TRIPAWDS: Home to 22974 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

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.

JUMP TO FORUMS

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!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
AST Support Suit or Ruff Wear Harness?
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Auburn, CA
Member Since:
28 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
1 November 2009 - 11:32 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Raven is only 6 days, but at 115#, I already know it will be a huge benefit to have a harness of some sort. I would like one that he can wear fulltime at home. I have a small farm and there's stairs here and there on a sloped yard. In and out of the truck. And also, the biggee: the bed. I have my grandma's antique bed that is very tall. He has slept with me his whole life. He sleeps in it during the day when I'm not in it! I don't want him jumping out of it now onto one front leg at his weight. I also have a concrete slap foundation with laminate flooring, no cushion at all on impact. 🙁

So, for now, I am locking him out of the bedroom when I'm not home. And basically doing a full body lift with one arm under his chest and one hand in his groin from behind, to boost him up. And when coming down, I give him a bear hug with both arms around his chest and ease him down onto the front leg. I think I sort of need support for him on both ends because of his size?

Which leaves me with the Support Suit. I have a rescued senior bulldog that had an eye removed and a spleenectomy 3 weeks ago, along with mamary tumors we keep having removed as they pop up. I am flat broke. No, I am beyond that. I make payments to my vet everyweek and will be for a year or more. Thank God he's a friend. That Suit is pricey. I will spend it if it's perfect. My concern is spending that much ($200) and it not being what will work best.

So, has anyone bought one? Pro's/Con's? Is the regular suit okay, rather than the pricier custom one? The handles seem to be a difference. If he's wearing it all the time, I want to be able to grab him without going to attach the handles... And that solid nylon may be hot, Rottie's are hot when it's 70 degrees out, he may be panting in the house when the heater is on enough for me to be comfortable.

Input appreciated!

Dawn

 Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from.  raven.tripawds.com

Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com.  miles.tripawds.com

Mesa, AZ
Member Since:
27 April 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
2 November 2009 - 9:32 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Dawn, You may want to consider the harness from Blue Dog designs.  I bought the ruffwear harness for Chuy to start with, then found out he needed the rear end help after his FHO surgery.  We bought the "Help 'em Up" harness from Blue Dog.  It's light weight for the dog and yet the handles are always in place so there's no need to attach anything each time you want to lift Raven.  We live in AZ where the temps get really high, Chuy never had a problem with overheating in this harness.  You can find it here -  http://gear.tri......com/shop/

Chuy & Eleanor

P.S.  It's cheaper that the Support suit too!

Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!

Chuy's Short Stories

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
2 November 2009 - 12:14 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Have you read our harness product reviews?

The AST is definitely better suited for heavier dogs, and could certainly be left on in milder claimates. It may just become a bit warm in hotter weather. The Ruff Wear harness is certainly sturdy enough, though we might nott recommend it for consstent "full body lifts".

We have found no "perfect" harness for all dogs. But believe these three are the best, each with their own pros and cons. Our understanding is that the custom AST is available for dogs requiring a special fit due to their size/girth. The standard Get A Grip should suffice if they have one suitable for Raven's measurements.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Auburn, CA
Member Since:
28 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
2 November 2009 - 2:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you, yes, I did review all three here on this site. 🙂 I am leaning toward the AST, but will look at the Blue Dog one a bit closer. It's my understanding that I would need to use both hands (one on front and one on back) to lift him with that one for an even lift. Not that I wouldn't need to use two hands on the AST anyway due to his size. I wish I could try them out first...But will think some more on it. Any more advice from others that have one is appreciated. Thank you!

