Yeah, yeah…not Jimmy. Listen. Jimmy is over winter and over February, so he’s decided to hibernate until March officially arrives. So, he’ll be back next week. In the meantime, you are stuck with me.
When we talked about me taking his space for the week he asked if I had anything near and dear to me on my mind that I wanted to write about. To be honest, the only things that have been on my mind this week are my dog recovering from his TPLO surgery and how sick everyone in my house has been since last weekend.
The flu is rough y’all. And I say this with my full chest. You need to be doing anything and everything you can to prevent this garbage. 10/10 don’t recommend. So here are some tips to help you stay healthy during cold & flu season and what to do if you find yourself unable to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge.
Avoid the Garbage:
Get Your Flu Shot – The flu vaccine is your best bet for dodging the virus. It gives your immune system a heads-up on how to fight it off before it gets serious.
Wash Your Hands Often – Scrub up with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re on the go, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol works, too.
Cover Your Coughs & Sneezes – No one wants to catch your germs or be the victim of your snot and spit! Use a tissue or sneeze into your elbow to keep them from spreading.
Take Care of Your Body – For the love — eat a vegetable! Eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep all help keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off infections.
Keep Your Distance – If someone around you is sick, try to avoid close contact. And if you’re the one feeling under the weather, do everyone a favor and stay home.
What to Do If You Get Sick
Even with the best precautions, the flu can still hit. If it does, here’s how to get back on your feet fast:
Rest & Stay Hydrated – Your body needs time to recover, so take it easy and drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and broth.
Try Over-the-Counter Meds – Pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants can help ease symptoms. Just be sure to follow dosage instructions. I highly recommend Alka Seltzer’s Severe Cold & Flu. I don’t know what’s in those fizzy little tablets, but you will plop, plop, fizz, fizz your way to at least making it through the day in no time.
Use Steam for Congestion – A hot shower or humidifier can work wonders for clearing stuffy noses and helping you breathe easier.
Know When to See a Doctor – If your symptoms get really bad — like trouble breathing, chest pain, or a high fever that won’t break — it’s time to get medical help.
Now, onto the other topic that’s been on my mind this week: my big boy’s recovery. Some of you may remember that my dog had TPLO surgery two years ago. Well, we are back again, this time with the other leg. Let’s talk about the ins and outs and what exactly all this means for my Bulleit boy.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a torn ACL (technically called a cranial cruciate ligament or CCL tear), your vet may have recommended TPLO surgery. In case you ever find yourself in this position, here is what that means, how it helps, and what recovery looks like.
What is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure designed to stabilize your dog’s knee after a CCL tear. Instead of replacing the ligament, the surgery changes the angle of the tibia (the shin bone), making it so your dog’s knee is stable even without the ligament. It’s one of the most common and effective surgeries for dogs with this injury, especially for larger or active breeds.
Why Do Dogs Need TPLO Surgery?
A CCL tear is painful and makes it hard for dogs to walk or put weight on their leg. Left untreated, it can lead to arthritis and long-term mobility issues. TPLO surgery helps dogs regain their mobility, reduces pain, and allows them to get back to their normal activities.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from TPLO surgery takes time, but most dogs heal well with proper care. Here’s what the process looks like:
First Few Weeks: Your dog will need to rest — no running, jumping, or rough play. Short, controlled leash walks are usually allowed. As of this writing, we are just four days post-op, and he’s only allowed out for 5ish minutes at a time 3-4 times/day—other than that, he is confined to the kitchen.
Pain Management: Your vet will prescribe pain meds and anti-inflammatories to keep your pup comfortable.
Follow-Up Appointments: Your vet will check on healing progress and take X-rays to ensure the bone is mending properly.
Physical Therapy: Some dogs benefit from rehab exercises, hydrotherapy, or laser therapy to rebuild strength and movement. Right now, we are working on range-of-motion therapy, getting the joints in the leg moving and stretching.
Full Recovery: It usually takes about 12–16 weeks for most dogs to return to normal activity.
How to Help Your Dog Heal
Set Up a Comfy Recovery Space: Keep your dog in a quiet, safe area with soft bedding and no slippery floors.
Use a Support Sling: If your dog struggles to walk, a sling under their belly can help support their weight.
Follow Vet Instructions: Stick to the prescribed rest period and gradually reintroduce activity as your vet recommends.
Watch for Complications: If you notice excessive swelling, limping that worsens, or signs of infection, call your vet.
TPLO surgery can feel like a big step, but for many dogs, it’s life changing. With patience and care, most pups fully recover and get back to doing what they love — whether running at the park, chasing squirrels, or simply enjoying a pain-free life.
