Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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The neurotic human strike again! But here's what I'm worried about:
Since about the same time as the return of warm weather this year, I'm noticing Gerry seems to be tiring significantly sooner than last year. I can think of plenty harmless and logical reasons for this. First though, what I'm mainly concerned about is that he stops and lays down on walks more often (he did it occasionally last year). He'll plop down now on maybe 50% of our walks and usually he'll stop more than once on the same walk. He sniffs the air, look for game, enjoy a belly rub if I'll give it, and will usually take some water (which I've been carrying with me). He has not tried to stop on a walk when I've walked with my roommate and her dog. He will often stop at a particular corner where I know he wants to turn a different direction than I do and were I to go in his preferred direction, he would leap back up. So could be he's got me trained to extent? I'm afraid to assume that's all it is though.
Some logical, benign reasons for him tiring out easier that I can think of:
-Gained a little weight (about 2 lbs.), exercised a little less this late winter and early spring, because he lost his dog park privileges (thinks he's a tough guy). Trying to rectify that with more walks now, but now of course he's got me wondering if these walks are overdoing it because of the laying down behavior. We generally go just a few blocks around the neighborhood. We go three times a day, which we've always done - they were just often shorter for a while because of a mix of bad weather and busy-ness.
-It's been more humid than usual since it warmed up here, though not consistently. Also it stayed colder longer this year and warmed up pretty suddenly, so maybe it's taking him longer to get used to it.
-He does seem to be experiencing allergies this year, which he didn't last year - lots of paw licking, especially his pads, but his pads look good. I've heard it's a bad allergy season for all species. Haven't done anything for that yet, cause it doesn't seem too annoying to him. But allergies can kind of wear the sufferer out, can't they? So maybe I'd better look into something for his itchies.
I am concerned because I know one of the experts Tripawds brought to the chat room (some time last year) said that your dog should never need to stop and lie down during a walk. So that's a little scary. I had been thinking before that I may as well get him a checkup with the chiropractor sometime this year, (last time he was looked at was last June and the doc said he was great) even if he wasn't showing any issues. But then, I also thought maybe seeing his regular vet would be a good idea first and see what she says. He has had tummy troubles in the past, which the chiropractor wouldn't be able to tell me, and maybe something like that is slowing him down. He has been eating grass like a fiend, though I discourage him as much as I can, but that problem has been about the same as last year, not worse.
So, any wisdom on whether or not this is a good time to see the vet and/or chiropractor? Or should I gather more data and give him a little longer to acclimate to warmer weather?
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
I'm sorry you are worried about Gerry!
Isn't Gerry about 3 years old? Comet started tiring on walks about 5 years old. But we only went 1/2 mile at the most. I remember that was too far and we'd carry her a few blocks home. But we never went in the heat since the heat here is murder on a healthy dog and or person!
Sending good wishes that it's weather related. Let us know what you find out!
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.
Cemil also tires on short walks and I'm where you are--should I worry or not??
I've found that energy bars help him get from the dog park to the parking lot (about 1/4 mile) but still...
I don't know. Just know you're not alone.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
I was also concerned about Isabelle not tolerating her usual walks… similar issues, laying down, rolling around, panting (that's partly another issue with her…). After ruling out every conceivable medical issue and talking to every other owner at rehab & my vet we've all have come to to conclusion that the crazy Midwest weather this spring is largely responsible. It really seems that a lot of dogs are just having a really difficult time adjusting to 88 degrees one day and 38 the next, as well as the early humidity.They always have more adrenalin and incentive when with another dog. Isabelle will lay in the grass looking completely exhausted and refuse to move, but if a dog comes by to play, she's up like a rocket. Going for an organised walk is always much more exhausting for them than running around the dog park.
2 pounds makes a huge difference. Another trend we see at rehab is the dogs who eat raw always seem to gain a couple of pounds in the spring…my integrative vet has a long biological explanation….but it happened the past two years and again this year with Isabelle. We just stop feeding any carbs for a few weeks and it comes off. I kept her about a pound underweight last summer and it really helped with her arthritis, so I'm sure it will benefit her on three legs. Isabelle's tolerance on walks improved by losing only one of her extra pounds this week.
The midwest grass!!! There is a particular grass…a flat blade that usually grows a little taller than the rest, that every dog around goes crazy for. This year it seems to be overabundant.
Allergies are particularly prevalent. Isabelle doesn't have them, but Finn who stays with us frequently is having an itchy spring. It helps to wash his feet in the tub or hose them down everytime he comes in.