Dawn

 Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from.  raven.tripawds.com

Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com.  miles.tripawds.com

Kirkland, WA
Member Since:
2 June 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
2 November 2009 - 9:04 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I have no advice, just an amusing harness story - while Jack was recovering, I ordered the Ruff Wear Harness since I had heard it was good for helping our dogs get up and move around.  Well, as Jack started to recover, I noticed that he didn't really need any extra support.  However, the harness looks cute on him and he gets lots of comments on it, so we continued to use it.  Now, 5 months later, I have actually started to use the handle...only instead of for support, I use it to hold him back from running to play with other dogs while on a walk and from jumping on people because he wants to play.  I also use it to help when he decides he wants to jump up (and then down!) something really really high.  I want to tell him, "don't you know I'm supposed to be using this handle to help you move, NOT to hold you back?!?!?!?".  Darn dog Little Devil

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
2 November 2009 - 9:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

We only put the harness on when going to the vet. Otherwise, they have no way to convince this 3-legged dog to move to the back of the clinic for his checkup. If you simply try to pull the leash, nothing happens, so I figured they would like to have a handle. It is amazing how much more stubborn a dog can be on 3 than 4 legs.

Now that winter is approaching, I am trying to get Tazzie used to the harness, in anticipation of slippery ice. But the rub is that I usually slip first, so how can I possibly help him? He runs ahead when going down or up stairs. If I try to help him, I might make matters worse.

I can see this new thread: what do you use your harness for???

Susan & Tazzie 2

Auburn, CA
Member Since:
28 October 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
2 November 2009 - 11:52 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I have a few questions:

It says that the Blue Dog Help Em Up needs to be opened to urinate? I want Raven to be able to wear full time to help him when needed around the farm here... Also, does the front shift with a front leg amputee?

I read in the review somewhere that the AST is recommended better than the Ruff Wear for large breed dogs like Raven (115# Rottie)? Why?

The Get A Grip says it's less than ideal for full time wear also?

The Ruff Wear says the price includes shipping and can be returned within 30 days. That's a plus if I read that right? Then I can be sure it will fit/lift the way I want and not be stuck with something I won't use if it doesn't work for him at all...

Thanks!
Dawn

 Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from.  raven.tripawds.com

Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com.  miles.tripawds.com

Mesa, AZ
Member Since:
27 April 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
3 November 2009 - 6:30 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Chuy has worn his Blue Dog and peed with it on.  Sometimes he get a little urine on it and sometimes not.  It depends on his aim.Winker  We also found that both the Blue Dog and the Ruff Wear shift a little because of the frt. leg missing, but if you get it on tight enough, they don't shift too much and definetly don't turn all the way to one side.   We have both harnesses, unless you are putting Raven in the car, he really won't need to wear the Blue dog all the time on the rear end, but you can leave the front half on him.  The rear half is easy to put on in a minute or two as it clips to the front, clips around the waist and the rear leg loops also clip in place.  No need to make him lay down to put it on.

Chuy only wears the rear harness when we go for a ride in the car or try to take a longer walk than usual.  On the walks if he gets too tired, I can lift his rear end to help him up to walk again.

Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!

Chuy's Short Stories

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
3 November 2009 - 1:44 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Dawn, to answer your great questions,

"It's my understanding that I would need to use both hands (one on front and one on back) to lift him with that one for an even lift."

No, it's not necessary to use both hands all the time. The handle on the rear is great for dogs who are very weak in the rear legs and need help getting up and around. But, the front and rear pieces and be worn together or separately. This makes it a plus if you want to leave it on all day; you can just use the front piece for all day wear.

"It says that the Blue Dog Help Em Up needs to be opened to urinate?"

To answer your question, yes, this version of the Help 'Em Up does require pawrents to unfasten the underpadding on the rear piece in order for a male dog to urinate. Yeah, we aren't crazy about that. BUT the manufacturer has told us that a revised design is currently in production now and should be ready in a few months.

Of course, that doesn't help you now, but as Chuy mentioned, it's all about the aim when wearing the Help 'Em Up! ;)

"Also, does the front shift with a front leg amputee?"

Well, I was a front leg amputee, so I have a good perspective on that, like Chuy. As long as the straps are securely tightened, it's fine. It does shift a little to one side the more you play or swim in it, but all ya gotta do is re-adjust them. Not a big deal considering all of the benefits you get out of it.

