Dog on rest? How to keep them calm at home
Summary: If your vet has said your dog needs rest, it can be harder than you think. Keeping a dog on rest is mostly about setting up your home so they cannot overdo it, lifting them safely, watching for signs of pain, and giving their brain calm things to do. Read on for practical ways to support your dog when the vet says rest. Always follow your vet's advice for your dog's injury.
Recently, Poppy, my ten-year-old dog, suddenly showed signs of soreness in her back legs. I have no idea what she did, but it meant a couple of days of full rest. She was soon back to normal, but it was a good reminder of how much planning goes into keeping a dog quiet when they feel they have better things to do.
As a dog trainer based in Reading, Berkshire, I often talk to owners about teaching their dog to be calm, so they know where to start if they are ever told their dog needs to rest. Having just been through it myself, I wanted to share the things that helped us most.
There are lots of reasons your dog might need to rest. It could be recovery from an operation, when your dog is not allowed to jump on the sofa as normal. It could be that your dog is getting older and stiffer, and teaching them to relax on a comfy bed rather than jumping up to their old spot makes that change much easier. For younger dogs, it could be recovery from neutering, and keeping an adolescent calm is a challenge at the best of times, let alone after an operation!
Set up your home for rest
Real life does not stop because your dog needs to rest. The stairs, the sofa, the front door and visitors are all still there, so rest is mostly about the environment, not about telling your dog to stay still. If your dog can get somewhere, assume at some point they will.
Gate the stairs or close doors, so they are simply not an option.
Put rugs or runners on slippy floors, especially where your dog turns or gets up.
Make a comfy spot in the room where you are, so they are not tempted to follow you around.
Block the sofa, because a dog used to jumping up will do it without thinking.
Consider a ramp. When I asked my network of trainers, a ramp with a flat, non-slip surface was the clear favourite over ones with steps.
How to lift your dog safely
Being picked up can feel strange for a dog, especially when they are sore. A few simple habits build confidence for both of you.
Support both ends: one arm under the chest, one under the back end. Never lift by the front legs alone.
Tell your dog before you lift, using the same word each time, so it is never a surprise.
Practise while your dog is well. A few calm, rewarded lifts now makes it much easier if you ever need to do it for real.
Listen to what your dog is telling you
Poppy was brilliant at this. When she did not want to be picked up, she moved away to let me know. When she was ready to be lifted down, she nudged my elbow. I know, how cute!But it meant I had to be even more present and aware of what she was telling me.
Dogs tell us a lot if we watch. Understanding what your dog is telling you means you can give them what they need in that moment, and there is more on the signs of pain in the FAQs below.
Keep their brain busy, gently
Fun is one of my values, and rest does not have to mean boring. Sniffing, licking and chewing all keep a dog’s mind occupied without much movement, and they can help a frustrated dog settle. Check with your vet what is allowed first.
Puppy owners: prepare before you need it
Puppies bounce off furniture and misjudge jumps, so there is a good chance you will hear the word rest at some point. Get your puppy used to a pen or crate as a nice place to be, practise gentle handling and lifting with plenty of rewards, and teach a settle on a mat. Future you will be very grateful.
A book worth having on your shelf
The book I always come back to is The Vet Says Rest by Laura Carter, which is full of practical ideas for dogs on restricted exercise. Laura joined me for a live a few years ago, and you can still watch it here
Download my free handout: a one-page guide to rest and recovery at home that you can print and keep.
Frequently asked questions about dogs on rest
How long should my dog rest after an injury?
It depends on the injury, so always follow your vet’s advice. Some minor strains settle within a few days, while surgery or a more serious injury can mean weeks of restricted exercise. When rest is over, build back up gradually with short, calm walks rather than going straight back to normal.
When should I take my dog to the vet for a limp?
Contact your vet if your dog cannot put any weight on a leg, seems in a lot of pain, has swelling, heat or a wound, or if a limp does not improve within a day or two or gets worse. If you are unsure, ring your vet for advice.
How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
Dogs are good at hiding pain, so it helps to know what your dog’s body language looks like when they are fit and well. That makes changes easier to spot, such as not wanting to jump up or get in the car, stiffness when getting up, licking one spot, moving away when touched, grumbling when they normally would not, restless sleep, or losing interest in things they usually love.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen?
No. Ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and other human painkillers can be dangerous too. Only give pain relief your vet has prescribed for your dog, at the dose they have given you.
What calm games can my dog play while on rest?
Try a lick mat, a snuffle mat with a few treats hidden in it, a long-lasting chew, or a gentle nose touch game while your dog is lying down. These keep the brain busy without much movement. Check with your vet what is allowed for your dog’s injury.
Want some help with this?
If your dog is on rest and you are finding it hard to keep them calm at home, you do not have to work it out on your own. I can support you with a plan that fits your dog, your home and your real life. A short call is all it takes to start the conversation. No pressure, no commitment, just a chat. BOOK A CALL
I’m a dog trainer in Reading, Berkshire, and for more than five years I’ve been helping families with puppies and everyday behaviour through tailored programmes.
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