Some dogs will actually look at a TV screen. I don't know if they see the same things we do but it entertains some, judging by the fact that one can actually subscribe to dog channels in some places.

If he is a pretty chill dog it might be an idea to take him to a local children's hospital for all day petting, it certainly would resonate with these kids who are confined mostly to their rooms that there are creatures with the same issues of being shut in that they have that might need their help.

I fill a Kong with peanut butter or plain yogurt mixed with dry dog food and freeze it for my dog. I also get the big soup bones with the marrow in the middle and freeze them for my dog. it's not low calorie but it keeps my heavy chewer occupied for a long time.

A very long time ago I had a one year old child and a dog. The silent film "The General" with Buster Keaton was on TV, and i swear that both my child and my dog were laughing at the film. See if you can get that film for your dog. I'm sure he will enjoy it.

I had a dog, Jesse, who would watch TV all the time. She especially liked The Planet's Funniest Animals. She didn't necessarily jump and bark at the screen a lot, but would be mesmerized. There is a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western in which there is a scene where a cat yeowls and runs across the street in front of the gunman. I swear, Jesse knew when that scene was coming up and ran to the TV and sat for it.

Another idea to keep his calorie intake from getting out of control is to pour out his full daily allotment of kibble, and put some of that in the kibble in the Kong, and then put the rest in his bowls.

My 3 year old had a CCL tear a year or so ago and was on restricted activities. No outside time off leash. Limited leash walks the first two weeks, longer leashe walks after that. She is normally a very active dog, Starmark dog puzzle chew toys were very good for entertaining her.

Honestly, we still restrict her off leash activity because the way she moves, full of pivots and turns tends to aggravate the old injury. So it is mostly long walks and runs on leash, with limited off leash time or surgery, and we choose the former.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

Unfortunately this dog ignores the TV, although if he's dozing and hears a doorbell on TV he might lift his head. He's mostly a relaxed, low energy dog but those evil rodents bring out the crazy. The word "squirrel" has now been banned in the house, along with "world", "girl", and similar sounding words.

(I just realized that I need to disable my doorbell.)

I include chopped apple or carrot mixed with kibble & peanut butter to stuff the kong. If his calories are high because of kong treats, use frozen green beans to extend his dog food meals.

OMG how difficult for you and the pup. I have an active terrier and have often thought of how hard it would be if he were to be "ordered to have no fun."

Why can't he sun himself? Could you tie him so he can rest in the sun and move into the shade when he becomes too warm?

Does he like car rides? Is he ok to walk? You could take him places dogs are allowed like Home Depot, garden nurseries, of course parks, pet stores are always fun. Parks or malls might have places you could sit and watch the world go by. Since activity is limited, changes in scenery might help. Does he have a place in the house where he can see out the window, see other dogs and people walking by? Invite other people and dogs to visit. If he can walk, walk with another dog. Give him a good brushing every day. Bathe him, blow dry.

Is he a chewer? I'm suspicious of the wholesomeness of many chews available, but a company called Earth Animal makes a chew called "No Hide" which could be a healthier alternative to many chews.

Leave radio or tv on when you leave just for sensory value.

Hang in there, hope he heals.

How about puzzles and brain teasers for the poor cooped up sweetie https://www.rover.com/blog/best-puzzle-toys-for-dogs-in/.?

Scent games, obedience training (advanced tricks), puzzle food toys...all things I tried when my verrrrry active gal was spayed. I’d add car rides with the window down and a doggie stroller these days.

My sister’s sled dog (long story, basically rescued runt with a bum leg turned into a giant super high energy malamute x shepherd cross with no bum leg) was on sedatives for her recovery from cruciate ligament surgery. The vet took one look at her and recommended them haha.

Is your dog a candidate for surgery? My sister’s vet said surgery is recommended basically 100 percent of the time in bigger dogs.

I got my sister’s dog a sling to help with walks after surgery (she had to go down some stairs to get out).

My dog is week 7 post surgery for a torn CCL. She is one of three dogs. We only take her out on a leash. Honestly, the most effective care was me being around her 24/7 for the first two weeks. My proximity helped keep her calm. Use a leash in the house.

Great ideas--thank you all!

I'm hoping he won't need surgery (he had a rough experience with a prior procedure). I was surprised the vet didn't recommend it right away, though. He's on a mild sedative but he's pretty sedate already and I can't tell the difference.

The dog is a chewer but he believes he must chew things outdoors and I've always supported that choice. :) I'm sure he will learn to chew inside; maybe I can lay out a towel for him to claim as a chewing location. And we're FINALLY having some rain and chilly weather which is really convenient. My dog is a true California city dog and if the weather isn't perfect, he doesn't want to be in it. If it weren't wet out, he'd be very unhappy to be stuck inside.

I hadn't thought about obedience training. If food is involved, he's game for anything!

The occasional bully stick might help. 22 calories per inch, they say.

Bully stick.

If he is a heavy chewer like mine the No-Hide and Bully Sticks are probably no match for him. My dog destroys those in less than 3 mins and they are pretty expensive. Don't buy the frozen bones at the pet store. Get them from the butcher at the supermarket and freeze them because they are less than 1/2 of the price of the pet store. My dog will work on one of those for hours and then come back to it later.

i find antler sheds on our farm every February. I saw off the points and also saw them into more-or-less straight pieces and put them in the car for long car rides. They're also littered all over the floor in my 'dog room'

Thanks again, everyone. My dog and I really appreciate it!

Get him a puppy! ;-)

Join the facebook "Canine Enrichment" where they suggest all kinds of things to amuse a housebound dog.

Fori, any update on how your dog is doing?

I was thinking that watermelon could be good for a frozen Kong treat, with few calories. that is, if you can find it this time of year. My dog had some watermelon this summer and really liked it.

Thanks for asking!

He doesn't seem to be doing much better but it's such a slow process anyway. We've restricted his activity more and are caging himhim when we go out. The family room rug has become a crunchy disgusting dog slobbery mess with all the dog "entertainment" that I'm pretty sure it's going to be replaced. :)

But we're getting to know the dog better! I didn't actually know that he poops two times a day! And now I do. Hurray.

I'll look out for watermelon. That's a good idea. He does enjoy it. The rug can't get worse. Haha!

Poor guy! Poor rug.