Putting a dog on crate rest is often recommended by veterinarians as part of treatment and recovery for various injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. The goal of crate rest is to limit a dog’s mobility and activity to allow time for healing and prevent further injury. While it restricts a dog’s movement, a proper crate rest can be done humanely by meeting a dog’s needs for exercise, social interaction, and enrichment in modified ways. With some adjustments to their routine and environment, most dogs can handle a period of crate rest without too much stress or disruption.
Why put a dog on crate rest?
There are many medical reasons a veterinarian may prescribe a period of crate rest for a dog:
- Orthopedic surgery – Cruciate ligament repair, bone fractures, hip dysplasia surgery
- Intervertebral disc disease – Herniated discs in the spine
- Joint or ligament injuries – Torn ACL, elbow or shoulder injuries
- Neurological disorders – Back pain, weakness in the limbs
- Post-operative recovery – Restricting activity after any surgical procedure
- Arthritis management – Controlling inflammation and pain
By strictly limiting exercise, crate rest allows injured or repaired bones, joints, connective tissue, and nerves time to heal properly. It prevents further damage or stresses to these structures as the dog recovers. Crate rest also gives medications or alternative treatments time to become fully effective. It can help manage pain and inflammation associated with injuries, arthritis, and other orthopedic conditions. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate length of crate rest based on the severity of injury and specifics of the dog’s treatment plan.
How long is a typical crate rest period?
The usual crate rest period is between 2 to 6 weeks, however this can vary a lot depending on the medical condition being treated:
| Medical reason | Typical crate rest length |
|---|---|
| Cruciate ligament surgery | 6-8 weeks |
| Fractured bones | 4-6 weeks |
| Intervertebral disc disease | 4-6 weeks |
| ACL or other soft tissue injuries | 2-4 weeks |
| Post-surgery recovery | 2-4 weeks |
| Arthritis flare ups | 2-3 weeks |
Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions on the length of time your dog should be on crate rest. Follow up exams will also allow them to determine if the rest period needs to be extended based on your dog’s healing progress.
Preparing for crate rest
Before beginning crate rest, there are some important steps to take to set your dog up for success:
- Obtain an appropriately sized crate – It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Dog-proof the space – Remove objects your dog could chew or destroy out of boredom or stress.
- Place the crate in a calm area – Choose a low traffic space in your home away from loud noises.
- Practice crate training – Gradually acclimate your dog to the crate before rest starts.
- Arrange potty breaks – Plan to carry your dog outside to relieve themselves every 4-6 hours.
- Provide comfort items – Familiar toys, blankets, treats can help reduce stress.
Taking these steps and establishing a consistent routine will help your dog adapt to their temporary limits on activity and movement.
What activities are allowed on crate rest?
While crate rest seeks to limit mobility, some activity is still permitted. Generally, the following restricted activities are approved while on crate rest:
- Potty breaks – Carried or supported outside 4-6 times per day
- Eating meals
- Changing locations in home – Carried or supported only
- Stretching – Gentle stretches while laying down
- Calm play – Light play or training sessions, no running/jumping
Your vet may adjust these recommendations based on your dog’s specific needs. The key is keeping your dog from standing, walking, running, jumping, or climbing stairs on their own power. You will need to support your dog fully when moving them during crate rest. All bathroom activities must be done on leash while supporting the dog’s weight. Any other activities in the crate or home should be very calm and controlled.
Meeting your dog’s needs on crate rest
While crate rest restricts a lot of activity, you can still meet your dog’s needs with some modifications:
Exercise
- Use a sling/towel to support your dog’s weight for 5-10 minute potty walks
- Provide chew toys in the crate to keep jaws active
- Do short training sessions with basic commands and treats
- Offer food puzzles or frozen Kongs to provide mental exercise
Socialization
- Spend time next to the crate petting, brushing, and speaking to your dog
- Have family members and friends visit to prevent isolation
- Place the crate near family activities so your dog can observe
Enrichment
- Provide safe, chewable toys in the crate
- Use food puzzles, snuffle mats, stuffed Kongs
- Play calming music to reduce stress
- Vary treats and chews to prevent boredom
Your dog depends on you more than ever during crate rest. Check on them frequently, meet their bathroom needs, keep them stimulated, and provide affection. These measures can prevent restlessness, frustration, and potential injury from your dog trying to break from the crate.
Transitioning off crate rest
As your dog nears the end of their prescribed crate rest period, talk to your veterinarian about the proper way to transition them back to normal activity levels. A gradual process is very important to prevent re-injury during this healing phase. Your vet will provide instructions, but general guidelines are:
- Week 1 – Continue crate rest except for 5-10 minute short leash walks
- Week 2 – Allow 5 minutes of supervised activity 2-3 times per day
- Week 3 – Increase supervised activity to 10-15 minutes 2-3 times per day
- Week 4 – Increase supervised activity to 20-30 minutes 3 times per day
- Week 5 – Resume normal off-leash activity, avoid hard exercise/play
- Week 6 – Can resume normal exercise routine, check in with vet
Expect setbacks like limping or soreness after a period of increased activity. Your dog should still avoid stairs, jumping, rough play, and anything strenuous. Reinforce limits calmly if your dog tries to push these boundaries as they regain strength and freedom. With your vet’s guidance, gradually return to normal over the course of a month or longer.
Conclusion
While challenging, crate rest is often a necessary step in recovery for many canine injuries and illnesses. Have candid discussions with your veterinarian to understand why they are recommending it and how long your dog may need it. Prepare your home and dog well in advance for success. Closely supervise approved activities and meet your dog’s needs while preventing undesirable movement. Stay in contact with your vet throughout the process to ensure your dog progresses at the appropriate pace. With your help navigating this restricted period, your canine companion will hopefully be on the mend and back to their normal activities soon.