"I read in the review somewhere that the AST is recommended better than the Ruff Wear for large breed dogs like Raven (115# Rottie)? Why?"

Regarding the AST for bigger dogs . . . yes we feel it offers more support for these pups. The two lifting handles are one reason, but overall it has more underbelly support for big dogs. There is more area covered with quilted fabric underneath, which makes hoisting them up much easier. The Ruffwear one has only straps to support the underside, which is fine for most dogs under 100 pounds.

The AST is great for less mobile dogs who aren't as active. For dogs who don't need a lot of help getting up and down, the Ruffwear one is the way to go.

"The Get A Grip says it's less than ideal for full time wear also?"

Well, mostly because of all the fabric; in summer weather it seems like it would be heavy and hot. Also, the lifting handles on this version aren't removable hang down and seem like they would get in the way. AST's custom harness does have removable handles.

"The Ruff Wear says the price includes shipping and can be returned within 30 days. That's a plus if I read that right?"

Yep, absolutely right, as long as the harness still has tags attached, is clean and free of dog hair, and is in resaleable condition. Return shipping costs are the responsiblity of the buyer.

We hope this helps answer your questions. If you have more, let us know OK?

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
3 November 2009 - 1:51 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

chuy said:

Chuy only wears the rear harness when we go for a ride in the car or try to take a longer walk than usual.  On the walks if he gets too tired, I can lift his rear end to help him up to walk again.


Chuy, we had no idea you had both harnesses! Wow! Cool! Thanks for your perspective on them. Would you like to send us some photos of you wearing each one, and maybe a quote or two about each? We'll post them on the reviews.

Thanks!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
3 November 2009 - 1:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Tazzie said:

Now that winter is approaching, I am trying to get Tazzie used to the harness, in anticipation of slippery ice. But the rub is that I usually slip first, so how can I possibly help him? He runs ahead when going down or up stairs. If I try to help him, I might make matters worse.


Susan, you're smart to get him used to it now. The way we look at the harness is, just when you think you won't need it, you'll need it. There are so many opportunities for tripawds to fall (and drag their humans down too!), or be unable to get up from awkward positions. The handle helps to prevent those falls, and give us a hand up when we need it.

We used to have 18 creaky old narrow steps that I had to navigate a few dozen times a day (our office was downstairs and our home was upstairs). Mom never let me run ahead of her on the steps. She would always grab my handle and we would walk down together, slowly. Dad, however was a little more lenient, as you'll see below (it made Mom crazy when he let me go downstairs alone!). It took practice, but we got it down. Here I am less than three months after surgery:

As far as upstairs though, I never really needed help with that part once I was recovered from surgery.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Winnipeg
Member Since:
13 July 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
3 November 2009 - 6:56 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Ha, great to see the video of Jerry on the stairs and to know another tripawds does or did stairs (you all were making me feel really guilty about Tazzie doing stairs)! And those are steep ones! We have steep stairs, but they are carpeted which makes a huge difference.

Good luck holding Tazzie back to do one step at a time! I guess he acts as though the other leg is there and does two at a time (sometimes three when indoors, eek!). The ramp my neighbour built is not going to work with snow (when it snows, I have to slide down on my butt, so Tazzie is on his own). Anyway, a carpenter neighbour is now building steps (for a fee), so Tazzie and I are taking the steep front steps, but there are only 5. I hold his harness in case he falls. But I don't try to hold him back - that might end badly.

I hope I can post videos someday to show you Tazzie on the inside stairs. I have been restricting access to first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Now that the power mushrooms have done their thing, I might be more lenient.

I also really want to get a video of Tazzie each time the vet lets him out of the back of the clinic after "torturing" him (bloodwork, x-rays). You hear a hopping dog and then Tazzie bursts through the door, with a vet in nearly a prone airborne position pulled behind him. Good thing she (the vet) is young. 

Susan & Tazzie 2

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
3 November 2009 - 7:54 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

K Susan, we're waiting for those videos!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 241
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17740
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256811
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG