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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Hi, we have just taken on a cruelty case and need some help about exersice as we don't want to cause any damage by letting her do to much, Tessy is a 9/10 month old Dobermann who had a front leg removed 3 weeks ago also she is rather under weight, what would you recommend as an exersice routine i.e. what type of activity and lenth of time per session.
many thanks Chris & Pauline
Hi Chris and Pauline -
A young dobermann with a front leg should be able to work up to pretty much any excercise if you go slowly and gradually build. If your vet is good with getting started, maybe begin with little walks, gradually increasing distance or time (half mile or 10 minutes each week or so). Our Cali was able to run, play, swim (although she hated getting wet), and even return to her role as sled dog.
Thanks for joining and bless you for saving Pauline! (Is that the pup's name?)
You'll find plenty of links to helpful canine conditioning equipment and videos on the Fitness page of the Tripawds Gear blog .
And don't miss our CARE video interviews with lots of advice regarding exercise and stretching for three legged dogs from California Animal Rehab. You can use the search button at top to find more related forum posts or search all blogs here.
Keep in mind that walks only help build endurance, not strength. Focus on unstable surface work and balance at first, then work your way up to mixing in regular core strengthening exercises with your daily walks. More frequent, shorter walks are best. You can use couch cushions instead of the Balance Pad to begin with or use the Balance Disc to help build muscle strength. You might also consider building your own Buja Board.
Good luck and please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi thanks to you all for the info, i will be spending a lot of time watching videos and reading the posts to plan the best for Tessy so will no doubt be picking all of your brains in the near future lol
Had to laugh admin, Pauline is my wife and Tessy is our new Dobermann but i wont tell Pauline lol 
thanks everyone
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