15/05/2026
Crate rest can be one of the hardest parts of IVDD recovery, not just for dogs, but for owners too.
Because youâre trying to balance two things at once:
Protecting the spine⌠while also supporting your dogâs emotional wellbeing.
And for active, intelligent dogs especially, that can feel incredibly challenging.
The good news is that mental enrichment still matters during periods of restricted movement.
Simple activities such as:
⢠Lick mats
⢠Snuffle mats and scent games
⢠Food puzzles
⢠Gentle training exercises such as paw, touch, or settle work
⢠Calm interaction and connection
Can help provide stimulation without overloading the body physically.
Recovery isnât just physical.
Stress levels, frustration, emotional wellbeing, and nervous system regulation all play a role too.
Sometimes the goal during crate rest isnât to âwear them outâ.
Itâs simply to help them feel calmer, safer, and more settled while the body heals.
Save this for enrichment ideas during recovery, or share it with someone currently navigating crate rest with their dog.