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Home » All Articles » Pet Care Tips » Different Steps, Same Joy: Living Fully With a Specially Abled Furkid

Different Steps, Same Joy: Living Fully With a Specially Abled Furkid

Pet Care Tips 8 min read

When Olivia was born, she started wobbling when she tried to walk and had more trouble getting around than her siblings did. She had a neurological condition called Wobbler Syndrome or Cerebellar Hyperplasia (CH). It causes loss of motor control, so CH kitties may find it difficult to stand, walk, and support themselves.

Olivia did not know she was different, but she really knew she was loved

Olivia did not know she was different, but she really knew she was loved. Olivia’s pet parents helped her by modifying the food bowl and taking extra care with the litterbox setup to make it easier for Olivia to navigate daily life. They built a ramp so she could get on the bed more easily and put soft foam steps near the couch where she liked to look out the window. They also enriched her life with frequent playtime, special treats and toys, and afternoon trips into the backyard, where Olivia could laze around on a blanket and enjoy the grass and birds and butterflies with her people nearby.

What is a “Specially Abled” Pet?

Pets with unique physical characteristics or special needs can help remind us that being different is a lesson in adaptability and resilience. Being “specially abled” offers a way of looking at our pets based on their capabilities, creativity, and determination rather than their limitations.

Specially abled pets may have mobility challenges or sensory differences that change how they navigate or experience their world. Chronic conditions like arthritis and different stages of recovery (such as after an amputation) may also require pets and their pawrents to adapt their daily routines or environments to accommodate special needs. With a little encouragement and creativity, specially abled pets can find a happy and healthy path to wellness and joy.

Different Routine, Same Love

When a pet’s physical abilities change, adaptation is the key to overcoming many challenges. Older pets with less energy and mobility might enjoy shorter walks, but it’s easy to make an old routine fresh by taking a new route occasionally to stimulate their mind and engage other senses, like checking out new smells or different places. Toys are another great way to enjoy time with your pet and encourage activity.

All pets love treats

All pets love treats, and they are another great way to stimulate interest, encourage exercise, and enjoy a special moment together.

Supporting pets with cognitive dysfunction, anxiety disorders, or chronic conditions may require a different strategy compared to a pet with limb amputation. For example, diabetes requires lifelong dedicated care with attention to medication, testing, monitoring, and dietary adjustments. Administering insulin might require finding creative ways to get your cat to cooperate and allow handling. Distracting them with an approved treat or having a partner help might make the process easier.

In the case of diabetes management, as the disease progresses, there may be vision loss (cataracts), hind leg weakness (neuropathy), low energy, muscle wasting, poor coat condition, or chronic infections. Natural support such as NHV Mellit may help ease the symptoms of diabetes, while NHV Stimmune may help rebalance the immune system and soothe inflammation.

Read more about diabetes management here.

Creating a Supportive Environment For Specially Abled Pets

There are lots of practical adjustments to the environment or daily routines that can help reduce strain and improve comfort. This might include a combination of providing relief for discomfort, managing elimination issues, and assisting mobility.

Focusing on your pet’s abilities and preferences can help when choosing proactive ways to assist your pet with steps, ramps, slings, or handle halters. For older pets or furkiddos recovering from surgery or severe injury, you might offer special sleeping mats (hot, cold, extra cushion). Strong-smelling or extra-tasty treats can stimulate curiosity and appetite. Slow feeders, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats for hiding treats can also help your pet have fun and stay engaged with food.

Supporting Mobility & Physical Comfort

Encouraging gentle activity is a fantastic way to support good health, and natural supplements like NHV Old Timer can be used at any age to help maintain joint health and reduce discomfort for pets with limited mobility or conditions like arthritis. Massage and healing touches are more than just petting. It’s a comforting touch, slow and gentle, and it’s a great way to bond with your very special pet and help them stretch and relax.

Talk to your vet about physical therapy or massage

If your pet is recovering from surgery, injury, or has other mobility issues, talk to your vet about physical therapy or massage and how to help your pet maintain or improve strength and flexibility. Some furkiddos (especially dogs) enjoy and may also benefit from low-impact fun like swimming, so consider looking for pet hydrotherapy options in your area.

Be sure to provide clean, comfortable, and supportive bedding for less mobile pets, as well as calm places to rest. Pets with limited mobility sometimes develop dermatitis or hot spots. The NHV Allergy Kit with Histamine support may help support pets with hot spots or itchiness from the inside and out.

Your home is where your specially abled pet should feel confident and safe.

Here are some tips to provide more support and accessibility:

Stay consistent and predictable: Specially abled pets appreciate predictability, such as feeding times, activities, and the arrangement of their environment. Unexpected changes can be stressful or confusing. Maintain a consistent daily routine and provide a safe, calm location for rest to encourage pets to relax.
Lots of Love: Spend hands-on quality time with your special furkiddo. Pets love to hear your voice and feel your presence, so conversation and gentle touch or grooming can help calm and reassure your pet.
Everybody loves treats: Healthy diet-appropriate treats are a great way to bond with your little one and encourage them to eat. Some treats even have health benefits. NHV Ocean Cod Crunch has omega-3s for skin, coat, and joint wellness.
Ramps and Non-Slip flooring: For pets with mobility issues, ramps can help them get to their favorite spots on the couch or bed. Use rugs or mats to provide better traction on hardwood or slippery floors.
Avoid rearranging furniture: This is especially helpful for pets with vision loss, but having a consistent setup in the home helps provide security and reduces confusion.
Think about safety: Close off areas that your pet should not be in unsupervised. Baby gates are a good way to block stairs or open doorways. Use baby gates to block stairs or areas that may be dangerous for your pet to explore unsupervised.

