Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hello!
I have recently adopted a new dog from the Humane Society, Olive! She is 5 1/2 yo Pitt mix and has been a Tripod since she was 10 months old. Her records say she had her back right leg amputated but the reason is not listed. My current vet says he thinks she may have broken it somehow.
I just had a few questions in terms of care for her, the vet didn't answer these very well. First, any recommendations on healthy dry dog food, or any healthy raw foods for treats? She is a little overweight and the vet said it is important to keep her weight down for care of her joints.
Also, Olive seems to be in pain at the end of the day and drags her lower half. The vet gave her pain medication, but I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for supplements (I heard glucosamine is a good choice) and other natural aids to help ease her pain and keep her joints healthy. My co-worker is a masseuse, and she gives Olive weekly dog massages.
Her skin can become a little raw from dragging her lower half too; the vet said her skin looks fine but has anyone else used anything to ease with carpet burns? I have wood floors too and those still seem to irritate her skin.
Thank you for your feedback and I'm excited to join the Tripawd community!
Austin
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AustinRenee we are in the chat right now, hop over! I"ll answer your questions next...
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Well thank you so much for adopting Olive, you rock!
A couple of things come to mind: if you already know she is overweight, focus on weight loss right away. One extra pound on a dog is like five on a human. Every extra ounce makes it harder on Tripawds' joints, so it's great you're aware and ready to help her drop the pounds. Have you seen the Tripawds Nutrition blog ? Hop on over and search for words like "weight loss" or "diet" and you'll find lots of tips.
By dragging her rear around at the end of the day, it sounds like she might be getting too much of the wrong types of activity. What is her normal day like? For Tripawds, you really want to focus on core building and balance exercises and activity. Walking is nice but they need strong abs, the same way humans do, and walking doesn't do it. Check out our Tripawds Gear Blog Fitness Tips for ideas, and also our e-book Loving Life On Three Legs is filled with fitness, diet and health tips.
If you are able, a visit to a certified veterinary rehab therapist would be really, really beneficial. Where are you located? We can help you find one. You want to make sure they have a "CCRT" or "CCRP" after their name to make sure you're getting proper care.
Stay tuned, others will chime in too. Thanks for joining!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh one more thing; wood floors are a Tripawd's worst enemy (or any dog with mobility issues). Put as much traction down as possible and she'll have a much easier time getting around.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
In addition to finding the type of food, make sure you're giving the correct portion sizes. When my dog had to lose weight, my vet helped me figure out exactly how much to give Jack for each meal to get her to her target weight. Otherwise, you can use calculators online to estimate how many calories she needs and figure out how much of your dog food translates to.
We also used to give her food in toys (like Kong's or the Bob-A-Lot toy). It helped occupy her brain as she was getting used to eating less. For treats, raw veggies work well- carrots and green beans go over well with Jack.
Another suggestion regarding supplements is I have my Lucian on is GNC Skin and Coat vitamin. I think it's the premium as there's a regular version also. I got it at PetSmart and the primary ingredient is fish oil. Fish oil is good for joints, skin/coat, and cardiovascular system.
Just something you may want to check into.
Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
dcjack said
It helped occupy her brain...
FYI: You'll find some great recommendations for keeping recovering dogs entertained in the Tripawds Gear blog too!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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