O.K. so I drugged my dog

[sportschick]

No, I really did not. I gave her a tiny bit of Children's Benadryl for her to calm down.

I hurt my back and I can't bend down to pick up her ball 50 million times, which is why I gave her the Benadryl.

My question is: Has anyone else been in this situation? I live alone, so I am the only one that walks her (has KILLED my back), but I will not let that get in the way of taking care of her, i.e. her daily walk and the bending down. BUT I really needed to stop the bending tonight, hence the Benadryl.

Anyway, I feel guilty, so any suggestions, comments, will be appreciated.

[ShowGirlLola]

Can you kick the ball instead or use a claw to pick it up?

[Maximo]

Forget drugging your pup. Benadryl is not a solution. Use training. She needs to know that you can't always play fetch.

There are more alternatives. Get a bucket of little balls to put at a comfortable level for you when your back hurts. You can use a broom and dust pan on a pole to pick them up so that you don't need to bend over. Or get an automatic ball launcher: GoDogGo Automatic Ball Launcher & Tennis Ball Thrower for Dogs - GoDogGo Fetch Machine Official Web Site

[cummins]

Could you just sit down on the floor and throw the ball. Dolly loves for me to sit on the floor and throw her ball for her she like for me at the same level she is. Lots of time if I am reading she will bark at me and she wants me to sit on the floor and read and she will just lay next to me. Spoiled little girl

[yorkietalkjilly]

I've had many bad back injuries and thankfully found a different way to handle it. Just couldn't drug my dog to help my pain level. I just lie on the couch or bed and hand-play with them there, scratch their backs, tummy, and talk to them but never drugs. If you do it once, what happens the next time you are in bad pain? I'd teach my dog to learn how to control its impulses and calm itself, be quiet, so it's not expecting constant ball-throwing every evening and then you won't need to drug it when you aren't able to play. Lots of evenings we aren't up to playing a lot with them for various reasons and the dog needs to be able to cope with that.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by ShowGirlLola

Can you kick the ball instead or use a claw to pick it up?

Originally Posted by cummins

Could you just sit down on the floor and throw the ball. Dolly loves for me to sit on the floor and throw her ball for her she like for me at the same level she is. Lots of time if I am reading she will bark at me and she wants me to sit on the floor and read and she will just lay next to me. Spoiled little girl

I always sit on the floor to play fetch with my guys. They like that.

Max would happily play all day long, but he understands when I say that I need to work -- or just do my own thing. The key is that we have a daily schedule of activities. Both of the dogs relax knowing that at certain times of the day, they are going to have their walk, their games, or a car ride. When I surprise them with something extra, then they are extra happy.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Side effects of Benadryl can be tough, especially the nausea. It always seems to nauseate Tibbe - usually throws it up - and then after a brief sleep, the rebound is tough. He's amped for hours.

[buffy512]

Well considering you gave your dog Benadryl for a reason other than what its intentional usage permits. Yeah, I would consider that drugging your pet.!

Just bc you don't want to play games.??
That's quite selfish to your pets needs.
Meaning health.

[gracielove]

I have a bad back injury and was actually trying to recover from it when I got Gracie. Can't your dog jump up on the furniture and give you her ball? I don't know what I would have done if Gracie couldn't play fetch when I was really bad off. It kept her exercised when I was unable to take her out.

When I was finally able to walk somewhat I took her on walks even though I would have rather have stayed home. It forced me to do the things that I would not have done otherwise.

You have a young energetic dog and she needs you. Drugging her is not right. You can find ways of dealing with this without using drugs. Our pets are a responsibility that we willingly take on for better or worse.

[Lovetodream88]

I honestly don't think that's ok and in a lot of cases it makes dogs more hyper like mine.

[bonitalou]

Your intentions were good, but I don't ever give drugs unless approved by the vet.

Others gave you some really good ideas, hoping you'll go that route instead.

[Draco]

You can find some calming agents for your pup at the pet store. I used Richard Organic Pet Calm for Draco when he broke his paw because he showed literally not difference and had so much energy but was limited on the type of activity he should be doing. But it's not something you should use everyday.

Mentioned above, you might want to train for when it's time to play. And I totally agree about playing in different positions. I don't have a back problem, but my body is usually sore about 4 days out of the week from ballet and work. I literally play fetch from laying down with Draco haha. I bounce his balls off lower parts of furniture and if he doesn't bring back then that's the end of fetch lol.
Also maybe getting a dogwalker could be really helpful. Getting someone to take your pup for a long walk or a jog will definitely tire them out. I'm not sure how it s where you are, but loads of people have dog walkers to take their dogs on hikes, runs, dog parks and such because they're too tired too busy and want their dog to burn some of that energy off then come home and cuddle. =]

[Sunnydayz]

I have a type of paraplegia called Cauda Equina Syndome , where I suffer severe pain both nerve and deep tissue. I also have no feeling or bodily functions from below my ribcage to my knees, also with foot drop. When I can't play real hard I will switch out to his other set of toys and let him play in his large xpen while get the pain under control. I also have a friend that will walk him when I can't, one of my neighbors. Is there anyone you know that can come give your pup a walk for you, or babysit him for awhile, while you rest? My injury was caused by surgery for a tumor on my spinal cord that went very wrong, so I've had to adapt my life around it. Maybe even find a local dog walking service? Sometimes there are volunteer services that do this for those that need help. I don't think I would ever give Gizmo any kind of medication unless it was rx'd by a dr.

[Magnus]

Benadryl does nothing for Magnus or Zoey... (It's what the vet said I can give before vaccines)

How about getting a reaching grabber aid? If you're in that much pain, can't you get her to nap with you instead of playing anything? When I'm THAT tired, I just nap on the couch. Magnus/Zoey seem to understand and nap with me. I don't know how you hurt your back but I hope it gets better soon.

[Faboosh]

Try cat toys! You know the ones with a stick and a long string, sometime's with a toy at the end... Get a couple of those! I can wear both our dogs out just by sitting down and having them run around chasing it. Have them jump over your legs back & forth a bunch of times. It takes minimal effort on your part and will keep your dog entertained without having to drug her.

I also really agree with training. It's ok to not play with her every time she asks. I've also heard wonderful things about the calming aids. Gosh, there's just a million other things you can do besides drug the poor thing! I hope you feel better, but sheesh!