they are 2.5 and almost 4. I was VERY concerned about them, right after my surgery---I was afraid they would jump on me, they think they are lap dogs!!!
I camped out in my Master Bedroom for my Post-Op recovery----with a baby gate up so they could not come in. My B/F would bring them in, one at a time, so that they could each have a little cuddle time with me each day---that seemed to keep them satisfied!
But I was very nervous--and still am---about them hitting my incision---and just other wise jarring my leg. But they seemed fine--and seemed to understand--They even had to be locked in their kennels during the day, even though I am home, b/c I could not let them out and take any chances of causing harm to myself while taking care of them. Just make sure she has plenty of attention from the others helping you---I think they realize that we are hurting, and she might just want to be "near" you.

Good luck on your surgery!!!!

emmie54 · 06-21-2008, 08:54 PM

I have a Boston Terrier so a much smaller dog. It was uncanny how she adapted to my "handicap". She knew she couldn't get close when I was on crutches. (okay,maybe she was a LITTLE scared of them). But she was very "concerned" acting around me until I was up and walking. Ever since surgery whenever my foot hurts, she sniffs all around it and licks the exact spot that is hurting. weird!

LBB33 · 06-21-2008, 09:02 PM

Thanks. It's great to know other people have similar issues. My little baby (1 1/2) thinks she's a lap dog sometimes too. I think once she understands, she'll be ok. My boyfriend will be around a lot to help out and will make sure she has plenty of attention.

chic43 · 06-22-2008, 07:47 AM

I have to smile....I have four cats and it was uncanny how they just *knew* something was wrong with mom. They don't normally sleep with me on the bed, they don't hardly sleep with each other in the same room. Would you believe that for the one week I spent in bed with my foot propped up that every one of those cats was in the bed with me. And they were there all day and night as if they were protecting me....and comforting me. They just *knew*....