Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi Tripawd parents
Im not sure if there is already a forum started, I had a quick buzz through but couldn’t find a similar topic....
Basically, winter is coming and I’m concerned about Traction for Stewie on the ice... what have people done to help their Tripawds get around easier?
Thanking you ahead of time on Stewie’s behalf...
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅❤️🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
Remember...“live in the moment!“ 
I live near San Francisco so ice and snow are not an issue for us.
I did a forum search on winter traction and got these results. There are a couple topics there that might help.
I know this has been discussed several times- I could not find any blog posts. I'm sure some other members will share what they have done.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Thanks Karen and spirit Pug Girls! I checked out Paula’s forum first, now I’m going to check out the other couple of forums that you highlighted for me, I appreciate that.
This was some very helpful advice from Paula & sweet Angel Nitro from January of 2017.
dobemom said
Winter in Wisconsin is supposed to mean snow...(and ok, cold). NOT rain storms in balmy (relatively) temps! Nitro does fine in snow, in fact, he LOVES snow; loves it when we're outside shoveling because it's so much fun to drop the ball in the path of the shovel, only to grab it up at the last minute like Lucy does to Charlie Brown. Yesterday the winter storm that was headed our way turned out to be rain/ice. Our backyard is like an ice rink - if only I could remember where my skates are. We have a LOT of concrete the way our yard is set up, and it's so hard watching him struggle, especially at 2am when he decides he needs to go out. John put his harness on him this morning and practically pulled him along like a sled.
If any new members are facing issues like this, we found a really goobd, inexpensive, safe product to help a Tripawd (or anyone for that matter) deal with slippery conditions. Our vet recommended "Chicken Grit", which we got at Fleet Farm - you Midwesterner's probably have heard of it - or online at Amazon. Apparently its something chickens eat to help with digestion; looks like small pea gravel and helps with traction without cutting pads/feet.
We have lots lots of chickens in the area, so there must be a similar product to the chicken grit, that I should be able to find around here. I’ll keep you posted on what I find and what works when the time comes. It won’t be long before we start getting snow, it’s already topping our mountains. 🏔
Another great suggestion came from Donna, Angel Murphy’s Mum...
https://www.lak.....d=cat52159
This link show outdoor nonslip runners. This would also be a great idea for our deck!
all the best for now,
Petra & Stewie.
I'm glad you posted here, I knew it was discussed on the forums last year & I was thinking Rene did a News post? On it? If Karen couldn't find one then I must just be thinking of the forums. I'm sure others will chime in ! It's a great time to restart this topic.
We don't want Stewie or anyone slipping in the ice! I remember both of those now that you posted. Donna with the carpet and the Nitro & chicken grit;) I know there was more discussions, have to week thru them.
I don’t have the searching abilities down yet but I did find some info in Gear. I am sure Rene or Admin can share more too, they have experience in the snow. Others will chime in! Maybe they can squeeze in a News post on the subject;)
http://gear.tri.....r-is-here/
http://gear.tri.....nter-gear/
http://gear.tri.....w-and-ice/
Be sure to share what works with Stewie!
Hey Petra! I see Donna is browsing this topic, I'll bet she will have some tips for you too!
The posts that others have shared are good places to start your research. Good thing you're doing it now, as ice is a big deal. Our own experience in snow has been limited to that legendary fluffy white powder of Colorado's mountains. We never had to deal with ice so I can't really help there. But I do know that keeping Wyatt Ray 's paw fur trimmed down low is a huge help in avoiding the inevitable ice balls that form between toes.
Let us know what you find OK? And yeah I'd love to update our information with the latest ice and snow solutions for Tripawds. Thanks for getting this started before winter.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you very much Holly and Purrrrkins! Great ideas, I will look into these boots! Maybe I’ll try some in in the store if I find any on our next shopping trip. (and no not on myself!😜)
i was also thinking that on icy days, I will have to more than likely be helping him with his harness and leash.
I do appreciate the searches that you ladies are doing for me! You’re a great help!
