Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Any of you have experience with taking your Tripawd out on distance-runs/hikes??
We are looking to adopt a dog. We want a dog we can run with (currently my SO's max distance is 18 miles and mine is 9, but I usually average 2-4 and she averages 4-8). We were originally looking at Aussies and other herding dogs. We went to an adoption event and asked if there were any runners in the group and were pointed to a belgian shepherd/golden retriever mix that is super high energy, but only has three legs. His rear left leg was amputated after he tried to jump a chain-link fence and tore his Achilles when it got stuck. We really like the personality of the dog and he moves and runs/jogs very well. My worry is that he will not be suited for running long-distances as it may put extra wear on his joints. Is it reasonable for us to expect a tripod to run (or hike) with us for long distances? We would work any dog up in mileage slowly, and I'm not sure any dog will ever reach 20 miles as my SO wants, but I am especialyl hesitant about even trying to work a Tripawd up to distance, which is what we are really hoping for in a running companion...
Do any of you have super energetic tripods that will run long distances? Or do you mostly quit after a mile or so? The current foster says she walked him 3 miles before the surgery and he never tired, but she hasn't really tested him post-op. Any input on this would be helpful! We ran him in the parking lot and he has a great pace and stays by my side, so I think it would be natural to have him be a running partner, I just don't want to put unnecessary stress on his already-stressed legs if it would be too much for him or cause him pain...
Or would there be easy alternative transport for the dog if we do go on a run/hike and he starts struggling and needs to stop? Such as portable wheels, or easy/mobile carrying-contraptions? Or ways to ease pressure on the back leg while he is running, such as a harness that attaches to the runner or something??
(We've talked to multiple Vets and none of them have really discouraged us from getting the dog, but I am still wary, and want to investigate options)
Hello and welcome, thanks for joining and asking a very important question.
Your instincts are correct; running a Tripawd that kind of distance is not recommended by canine rehab fitness experts. While all Tripawd dogs are different and each has their own amounts of energy and stamina, for the best long term health of any Tripawd it's best to stick to shorter walks of no more than 15-20 minute in duration, 2 or 3 times a day at most. Since Tripawds are at greater risk for early onset of arthritis, rough sport and activities will exacerbate it and lead to problems early in the dog's life.
Some folks will use an off-road dog stroller for long hikes, but it sounds like you want to do something on terrain that's too challenging for a stroller?
Other folks have done canicross sports with their Tripawd, but for much, much shorter distances and again, only for Tripawds in top shape. Ideally, you'd want to work with a canine rehab fitness expert to evaluate the dog to see what he is capable of.
Thank you for being so conscientious about this pup! If you decide not to adopt him please let us know and we'll feature him in our Tripawd Rescue Forum topic.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Myself and my daughter have canicrossed with our tripod in her younger days. 3 miles max with her and only where the majority of her run could be done on soft ground - not tarmac, I left her behind on my longer runs. Walking she would do about 6 miles plus occasionally on family days out, but normally less than that.
It's important to bear in mind that dogs will often want to keep going long after they should stop and rest, pain might not show till later on that evening... or problems get saved up for later years.
In my opinion, longer running distances would be out for a tripawd.
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