Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat. Explore 17+ years of forum archives for stories and answers to questions about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery. Enjoy fresh discussion and connect with members in the new Tripawds Support Circle.
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we are looking to adopt a 10 mo to 1 yr old puppy with a bad leg(not fully formed). We wanted to know what we should be concerned about caring for a dog with three legs. He's a very perky, happy puppy and it seems to not bother him. Actually, I think he forgets somehow that he doesn't have the fourth leg cuz he falls a lot.
Welcome misti !
I think most everyone will agree I'm the honorary spokesdog for birth defects – just because I'm the oldest! But we have a few with birth defects besides Cometdog:
Buddy (a golden) http://wkfryer
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
FRICKETY FRACK - where is the rest of my post??
It was so long, too!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Trying again (condensed)...I'll make sure I copy the darn thing in case of glitch.
other birth defects:
Rosie (mastiff) http://hurrican.....pawds.com/
Tell us more about your pup? Front leg? Does it work? Is it in the way?
Comet was born with a funky shoulder and deformed leg. I've had her almost 12 years. She's been my angel and I wouldn't have wanted to experience life without her.
Criminy! - Comet is barking at me to get off the computer - I will come back to finish this up!
But bless you for thinking or hopefully adopting a birth defect dog! If he's happy - you'll have a great life!
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Misty, caring for a three leg dog is not much different than caring for a four leg. They adapt to their new life and just keep going. I would suggest starting joint supplements now, in my opinion, three legs does put more stress on the joints over time. I am happy you are looking at a special needs dog to adopt. Tripawds and their families (us) bring such joy to your life!
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
It is the front leg. And if the rescue group will let us have him I want him. He was so sweet and cute. I just wanted to check to see if I needed to know anything special about taking care of him. Thanks for the advice about joint supplements. We will put that on the purchase list.
Thanks for joining Misti! Be sure to bookmark Jerry's recent Tripawds Greatest Hists post with links to loads of information and answers to most frequently asked questions about canine amputation and caring for three legged dogs. You'll also find lots of helpful products and care advice in the Tripawds Featured Blogs.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I'm back!
I did want to add – you'll want to put down something (rugs, runners, etc.) on slippery floors like hardwood or tile. It will keep him from falling. I didn't do this for the first several years and I think she may have cracked a couple of teeth during what seemed like harmless falls.
You'll also want to buy a raised food and water bowl when he gets to his full height. It will save on neck strain.
Like hugapitbull said, raising a 3 legged dog is pretty normal. You won't be able to go on long walks like with a regular dog but most all dogs do just fine. Comet has emotional issues from coming from a hoarder (22 dogs neglected and stuffed in someone's house) I've had her since she was probably 4-6- months old. But she never overcame the issues of not trusting people. She also makes sure no stranger gets close to her except when going to the vet. She's not happy but she does let the vet and techs touch her. This may have to do with her inability to run away.
Here's is a topic with pic you can read on Comet that may help:
http://tripawds.....f-the-leg/
and here's a video of her going up the stairs in our house:
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Misti and welcome to Tripawds. Comet covered pretty much everything as far as modifications to your home. Chuy is a frt. leg amputee, one of the first things we got for him was the Ruffwear Harness. It really helps you lift the dog into and out of the car, up stairs or just in general. (Wyatt Ray
knows what I'm talkin' about). 
The only other thing I can say is that a Tripawd is just like a 4 legged dog, they just let their spare go flat.
Keep us posted on the new pup!
Chuy & Eleanor
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
cometdog said:
You'll also want to buy a raised food and water bowl …
Great suggestion! The latest Tripawd Gear blog post also includes a new stylish and functional raised feeding station made from recycled materials.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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