Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have the recommended RuffWear harness for Daisy, but I haven't even put it on her as I was waiting for stitch removal, which happened on 6/4. In our split-level home she manages the steps just fine--unless she is overly tired and has to go up, in which case I just lift her rear quarters a bit to get her started. She even takes the steps from the deck to the yard. Today we're at the cabin for the first time, and she needs a little assistance going up the first step (because it's higher) but then manages the rest. I'm trying to determine if I will need the harness in the immediate future or if I should return it. Daisy is 12, and we don't plan to go on any hikes over uneven terrain or anything like that.
Your experience and thoughts on the matter would be appreciated.
Lexi and Daisy
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
Hi Lexi,
It's great to hear she's doing so well and at the cabin! Yeay!
Here's my completely biased experience with the harness, only because I love it so much. Long before we started selling it here, we found that whenever we thought we wouldn't need it, we did. It's great for times when I was obviously tired and needed help, getting in and out of the car, and for those times when we went somewhere and unexpectedly ran into slippery floors.
I think you'll find that as Daisy ages, it will come in even handier. Also, during my last few months on earth (Mom, don't cry!), it helped tremendously.
The thing is, I always wore mine, except at night. The harness doesn't do much good if it's only worn when you "think" she'll need it. It's when those unexpected surprises happen that it really helps us get around.
Now, our Wyatt Ray wears his all the time too. He doesn't wear it in our single story house every day because he's young and doesn't have cancer, but whenever we go anywhere in the big truck or the RV, he needs it to get in and out. It's far better for his joints and my pawrents backs too.
That's my take on it, we can't say enough good things about it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Chuy (2yrs. old) also wears his harness whenever we take him out for a walk or somewhere in the car. Keep the harness handy, it is a wonderful tool to have to help your dog. It helps make it so much easier to get them in and out of a vehicle, up stairs or just to help pick them up if they fall down. Best investment besides carpet runners that we've made for Chuy.
Chuy, showing everyone that Tripawds do everything 3 times better than regular dogs!
I specifically got one for Trouble to help with getting her in and out of the vehicle as well as on steps when necessary. Also helpful when walking on tile or hardwood floors. Allows you to give them some added support.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
Just my two cents. I can't help but feel the use of a harness on most all tripawds especially seniors may help in reducing the odds of injuring one of the remaining legs. Fortis wears a harness at all times except for shut down time at night. Fortis injured his remaining leg two weeks post op. I can't help but feel a harness might have at least given him more time before the injury occurred. The first two weeks after surgery Fortis was doing amazingly well according to his vet (he laughed at me when I asked if I needed a harness). I sure wish I would have had one.
FYI, I have the Ruffwear harness but the one I use most often is the Help Em Up harness by Blue Dog Designs. It's sold here as well. I feel it does a much better job of supporting the pelvic area for rear amputees or dogs suffering from weakness in the hips.
Lexi,
Here's a very important factor everyone left out - on walks the harness takes the strain off the neck!
Comet is almost 12 and has been a tripawd always. Then only reason I found this site was because of Comet's neck problems after 10+ years. No vet could properly diagnose her neck problem (infection in discs or just bad discs). When I saw the Jerry video, I knew I had to have it. At first her back was too sore to handle the slightest weight so I didn't use it. But after we did determine she had an infection of the disc and it finally healed, she wore her harness fine.
We only wear it on walks or outings. But that is because we can pick her up - if she was big, we'd use it a lot more. But I would never put strain on her neck again by using a collar and a leash.
I personally wouldn't return it. Because you'll probably realize you do need it one day!
My only complain with the harness is the darned ugly colors! What's wrong with pink!?? (I even asked Ruffwear to make girly colors)
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sophie has the very sophisticated, classic black, Ruff Wear Harness . She wears it on walks when she goes with ME - because I don't take her in her Chariot - and she actually has to walk. It definitely takes the strain off the neck (good point !) - and when she leans on me for a rest - I can hold up her weight a bit.
Now - I (used to !!) buy EVERYTHING that was flogged (oops - I mean "offered") - some of it is ok - and some of it is very helpful. The harness I would put in the "very helpful" category.
Just sayin'
Tana and Sophie
Sophie (1998 – 2010)
"Going Dog" def: living every day in the moment
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
–Unknown
Thank you all for your comments!
I have put the harness on Daisy and am already seeing the value of it. Even though she seems not to need it, using it will make things easier for her. I'm so glad I found this community!
Daisy, 12 years young, had left forelimb amp on 5/19/2010 due to osteosarcoma. She left her body behind and joined the other spirit tripawds on 7/16/2010.
So grateful for each day with her!
Lexi (Daisy's momma)
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