Crate Rest supplies

__ Restricted area Wire (rather than plastic or canvas) crate for less isolating feeling allows room to turn around in and fully stretch out (approx. 2.5 x 1.5 times body length). NOTE: Some crates have adjustable height floor panel which can prevent dog from standing on hind legs. http://snipurl.com/f5d44 [Pro Select Crate]

Tamara's homemade lowering of crate roof to preventing standing on hind legs: Cut a cardboard box to the length and width of the crate. Punch holes around the cardboard edges. Use string, plastic ties to attach the cardboard inside the crate at a height that only allows standing up, but not room to jump up or stand on hind legs.

Alternatives: baby crib, playpen or an ex-pen which can be easier to get doxie out for potty breaks.

__ Plastic weekly pill box. Some pharmacies provide them free if you ask. Helpful to insure dog is not double dosed or a dose forgotten.
__ Blankets and change of bedding Fleece for bed covering wicks moisture away from skin (have 2-3 on hand) and dries quickly: inexpensive fleece throw that can be cut to sizes at Big Lots, Walgreens 2/$10. You can buy yardage at JoAnn Fabric Store or the like. No sew project. Fleece does not ravel.
__ Incontinence supplies Male belly wrap (insert a disposable baby diaper side ways or Always with wings). In a pinch two baby diapers end to end around the tummy area, connect and close with tape. Females: disposable baby diapers. A baby onesie helps to keep the wrap or diaper in position photo. Note: avoid any ointments containing zinc, can be toxic when ingested. Source for washable, reusable absorbant pee pads: http://www.odcmerchandise.com/
__ Mattress Soft firm mattress of some sort, some examples:

__ Liquids Good thick low salt chicken stock is full of cartilage-building proteins and amino acids. Freeze it up into cubes for easy access as you need it. Fun to place cubes in a bowl for licking to keep system hydrated.
__ Comfort: G's rice sock. Fill a sock with 1-2 cups of dry rice. Knot the end. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Wrap in a towel so it's not too hot for the skin. Place in crook of your elbow to test for proper temperature - if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. The rice sock is just like snuggling up to a warm body! http://riveradogs.googlepages.com/comfort
__Calmers: Rescue Remedy for Pets is a natural liquid herb combo to help with relaxation. Another calming aid is plain Benadryl. Contact your vet for dosage. Normally these drugs are not a problem, but always let your vet know of everything your pet is taking. A dog that is rambuctious in the crate is defeating the purpose of the crate, better to have a slightly drugged dog than one who might paralyze himself.

__ Entertainment: Kongs to be filled with frozen wet dog food, yogurt, oatmeal mush cooked in no salt chicken broth; frozen broth cubes; empty plastic peanut butter jars smeared thinly with liverwurst, peanut butter, etc., G's homemade Kong, at bottom of page: http://riveradogs.googlepages.com/comfort

Video of wildlife or other dogs can provide a little variety during crate rest. Some dogs can focus on the sounds and sights and react with facial expressions and or join in vocally. This genre of videos at your local library, tape a National Geographic episode, YouTube.com or other places on the internet.
__ Clean up Unscented baby wipes for quick clean up on your doxie; white vinegar in a spray bottle to disinfect and remove the urine amonia smell from floors, linens, etc.
__ Crate Rest details - 6 weeks post IVDD surgery; 8 weeks for conservative treatment. Tips and ideas: http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/CrateRRP.htm