A good chiropractic adjustment is really worth it. Isabelle has them often, because of her age & arthritis, but I think every tripawd gets out of alignment. I can tell the difference immediately. Isabelle sees her integrative vet 3x/week and actually gets a quick check by the chiropractor, who's also a vet, just about every week also….so I guess I'm not the best person to give advice on whether you should take him to the vet!
We live in the heat and humidity with an abundance of allergens, and Trouble never was able to make much of a walk after her surgery. She could walk up to my mom's - three houses up the street, but it would tire her and I never pushed her to do more. She would make a complete tour of our yard (about 3/4 acre) at least once a day, sometimes twice. The summer was brutal for her last year, I think as much because of her age and the toll hopping took on her body, as anything else.
I hope Gerry is just seeing natural aging.
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 would agree that not all tripawds are super active. I always read stories about dogs like Jerry hiking and swimming but Tazzie never returned to her pre-amputation self, most likely because she was a big black dog and any heat or humidity really affected her in a negative way. Allergies are really bad everywhere and I have had some luck using antihistamines such as Claritin which do not cause drowsiness but ask your vet first! Fish oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory that can help itchy dogs.
I would also agree that acupuncture and/or chiropractic care can really help loosen up the back muscles and make your dog feel a whole lot better. There are also acupuncture points that help with allergies.
Pam
When he plops down is he clearly tired (panting, wobbly on his feet) ?? Once you rule out any medical issues... could it be that he is just bored? The pug girls, especially Maggie did this to me often. Maggie started when she was a puppy- if she didn't have interest in where we were walking she would sit or lay down. If she was walking she would be way behind me, trudging along like she was at the end of her endurance. As soon as we turned and headed back to the truck or home both girls would be way out in front of me- trotting along just fine.
Maggie did this in a different manner after she became a tri-pug. I usually took her stroller with us so she could walk part way, then ride when she got tired. She told me she was done walking by sitting by the stroller wheel. Some days she would only go a block or two. Then I found out that my Dad usually walked her without taking the stroller, and she would go the full distance of the walk no problem!
As Mag aged and had additional health issues she was riding most of the time, which was fine. But by then she clearly was tired and in need of a ride. And I did have the advantage of knowing Maggie as a quad-pug, and I knew she was one who got bored.
I hope you figure out what is up with Gerry.
Karen and the pugapalooza
The infamous Codie Rae can go over a jump to make Hollywood happy, but she definitely slows down in the warmer weather. She really moves when the weather is coolest, and the warmer it gets the slower she is. Recently she was slowing down on walks, and the silly humans finally figured out she had a nail bed problem on her rear leg (toe number 3). We are treating that and seeing improvement. When we started going through the records we found she had had problems on rear toes three of the last four years at this same time of the year. The vet speculated that allergies could be a factor, but we have yet to make that connection.This year we are treating it with antibiotics, as we had to three years ago.
Ralph
I remember that chat when the expert talked about walking and resting. I was thinking that Mackenzie needed to rest during her walks and thought at the time that maybe I was pushing her too much. But in thinking back, she wanted to go on those walks and I just let her rest when she needed to. I think it depends on the dog - every dog is different.
I know our tripawds go through phases and from what I experienced with Mackenzie, when she was maybe a lb or 2 more, this seemed to affect her stamina and energy level a lot more. You've gotten some great advice here so don't worry too much. I know that's easier said than done but by the fact that you haven't had to take him in for a check up in a while says a lot about how well he is doing.
Maybe you should bring him to your regular vet - if anything, to bring you peace of mind. Best of luck to you and hopefully this is nothing to worry about.
Kami, Angel Mackenzie, Kobe and Scarlett
My sweet golden Mackenzie. She became my angel on Dec 29, 2010 at the age of 8 1/2 although she was always my angel from the time we brought her home. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in Sept 2009 and officially became a tripawd (front leg) on Nov 5, 2009. She will be forever in my heart and now she's running free with all of our other tripawd heroes. I love you Mackenzie!
Pre-amp Ginger would walk a mile or two with no problems.
However, since her surgery, she does exactly what Gerry is doing. Ginger will lay down in the middle of the road or sidewalk and not want to move. If another person or dog comes by, she is very interested but doesn't budge when we try to get her up. She will rest for a few minutes and then get up and go again. Her walks are now about 6-7 blocks. She does better if the weather is cooler and no humidity.
We don't know if Ginger is really that tired or is just being a brat. She doesn't like it that her walk route has changed and fights with us when we tell her it is time to turn. She expects to go on her pre-amp walk but we don't think we could carry a 70 pound dog a mile home so we just haven't tried it. But in the backyard or inside, it seems like she could run and wrestle for hours and hours.
Ginger can be very stubborn so maybe Gerry is just being that way too!!
I hope you get things figured out!
Best of Luck, Annie
We don't know if Ginger is really that tired or is just being a brat. She doesn't like it that her walk route has changed and fights with us when we tell her it is time to turn. She expects to go on her pre-amp walk but we don't think we could carry a 70 pound dog a mile home so we just haven't tried it. But in the backyard or inside, it seems like she could run and wrestle for hours and hours.
Ginger can be very stubborn so maybe Gerry is just being that way too!!
OMG - I thought you were describing Trouble! Thanks for the laugh. It is good that finally the thoughts are happy ones, even though they sometimes still produce tears (like now).
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 had time to read everybody's comments, but not to reply til now - thanks everybody! I especially liked Isabelle's mom's input and want it all to be true for Gerry too, but of course I'm still going to be a little unsettled until I too take action to try to rule physical causes out by seeing the vet and/or chiropractor. I'm not sure which I want to start with.
Meanwhile Gerry hasn't stopped to break on walks much lately, except this morning. It's a cool, slightly wet day today too, but we had a passed a Newfoundland that I know he really wanted to go back and see more of and both times that we got up from his "break" he leapt up to go back towards the Newfie. So I know sometimes he pulls this because he wants to go a different direction or not go home quite yet, but sometimes there's no clear reason like that. However, it could be something I can't see, like smells in the air he wants to spend more time on. Don't know. It's difficult to dismiss as just him trying to take control of the walk, because he so rarely did this last year (though he did do it) and because Yoda (my last tripawd, who unlike Gerry, did have cancer and was a front-leg amputee) did it about this much too and he did have physical stuff going on. Besides the cancer, Yoda's vets did tell me about 3 months in that they believed he had additional, microscopic tumors in a back leg, because they felt his gait had changed. So, I certainly want to investigate further to try to make sure he's not hurting. But have to make up my mind where to start on that journey. Maybe I'll just flip a coin unless anyone has suggestions on why it might be better to start with one over the other (regular vet or chiropractor).
Gerry is about 3, by the way. I'll celebrate his 4th birthday this Fall, though his age/birthdate is a mystery.
Thanks again!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
I would start with the vet, then take it from there. Try not to worry Bri, I'm sure it's just the weather or something. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bri!
Sorry to hear that Gerry is wanting/needing rests on his walks. Holly does that, too. In cold and cool weather she can walk long distances, but as the weather heats up she starts out wanting to go for her usual walk and ends up wanting to take rests partway home. And even though she's only 30 pounds, it's tough to carry her home because she really doesn't want to be carried, either. Sometimes I think she just wants to lay down and watch the world go by. So, we sit on the grass by the side of the road, or on the sidewalk, and wait until she's ready to head home again. It makes for a drawn out walk sometimes, but - what they hey, walks still make her so happy. And as the weather heats up, we'll go early in the day for a short walk and then again at night for a short walk.
I'm kinda glad I didn't hear that chat last year about dogs not needing rests - I think it would have freaked me out since last summer she did this pretty regularly.
I hope you can figure out what's going on with Gerry, and hope that it's something easy to deal with!
Hugs,
Holly, Zuzu and Susan
Holly joined the world of tripawds on 12/29/2009. She has a big little sister, Zuzu, who idolizes Holly and tries to make all of her toys into tripawds in Holly's honor. And she's enjoying life one hop at a time!
http://anyemery.....ipawds.com
Thanks Susan, Holly and Zuzu! Y'know it's so tempting to take him back to the park and see if he's as energetic as he usually was there or if there's a difference there too. But it's just not worth the risk of him getting into another dog fight/scuffle. That's so frustrating too, because doing more training with him could make him ready to go back - but training takes a lot of treats and then we have to do a lot of exercising to balance that out and not only is it hard to find time for both, the extra exercising gets me worried when it leads to Gerry laying down more! Oh the trials and tribulations of dog ownership - I think Gerry just rolled his eyes at me. "Be More Dog ," right?
Anyway, I have an appointment scheduled with his regular vet Tuesday to see what she says about the laying down on walks (and his allergies this year and anything else I can think of to get my moneys-worth). We'll probably end up seeing the chiropractor after that, just to be sure. I'll let you know what we learn.
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
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