No Rest at New Mexico Snow StopIf your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise. ~ Author Unknown

One of the greatest responsibilities of being a dog pawrent is understanding the best ways to keep us healthy from puppyhood to old age. We count on you to make smart decisions about what we eat, in order to stay fit. Losing a leg isn’t that big a deal to us, like it is to you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly we adapt! But while sometimes it seems we know no limits, there are things you can do that would help us be more comfortable, and healthier. Listed below are some tips and advice for:

Please note: this information is just based on my own experience (my pawrents aren’t vets), and is not meant to replace advice given to you by your vet or other canine health professional. Please consult a forward-thinking professional for advice tailored to your tripawd’s specific health needs.

K9 Immunity - Help Your Dog Fight Cancer

Diet & Supplements

20080321w_veggiechop02.jpgIf you’re a new Tripawd because of cancer, never fear. The right types of food can help you maintain a great quality of life. And even if you don’t have cancer, these diet tips can help you too! When I got osteosarcoma, my people didn’t know what to do or where to start. The first place they went to was the Yahoo Bone Cancer Dogs Group, where they learned about the many different diets and their use with cancer patients; from holisitic to BARF (bones and raw food), to traditional kibble and canned food just for canine cancer dogs. More vet professionals than ever are becoming aware of Alternative Nutrition for cancer dogs.

Whatever you decide is best for your tripawd, stick with it and keep it simple. Try not to go overboard. Always introduce new things a little at a time. My people agreed to try three of the most recommended supplements first, along with a slightly different chow menu for me. I ate foods loosely based on something called The Budwig Diet. You can Google it and find lots of information. Or you can also read about it at Shirley’s Wellness Cafe and read about Dr. Budwig there.

For a complete description of my diet while I battled osteosarcoma, read my extended blog post, and check out this Discussion Forum topic to add your own experience. And remember this, the best canine cancer diets are served from the Tripawds Large Pet Bowl available at Jerry’s store for tripawd stuff!

Fast Answers Dog Amputation Recovery Help E-Book

Pain Management

There are many ways to manage pain before and after surgery.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Certain over-the-counter pain relievers are also known as NSAIDs. This group of drugs includes aspirin (plain and buffered), naproxen, phenylbutazone, and ibuprofen (Advil™ & Nuprin™). There is some controversy about the use of NSAIDs for dogs. Please be sure you understand the risks and how to look for signs that your dog isn’t taking the drug well. The Yahoo Dog Health2 Group has great information about using discretion with canine pharmaceuticals. Please see this topic discussingbreed specific NSAID reactions, or search the Tripawds Disscussion Forums for more information about NSAIDs.

When to Use Heat and Ice Treatments

After amputation surgery, a cold compress can be used to help reduce swelling. For hip and joint problems, heat helps blood circulate to soothe sore areas. The Hot-n-Cold Pain Relief Pack from Bella’s Pain Relief Products is a safe, non-toxic ice pack or heating pad that stays put on your pet. See our Bella’s Product Review for more information, and details on how to save 10% on your order. Indications for use of hot and cold therapy to treat pain should be the same as in sports medicine:

  • If there is swelling and pain use ice.
  • If there is no swelling, but stiffness is present use heat.
  • If this is an acute injury (within first 6 weeks) use ice.
  • When in doubt, use ice.

Helpful Harnesses

A Ruffwear Harness helps you help your three-legged dog! With a harness, you can assist your tripawd going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of vehicles is no problem. It is also helpful for assisting us tripawd dogs to get up when we’re tired. I wore mine all the time, except while sleeping. Just watch the product demonstration video we made, and read our product review!

The Help ‘em Up is another great harness that provides direct hip support. And there is the AST Support Harness for large dogs with more serious mobility issues. This harness is very durable and useful. If you try it and it works for you, please let us know. View our complete selection of harnesses, dog boots, life jackets and other helpful products in the Tripawds Gear blog.

Surgery Wound Protection

If your pup is not a big fan of the Elizabethan Collar provided by your vet, and protection is required to keep him from licking his incision, consider the ProCollar Inflatable Protective Collar and Comfy Cone adjustable and comfortable injury protection options for dogs.

ProCollar Premium Inflatable Protective Collar (Medium; Blue; Inflatable) All Four Paws Black Comfy Cone (Medium; Black; Reflective; Adjustable)

Exercise & Fitness Tips

The key to helping your Tripawd get along in the world is to keep his/her weight down! If your dog is overweight, we urge you to work on helping him slim down. Visit the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s Website to find out how.

Once your tripawd recovers from the surgery don’t hesitate to get back into the routine of daily walks. Just consider the following to make the most of your time together.

  • Take shorter more frequent walks. Start with just a few blocks at first.
  • It’s easier for tripawds to hop along at a quicker pace than it is to walk slowly.
  • Watch for signs of exertion and stop to rest as needed.
  • Carry water with you, and something to drink from.
  • Raise your tripawd’s food and water bowls to make them easier to reach.
  • Consider the Ruff Wear Web Master to assist with stairs and getting up.
  • Make or purchase a good bed with lots of support, like this one.
  • Place runners throughout homes with hardwood floors.
  • Remember: dogs carry 60% of their weight on the front legs (especially important to consider when exercising us front-legged tripawds). Allow plenty of time for recuperation and rest.

Please search our Discussion Forums for more information about Fitness and Mobility issues.

Natural Flea Control

Forward-thinking veterinary oncologists believe that dogs with compromised immune systems should not have any more chemicals on or in their bodies than absolutely necessary. That’s why we wrote all about all natural flea prevention in my blog and recommend these two products for treating fleas:

Please search our Discussion Forums for more information about canine pest control.

Tripawd Health Videos

The movies in this playlist include veterinarian interviews, massage techniques, and much more – including me eating raw chicken, putting an end to the myth that dogs can’t eat chicken once and for all! (Just don’t ever cook it first.) You will also see me trying out lots of helpful pet products. Click the menu button to see available movies.

Jerry Atop Canyon Creek Lakes

Back in the Day…

I used to be quite the hiker! But I never quite understood why my people always dragged me out to places like this. Here we are looking down on Canyon Creek Lake after making a crazy scramble to the upper lake – one of my last trips on four legs. Even after I lost my leg, I was still crazy about the outdoors. I would tire a bit easier, but it didn’t keep me from wanting to run and play. Just take a look at the my Tripod Dog Youtube Playlists! So remember, keep your dog fit, eating well, and keep him in check (we dogs always have a tendency to overdo it), and life with your three legged dog can go on just as before, only better!

Downloadable eBooks and Videos

The following dog health ebook and video resources are available for immediate download from independent online content publishers:

Further Reading: Canine Cancer Diet Health