Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi. Louie is a large chihuahua, mini-poodle mix who is 5 months post-op. He is still a puppy at 8 month old. Recently I had him neutered and he gained instantly 2 lbs. He currently weighs in at about 13.5 lbs. This past week he has not wanted to go on walks...not that he really ever did, but usually once he was out, he was gung ho to run around like crazy. Most people don't even notice he's a tri-pawd he moves so fast. But this past week he is stopping a lot to lay down, and yesterday I had to carry him up the stairs. He seem winded easily. Do you think he is just a bit overweight? I am taking him to the vet so he can examine his left hine quarter..he is hitching it up when he walks. Not all the time but every once in a while.
I feel like my local vet doesn't really know a lot about Tri-pawds and I wanted to put this out here. I'm worried I'm not doing the right thing. He gets plenty of exercise. Sometimes maybe too much of the wrong kind? He was with a dog-walker who most let the dogs off-leash for hours. I'm not so sure that was good for him. He is with a different walker now, who is more in tune to his needs. Any advice?
Hi Andrea, you've got great questions and they are things that most Tripawd pawrents wonder. First off you are definitely doing the right thing by even asking about how to regulate his weight and activity, so kudos to you!
As far as his weight goes, when it comes to a dog, remember that one pound of extra weight is the equivalent of five on a human. So yes, even 2 pounds can make a big difference, especially for a dog Louie's size. I would keep him leaner than you think, this is very important for a three legged pup. Our Tripawds Nutrition Blog has lots of ideas for diet.
When it comes to exercise, your instincts are correct; running off leash for hours isn't good for any dog, but especially a three legger. I'm glad he's seeing a different dog walker. Rehab therapists say that a Tripawd shouldn't walk more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time. If a dog sits down during a walk, that's a sign that the walk is too long and should be cut back to half that distance. So what can you do instead of walking? Lots! Our Tripawds Gear blog has lots of great fitness ideas, like this article, "Best of Tripawds Gear and Fitness Tips, and our brand new e-book, "Loving Life on Three Legs" goes into a ton of detail about all of the things you can keep Louie strong and fit.
I'm so glad he's seeing the vet and hope it's nothing serious. I'm going to bet that with some weight loss and some strict monitoring of his activity, and making sure he gets the right kind of exercises, you'll see an improvement. Keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Louie and Andrea and welcome!
Louis, I can see why our mom adopted you.....what a cutie!! So you got your leg cut off and then got your...........cut off!! Poor puYeah, after our get everything checked out itmay indeed be just way too much running around.....perhaps pain from a pulled muscle or pinched nerve?? You'll get tons of information from the articles Jerry suggested
Please kkeep us posted after your visit to the vet. We're here for ya'!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hi again, and thank you so much for responding. So back from the vets. It's a couple of things: First..yes he is tad overweight, and being 8 months the vet feels its ok to cut back a bit. So I will be carefully dolling out the treats! And the Vet also agreed that when he sits or stops during a walk, it's time to stop. I, of course pick him up when he does this, but not sure the dog walker did!
The other thing he has is deodemtic mange! (sp?) They did a skin scraping and confirmed, so he is on a course of Ivermectin and I just gave him a nice bath with an anti-itch shampoo. He is very happy at the moment! 
It appears my little Louie does not have a great immune system. 2 months ago he had a urinary tract infection..also the result of a poor immune system. Vet thinks its it was caused by trauma at a young age and possibly hereditary. So more meds! Poor guy can't catch a break. But he wooed the vet staff as usual. He is such a love. LOVES everyone and all dogs. He is the best dog ever and I would do anything for him! I'll keep you posted!!
That's great....I know you feel relieved. and Louie got a good scrubby bath out of it! Good deal!
Let us know how you're doing once you gather all the info on the best course of action for our precious Louie!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
You have great timing with your question!
The new Tripawds e-book is packed with vital information, professional tips from vet rehab specialists and how-to videos for keeping three (or four) legged dogs healthy, fit and trim.
Get Fit with Loving Life on Three Legs, the New Canine Rehab Tripawds E-book
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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