Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
hi all- I am a long time fosterer for a rescue group- The American Lab Rescue - . I will begin fostering Kristen a 4 month old lab mix puppy who is 4 weeks post front leg amputation due to trauma--
she has been in boarding in Louisiana , so not house trained,,never lived in a house,done stairs etc. I have set her up for a rehab consult at the referral center in Maine where 2 of my dogs have been treated for medical issues-no open appts till 8/25. but am on a wait/cancellation list and hopeful we will be seen sooner.....
I hope I am not in over my head here .most amputees are older dogs with cancers it seems-any advice on caring for such a young dog who still has lots of growing to do--while also housetraining and crate training her..her life so far has been painful and scary--I will do my best to change that and help her reach her potential..the boarding kennel said she is getting around "ok" whatever that means--
any advice-tips most appreciated thanks from Vermont,Candace
Hi Candace,
Welcome! I have approved your post. As a member, your future posts will not require moderation to be visible.
First of all, thank you for fostering a tripawd puppy! My tripawd came to me as a rescue and she's with me thanks to some wonderful people like you who took care of her as she recovered from her amputation. Loki came to me at 5 months, having lost her right rear leg about 2 months earlier. In some ways, she's a very serious dog and I think that comes from the trauma she experienced at such a young age.
You are right that it can be challenging to keep a young, energetic puppy excersized while also trying not to overtax her. Try to give her breaks when she's running/playing. Giving her some interactive/puzzle toys ("brain games") to for mental stimulation will help tire her out. My dogs get excited when they see their dinner coming in a puzzle feeder. Let me know if you'd like specific suggestions.
You're on the right track getting her set up with a rehab appointment. We're here to help with any questions or concerns you have.
1 Guest(s)
