Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
My name is Katherine and my son, Alex, and 6yr old husky, Reina, recently adopted Bear, a 2.5 year old husky that had a front leg amputation on 10/17/2016. He is quite the husky and full of energy, but I don't want him to overdo it and hurt himself, until we have strengthened his core and other muscles. I am looking for advice on exercises we can do, with a very small budget. I am very familiar with at home human pt exercises, but dogs are a bit different.
We have a host of things we need to work on:
Our old dog has her nose very much out of joint, so training Bear has turned into retraining Reina in politeness.
Bear is very nosy and pushy (typical for the breed and his age), so we are working on manners. Particularly with the word phooey (no), off, and stay.
I ordered a harness so when we walk he isn't pulling on his collar and choking himself. We are taking short walks so he doesn't collapse mid walk and need a carry home. He has quite the interesting bob at full speed. The short walks do not tire him out though, so I am hoping some pt exercises in between walks will keep him occupied. I really need advice on what exercise we should do with him and how to do them.
He also seems to hurt himself when he gets up from laying down for to long. Is there anything I can be teaching him to ease his way up, or is this just something he will need to learn himself?
I ordered an ortho bed and rubber backed runners for the condo, so he has something to walk on with a bit of traction .
I am so glad I was introduced to this forum by Adopt a Husky and I appreciate Rene Agredano's earlier response to my email. Is there anything else I should be doing for Bear?
I appreciate everyone's advice and help.
Thank you,
Katherine
katm said
...I don't want him to overdo it and hurt himself, until we have strengthened his core and other muscles.
Smart! You've come to the right place. Use the Advanced Search above to refine your search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. We have many articles, videos and podcasts in the Tripawds News blog , Gear blog and Downloads blog . You can also search all blogs here .
I am looking for advice on exercises we can do, with a very small budget.
We always recommend consulting with a certified rehab vet tech (CCRP or CCRT ) and created the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab exactly for this reason. You may be eligible for reimbursement of your first consultation, where you will get plenty of instruction for exercises to do at home.
Is there anything else I should be doing for Bear?
Yes! Loving Life On Three Legs is packed with professional tips and details about DIY exercises you can do at home with Bear. Start with basic unstable surface work (walking across cushions or a Balance Disc), and simple strengthening exercises like doggy push-ups (Sit, Down, Sit Stand, Repeat). You don't need to purchase conditioning gear, though there are many helpful items, DVDs and other books available. You can even download plans to make your own Buja Board in the Tripawds Downloads blog .
Work in lots of stretching, massage and core conditioning exercises while slowly increasing walking distances before engaging in any "explosive" activities like fetch or Frisbee. Walking does not build strength, only stamina.
Here are a few more links to help you get started:
Tripawds News | Tag Archives | rehabilitation
Tripawds News | Tag Archives | ortho
Texas A&M Vet Rehab Tips for Tripawd Dogs
Why Core Strength Matters for Tripawd Dogs
Do Dogs Need Strong Core Muscles?
Help Your Tripawd Get Strong, Even When Eating
Learn Rehab and Fitness Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs, Part 1
Hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you so much. There is so much great information on this site, but I was getting a little lost.
katm said
...so much great information on this site, but I was getting a little lost.
Start here
if you ever need help navigating the many resources this community has to offer!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
HI Katherine and welcome! Congratulations on your new family member!
My dog had her leg amputated at the same age - you have the right instincts to start thinking about his joints and strength early on. I don't have particular advice on exercises, but wanted to offer a suggestions for walks. My Jack has learned to love sniffing breaks on our walks - we usually walk for a block or two, take a long rest laying down and enjoying the sights and smells and continue on for a bit before another rest and then home. This stretches out the time she gets to spend outside without putting too much pressure on her front leg.
Thank you! I noticed that is what Bear does. He takes a sit break when he feels he needs it.we walk at his pace. There is a burst of energy at the beginning of our walks, but he slows down and sniffs after the 1st block. Then when he feels he needs a break he plops down.
Online
Just wanted to offer a warm welcome to you, Alex, Reina and BEAR!! Such a lucky pup to have a loving furever home with such a caring family!
I was o ce owned by a very energetic Husky (Karloff)! They are so smart and so much fun!
Good for you for putting plans in place to protect his joints, etc. Yeah, our dogs teach us to "stop and smell the roses" on our walks. They walk at such a fast pace as a tripawd (for bala ce), they tire out very easily. If he's stopping to rest, he knows he's already pushed himself a bit too much. Smart boy!
As you'll see from the links, massaging and gentle stretching, especially before he gets up, may help with stiffness and sore muscles. Also, you'll see a lot of "mind game puzzles" you can play with Bear on days he over does it.
Look forward to hearing more about Bear and would love to see pictures!
Hugs to all and...shh...a little extra hug to Reina to help with the "jealousy"
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Here's an idea; while he has that burst of energy, stop and smell the roses for a couple of minutes. Then, get going again.
The goal is to keep him from getting to the point of where he needs to sit down to rest. Rehab vets tell us that once they do that, a Tripawd has gone too far.
Keep the walks short and build up as you go. And although your walks are shorter, you can always spend fun times together doing core strengthening and balance exercises for a couple of minutes at a time.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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