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.
Join The Tripawds Community
Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:
Instant post approval.
Private messages to members.
Subscribe to favorite topics.
Live Chat and much more!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
Offline
Skippie our front leg tripawd really like to run (of course it is more like hopping). I mean for him it is almost his "normal" pace, since he cannot walk slowly like a 4 lgged dog, so his pace is always a bit faster. Would it be very stressful to do a bit of "running" with him? I mean just let him hop and follow him (on leash) and just let him determine the pace of course.
Or maybe any tips for other activities?
We will also start tracking, but that is a bit more difficult to do with just 2 people and to dogs (you need 2 people and 1 dog ;)).
My tripod did canicross competitions with my daughter when she was younger and occasionally accompanied me on my 3 mile runs. I always stuck to paths that had a grass verges for her, or forest trails.
If you want to run with your dog I suggest getting a comfortable harness for your dog and a canicross belt with bungee line for you. This way neither dog or you will get sudden tugs or shocks down the lead when one or other has to stop. Teaching commands for left and right (traditionally Haw and Gee) is good.
Always carry water, be aware of the weather and temperatures when running with your dog, keep them off the concrete and tarmac, and end it on a high note where the dog is still wanting more.
Oh Skippie you crazy pup! Yes, there are LOTS of activities you can do with your three-legger. Running on grass and soft surfaces as Evie suggested are preferred but from what I've been told by rehab vets, it can put your dog at risk of joint stress if you do too much of it. Rehab vets recommend taking Tripawds on shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day, no more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time. "Explosive" activity, like chasing at the dog park, running on downhill slopes etc., is hard on joints so you want to minimize that. Walking on uneven surfaces is awesome to teach balance and coordination, but running on soft sand is hard on a Tripawd.
We did have one member who did canicross with her awesome Tripawd, you can read about it here. Keep in mind that Cali was a mushing Husky, bred to run with the right body type. Other dogs aren't, so this isn't always a good fit for others.
Beyond running we have tons of activities listed in our Tripawds book Loving Life On Three Legs , and here are some more games and activities in our Tripawds Gear blog.
This is a great question, I think I'll make it a Tripawd Talk Radio topic for a future episode. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks and sorry for the late response...I had some troubles with logging in at home. I liked the stories very much Jerry!
We already have a canicross harness for our other dog. However, she only likes to run in front when there are more dogs or people ;). When we did tracking with here more intensively, we stopped with canicross.
I think we will just start with ver short distances and see if he likes it. I think he indicates very clear when he wants to rest, since he just lays down when he had enough ;).
You guys are so sporty, I love it!
I agree that you have a good plan. Keep in mind that if a dog lays down during a walk, it's a sign that s/he's gone too far and overdone it. The next time out make the walk a little shorter to make sure it's not too much for him. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I def agree with Jerry there. If it's got to the point where the dog just lies down you have done too much already. Watch out for more subtle signs before it gets near that stage and give them plenty of breaks.
Jerry, I can understand your concern :). However, in case of Skippie it is not related to physical exercise thus far I am quite sure. In general he does it when the weather is warmer, when we already shorten the distance (15 minutes max). We are walking 2 dogs and when Sira is sniffing (she sniffs longer at the same place), he just sits or lays down. And also sometimes already when we just left home.....Or in other words, I did not really find a direct connection between the amount of activity and Skippie laying/sitting down.
Of course we are keeping good track of his condition and subtle signs 🙂 I often incorporate little breaks for example. Just sitting down for 10 minutes when the weather is hotter (and of course I always carry water).
Yay! You guys are super conscientious, that's the sign of a great pawrent, keep it up!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
