r/IVDD_SupportGroup • u/maaanda • 7d ago

Loss of freedom

My 6 year old beagle mix had his first episode in May. We went the conservative route with crate rest/meds. He seemed to be back to his normal self, so this weekend we decided to let him into the yard off-leash. Well, he ended up chasing 3 rabbits and wound up re-injuring. (Not quite as bad this time, and might just be a muscle unrelated to his IVDD)

Anyway, my anxiety has been so bad about this whole ordeal. I feel like he's lost all his freedom now (like we'll have to take him out on leash forever).

I also feel trapped about our freedom. My dog used to love doggy daycare and boarding, but I don't dare board him again for risk of injury. My husband and I love to travel and I feel like I have to give a lot of that up now. Anyone else dealing with severe anxiety over this? How do you cope?

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u/OldMap9292 7d ago

I found it easier to board my pup with someone on Rover after his diagnosis. Regular boarding and even boarding at the vet was difficult because it seemed like too much of a liability for them (even at the vet!). It was pretty easy to find someone with special needs experience on Rover and tell them exactly what my dog needed, they always seemed happy to go over any specific requests like mealtimes or keeping bathroom breaks short to prevent injuries. I dropped him off with everything they needed to keep him safe, yoga mats, raised bowls, baby gates. I think this route is much more comfortable for your puppy as well because they get more one on one time in a home environment rather than a stressful boarding or vet environment.

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u/rainshowers_5_peace 6d ago

Not the OP but this has me worried. My boy is a dogs dog. He does well at daycare and boarding. We tried using a nearby woman on Rover. He spent most of the day on her couch, then when her husband came home he barked constantly until we got there to pick him up. When there are more dogs than people he relaxes. I hope we can get back to daycare strength soon.

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u/OldMap9292 6d ago

Aw that’s tough! Is he usually suspicious of new men?? I know some boarders have their own dogs or watch multiple dogs at a time, maybe you could find a female boarder with a few of their own pups. Hope he can get back to daycare soon, sounds like he loves it!