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅❤️🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
I think my very first post here was about Murphy slipping on ice on our deck! I felt like the worst mom ever! This was probably 9 months after his surgery, so I thought I had things down pat, but it had been sunny & melted some of the snow from the pergola boards that then re-froze on the deck. After that, we mostly kept the ice broke up and shoveled. Last year is when we found those runners. They worked perfectly on the wood deck and lasted all winter long. In the Spring, the birds & squirrels were stealing for their nests! lol
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Thanks Very much Jerry’s Pack
Yes, I also keep the fur trimmed on Stewie’s feet. I also comb up between the toes and trim that fur so that snow balls don’t cling so badly. And keeping his nails trimmed down also helps. Thank you!
i will keep you all posted as to what works and what hasn’t... (hopefully it will be all in the “it worked category!”)
We love our powdery snow too, but we definitely get a mix of all kinds. Mostly i am concerned about our slippery deck.
Thanks for all your help.
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅❤️🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
Donna, I think the runners are a great suggestion. I am definitely going to look for them. Thanks for the suggestion! And the fact that they are recyclable, is even better! Smart Birdies! 🦅 (and thanks to Murphy too! Thankfully he didn’t hurt himself too badly, he probably felt worse ‘cause you were feeling bad. What a vicious circle we humans can create heh?!
Sloppy kisses from Stewie👅❤️🐕 🐾
& all the very best from his adoring pack,
Petra, Paul, & his 🐈 siblings, Mr. Spike, Chester Molester & Miss Lily 🐾🐾 🐾
http://stewie20.....pawds.com/
Hey Petra, I live in California now so Loki hasn't seen snow as a tripawd, but when we used to live in the northeast, he wore the Ruffwear GripTrex boots out in snow and ice. They were the best fitting boots we could find, and (like the article above says) they do have pretty good traction for going on icy adventures away from home. They actually make a better "winter" boot now called the PolarTrex. Loki hasn't used those ones, but Ruffwear is pretty reliable with the quality of their products. Anyway, good luck to Stewie in his frosty adventures! Stay warm! ☃️ Brittnie & Loki
🐾 Loki, Dog of Mischief 🐶
I loved life as a tripawd for over three years following right forelimb amputation due to an aggressive and recurrent hemangiopericytoma. I reclaimed my place among the gods and valkyries in Valhalla on November 11th, 2020. My parents miss me tremendously, but I know they'll keep me in their hearts forever... and don't worry, I've approved my mom's use of my Tripawds account.
Brittnie and Loki
thank you very much for your additional information. Loki is very lucky to live in the Sunshine State!
Did Loki have any trouble getting used to the boots? Stewie is pretty sensitive about his paws, I wonder if he would have trouble with them.
My biggest concern is on our deck, so I am going to try the Chicken Grit idea first and then look into further options if need be.
Petra! Stewie & his adoring Pack
I don't have a tripawds puppy, but I come from Rhode Island. I used to use the pet friendly ice melter in the areas that they would go to when they had to go out. And pet friendly or not, I always took a facecloth and wiped their paws when they came in. Keeping that fuzzy fur between their pads short helps too! Good luck to you!
Jackie, David, and Huckleberry
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
I don't know if you saw these:
Hoppy Mayuary, Colorado Tripawds
Not advertising or supporting these but maybe someone here knows about them. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips
Rusty "The Bunnyman" adopted us in 2014. Aug/Sept 2017, back left leg amputated (HSA cancer). He remained cancer free over 900 days. Cancer returned as of emergency visit on day 931. 15 days later, he gained his wings 04/18/2020 due to congestive heart failure. He will always watch over his fellow tripawds and their hoomins with Head Scritches and Sand Paper Kisses.
Jackie and Gina
Thank you both very much for your help!
Stewie and I are going to have to come up with a new system for cleaning his feet for sure now. I think a complete lay down and a belly rub to convince him to do so... he loves that kind of bribery!
I will see what is available in my area, but I have been given some excellent suggestions. Thanks to everyone!
Wyatt Ray doesn’t look to have too much trouble getting through the snow does he?! He makes it look easy! The too nail covers look very interesting.... I think Stewie May have them chewed off in no time, he’s very particular about his feet.... we have come to a mutual agreement, that when I do his nails.... he gets a bully stick! Another bribe, but who’s counting?!😁
Hugs to Rusty and Huckleberry
Hey I just stumbled across this post and figure there's no better time to revive it! I'd love to hear what our cold climate furiends are doing to help their Tripawds stay safe on snow and ice!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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