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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My Abby's surgery to remove her left front leg is Tuesday (2 days from now). I've done everything I can think of to get the house safe, runners for every path option over my hardwood floors, raised food/water dishes, orthopedic firm bed, harness with back strap, but my biggest fear is the steps in my house. I have a split level which means there are steps no matter what door you use. The front door steps are 5 inside steps with carpet stair treads and about a 74" rise/incline from landing to landing. I was trying to find a ramp that I could use on them, but everything I find on Amazon seems to be just for vehicles. Even though they may be carpeted, you are supposed to use some type of strap to stabilize them. I'm hoping to get a ramp system at the back door (steps are outside and subject to rain and snow) but I need something that wouldn't slip around, support a 75# dog and leave me enough room to walk up the steps next to her to support her. I have ordered a ramp to use to get her in and out of the car, but I'm clueless and frantic on how to help her inside the house.
Hmmm. They are carpeted, which is a huge bonus. Don’t panic.
Our Jerry, a front legged, used a wall as support whenever he descended staircases, so your Abby will figure it out too!
You can help by guiding her as she walks, by placing your hand in the harness handle and gently holding on as you walk alongside the amputation side. Now is a good time to practice.
Oh and be sure to put up baby gates so she can’t try the stairs on her own for now.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Abby's Mom,
You are doing a great job getting everything ready for Abby. Recovery isn't easy and we really don't know what to expect. Do you have someone to assist you with Abby on the first day she returns home? Sometimes a friend can assist with ideas or even brainstorm some solutions.
My cat Mona, a front leg amputee, would race up the stairs but slowly hopped down also leaning on the wall initially. Our pets are so smart finding what works for them.
Wishing Abby an easy recovery,
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
Hi there! How did the surgery go? Being a tripawd parent is full of tons of worry but as the team told me when I joined, the worry will lessen and confidence with solutions (and creativity!) will come easier with time. I believe there are lots on here with stairs who will hopefully chime in with feedback. And oh you are right, we have to think outside the box a bit. ShuShu actually uses inside the house pet stairs (after struggles with more conventional means) to get in my truck and rest assured you will find a way to make your split level work out okay. Let us know how it went! And goes!
shubeanie said
ShuShu actually uses inside the house pet stairs (after struggles with more conventional means) to get in my truck and rest assured you will find a way to make your split level work out okay. Let us know how it went! And goes!
It's so great to hear from you, and I'm happy to hear ShuShu is doing well. Be sure to write more in a new post, we would love to see pics!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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