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.
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Hello All,
I'm new here. My name is Rebecca and I have a 9 year old Rottweiler with osteosarcoma in in front leg who is about to become a tripawd. I have been looking into ways to help him get around after his surgery. He has arthritis in one of his his knees and this has led to some weakness in his back end. I am interested in the Get a Grip harness but I also live in South Texas where it tends to get Very hot. Does anyone have any experience using that harness in a hot climate? Or barring that, are there any other recommendations for helping a tripawd senior in a hot region get around comfortably?
Hi Rebecca, welcome. I'm sorry to hear about your Rottie, but rest assured we'll help make the transition as easy as possible.
The Get-a-Grip Harness is an awesome harness to help mobility-challenged dogs get around, but because of the extra-durable fabric and construction it's not something I would leave on all day if he's not in an air-conditioned environment. For these situations the Webmaster or the Doubleback (especially for front-limb amputees with rear-end issues) are the two harnesses we highly recommend for mobility assistance. This post, Which Harness is Right for My Dog, explains more.
Please let us know how we can help you with your journey. We look forward to learning all about your pack. What's your dog's name?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the fast response! My boy's name is Silas, I've had him since he was about three months old and this diagnosis has been a real shock. I trying to learn as much as I possibly can as soon as possible, but there is a lot to know. The double back harness looks great, especially when he gets more active again. But would you recommend it for use while he is still recovering from the surgery? I'm not sure how much pressure I will be able to put on his chest while the incision heals. Silas is a big boy, about 100lbs, so I know that I will need some kind of system in order to help him get up and down at first.
You're so welcome. Whatever we can do to help let us know. Be sure to check out Jerry's Required Reading List and the Tripawds e-books for more help.
Unfortunately we've had a number of Rottie members here so you're in good company.
Meanwhile, we don't recommend using a harness until the stitches are out, especially on a front-leg amputee. There's too great of a risk that the harness will irritate the incision. The Get a Grip is the exception, it doesn't go across the incision the way other harnesses do, that one is fine for recovery. You can also use a canvas grocery bag as a temporary sling. Cut open the sides and use the handles to help hoist him up.
You might be surprised however, many dogs don't need as much help getting around as their people think they might. I hope Silas is one of them!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you for the link the the required reading list! I have no idea how I missed it before, there is so much great information there. I think the canvas grocery bag is a great idea. Its a low cost way to give Silas the help he needs during recovery and still allow me time to really understand just how much assistance he will need in the future before buying a $100+ harness. You have been amazingly helpful, thank you. Now I'm off to start on that reading list!
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