Supporting Recovery and Healing

Cruciate ligament tears can result in reduced activity or playfulness, and some pets struggle to stand or jump, but there is hope with rehab and relief of discomfort. Supplements like NHV Stimmune, NHV Turmeric, and NHV Old Timer support immunity and healing, in addition to reducing inflammation.

Repairing a torn cruciate ligament is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed on dogs, and the recovery period is crucial. Vets often recommend dietary changes, physical therapy, or special directions for exercise. The American Journal of Veterinary Medicine has published studies on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) for arthritis and degenerative joint disease in dogs. The studies showed that dogs given omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly improved ability to get up from a resting position and a marked improvement in walking ability.

Natural Wellness Support

There are many holistic ways to support your very special furkiddo’s good health and happiness. NHV supplements can support healing and quality of life by helping regulate inflammation response, easing discomfort, promoting healthy circulation, and maintaining overall balance in the body.

NHV Turmeric – Supports vital organs and may help with neurological damage.

Turmeric for the circulatory system, and to support vital organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Turmeric may also help with neurological damage. NHV Turmeric is paired with black pepper, which helps the absorption of curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that may provide discomfort relief.

Petomega 3 – Reduces Inflammation and supports joint health.

NHV Petomega 3 – Sourced from Norway, our omega 3 fish oil is a great way to support joint health and comfort, reduce inflammation, and improve overall vitality. It also provides support for the eyes, skin and coat, and vital organs like kidneys and heart

This fish oil supplement for dogs is derived from sardines, anchovies, and North Atlantic cod liver oil. It is molecularly distilled and cold pressed to improve the bioavailability of the omega 3 fatty acids, and is medical and human grade quality. The American Journal of Veterinary Medicine has published studies on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) for arthritis and degenerative joint disease in dogs. The studies showed that dogs who were given omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly improved ability to get up from a resting position and a marked improvement in walking ability.

Stimmune – Supports immunity, recovery from injury, and organ health.

NHV Stimmune – A natural formula for immune system balance and allergy support. It may help support the body’s natural detoxification processes and support the liver, stomach (absorption), and cardiovascular system. Nutritive herbs like astragalus and Asian ginseng may help balance energy, support chronic stress, recovery from injury, and nutrient absorption. Chronic conditions and dermatitis/hot spots, and skin infections sometimes appear in pets with limited mobility due to a compromised immune system.

Nutrition and Daily Care

Diet is especially critical for conditions like diabetes or for pets with mobility limitations. Excess weight can strain joints and exacerbate pain, while the right nutrients can aid healing and comfort. Food is also a source of pleasure and sensory stimulation, and it’s so much fun to provide a special treat or healthy meal for our furry friends. Feeding tasty food on a regular schedule is comforting, and it’s important to provide a consistent diet that is healthy, digestible, and supportive to healing and overall wellness.

When pet parents need to change feeding times or the amount or type of food, this might cause pets some confusion, anxiety, or hesitation to eat at first, so try to make dietary changes gradually. This can help reduce or prevent tummy upset, and having a familiar taste or an enticing topper can help acceptance of something different.

To gradually switch to a new diet:

Try a mix of about 75% of their previous food with about 25% of the new food for a few meals, then change to a 50-50 mixture for another day or two, and continue to increase the amount of the new food and use less of the previous food until their meals are 100% the new diet.

Reducing or maintaining weight:

Your vet can help you determine the specific calorie and dietary needs for your furkiddo. Reducing excess weight, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are very good practices for a pet with special needs. If a pet is using medications like insulin (dosed according to weight), inform your vet of any significant changes in weight. They can help adjust medications as needed.

Customized Nutrition Plan: Dr. Amanda Nascimento brings her expertise to provide nutritious, customized home-cooked recipes for your pet.

Emotional Well-Being, Celebrating Progress & Final Thoughts

There are lots of ways to help improve your little one’s quality of life. Stress relief is especially important for our specially abled furkiddos. Frustration or anxiety from being immobile or losing senses (like sight or hearing) for example, might make life difficult for pets with special needs.

When day-to-day activities like running around the house or peeing and pooping become complicated, you can expect some stress to build up. Your love, support, and consistency in their daily care are a great source of comfort.

Spotlight: Meeyna, the Cavalier on Wheels Who Takes NHV Matricalm to Reduce Stress and Frustration

As the pet parent of a specially abled fur kiddo, patience and a stable routine go a long way in building trust and confidence. Gentle encouragement to move, play, and be curious helps you reinforce the loving bond with your pet and provides emotional and mental stimulation. Dogs and cats get depressed or discouraged, just as we do, and discomfort can get in the way of the joy of living. Shifting the focus to finding joy in everything a specially abled pet can do might open the mind to finding creative ways to remove obstacles and barriers, or change them so it’s easier for pets with special needs to adapt within their own abilities.

We’d love to hear how NHV supplements and lifestyle changes have made a difference for your specially abled little one. Read more Inspiring Pet Tails on our Pet Health Blog.

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