Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm putting this out in the two forums I frequent as well as a personal e-mail to Dr F. I would apprciate your thoughts.
Our local Humane Society has a brand new doggie pool for exercise and
recreation. I have contacted them about possibly using it for Trouble
during times when they are closed (in exchange for volunteer work and/or
donation).
I am looking for comments or concerns from some of
you who are involved with shelters and or veterinary facilities about
her exposure to disease. We've come this far the last thing I want to
do is jeopardize her health trying to make her stronger.
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.
shanna, i don't have any answers, but i'm really glad you posted this question. i've often stayed clear of human pools/hottubs, etc due to the possibility of disease, fungus, fecal, etc.... i'd think this could be a major concern in a 'pet friendly' pool as well. thanks.
charon & gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
If Trouble has been up to date on her DHPP vaccine (every 3 years at her age) then you shouldn't have to worry about Parvo or Distemper virus. If the pool is outside then Bordetella/kennel cough is less of a concern. Since she is not undergoing chemo I think you should be okay, although it wouldn't hurt to keep her on some sort of immune support like Power Mushrooms or even vitamin E/fish oil.
Pam
Oh man you're so lucky! A doggie pool! My bet is that Humane Society will keep the pool more sanitized and safe than many private ones, and should be far safer than letting her drink out of a communal bowl at the dog park (every time Wyatt does this I cringe!).
Great advice Pam!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Shanna,
I would agree with Pam on this one. As long as Trouble is up to date on her vaccines, she should be o.k. We took Chuy to a doggy Rehabiltation Therapist who uses a full size swimming pool for various dogs throught the day, every day, 5 days a week. Chuy was always up to date on his vaccines and the pool was kept extra clean. We never had a problem with him becoming sick from it and Chuy went there for a whole year. Just make sure you bring extra towels! 
Eleanor
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
Thank you everyone for your responses. I really respect the opinion of the folks here and paricularly Pam who we can always count on for a professional opion. It truly means a lot.
Ok, here's the kicker - she hasn't been vaccinated since the year she was diagnosed. She was in the middle of chemo when it was time the following year (2009) and this year Dr F declined to give them as well. I am sure he didn't expect her to make it this long - statistics say it won't happen. I'm really ok without them. She did have a full set of vaccines in 2008 (including the DHPP) so if it is good for 3 years, she's good on it into early 2011. She also gets fish oil supplements twice a day. Maybe I'll add the power mushrooms for good measure.
It is an outdoor cement in-ground pool, so I'm sure it is chlorinated just as a human pool would be. One end has a sloping incline for them to easily get in and out, the other end is 3 ft.
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.
I wouldn't even venture to say 'yay' or 'nay' but it sure will be good for her!
I kick myself for not putting a pool in years ago. They are dime a dozen out here but we didn't have time nor the inclination to mess with a pool back when we bought 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.
I don't have a clue about what things a dog might get from swimming in a communal pool but Fortis has been swimming in some pretty nasty bodies of water and the only thing he has suffered from is giardia 
. In a chlorinated pool I don't think this would a concern.
I bet the swimming would be great for Trouble. It has been our go to and I know Fortis has benefited from it greatly, not only physically but emotionally as well.
Wishing Trouble all the best,
Fortis'Dad
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