Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I just recently went to St. Croix and adopted a 10 month old Boxer mix tripawd, I named him Hercules because it's clear having 3 legs wasn't going to slow him down.
He had a front leg amputated as puppy due to an infection that was present when he was found behind a dumpster. My concerns now are what kind of daily exercise should I be giving Hercules. Are there any exercises that specifically will help with his balance? Sometimes he runs so fast, he trips a little and loses his balance. It still doesn't slow him down but I'm more afraid he's going to face plant and hurt himself.
Also being the fact that he's a larger breed, I don't want to limit his exercise too much (and he's still a pup so he just wants to play)
If there's any other tips anyone can give me, that'd be super helpful! First time dog mom over here!
Welcome, your future posts will not have to wait for approval.
Congratulations on adopting Hercules! We will have to see pictures some time soon!
I adopted my current Tripawd when she was 10 months old, Elly lost her right rear leg after being hit by a car at 7 months old. It is quite a balance to get a tripawd puppy enough exercise without overdoing.
Elly was healed from her amp when I brought her home, but she was not very strong. I started slowly with exercise and walks. I work with Elly every day on her core strength which is important for any dog, but extra important for tripawds. We do balance exercises, food puzzles and games and obedience training. I have found that challenging her mind really tires her out.
Here is a post on Interactive Brain Games. Look through the Gear Blog for ideas on fitness and exercise. And here is a great blog post on Exercising Young Tripawds.
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
Thank you for giving Hercules such a loving furever home! Can't wait to see pictures!!
Karen's given you some great links a d tips!!Check out Living life on three legs and other downloads here on the site for more great tips on keeping a trilawd strong! Just want to add aslo that, jf you have hardwood floors, get some non slip scatter rugs for traction .
Strengthening his core muscles are important and that will help with his balance. If you have access to a Certified Rehabilitation Specialist, that is definitely the route to go for some invaluable tips. The Trilawds Foundation will help.pay the costs of the first appointment.
Hugs!
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!
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