Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone, apologies if this is covered in previous posts but I couldn't find anything specific and was just looking for some help. We adopted a beautiful three legged dog a few months ago - Dash. Hard to know his true back story but we were told he lost his leg to a lawnmower incident and was surrendered by the owner.
He was kept outside, on a chain, and must have had little to no interaction as a puppy because he has no response to toys (not even a ball or stuffed animal) and didn't see stairs or a bed until we got him home. Anyway, fast forward to now and we have the best dog in the world. I could go on but, I really did have a question....
Dash, who is estimated to be about 2 years old, loves to run and walk. Our walks are about 1-2 miles and we let him decide if we need a break. He loves to walk right next to me and I was wondering if there is a harness where I could support him during the walk so he could go further or have some support. My thought is that I could help take some of the weight off the front so he would have support during that front leg hop. Any suggestions? I see posts about strollers and backpacks, which we might consider for longer hauls, just curious about some additional support with a harness.
Thank you all, love this site and the people who contribute.
Hi and welcome! Congrats on adopting Dash, that is terrific news that he's doing so well despite such hard beginnings. What a good boy! You sound like great parents, he's so lucky to find you.
I think you'll find this post will answer your questions about how harnesses help us help our Tripawds.
What a Tripawd Harness Will (and Won’t) Do
Essentially, a harness will not help a Tripawd walk longer, or support like a crutch, a brace or any kind of orthopedic device that we think of for humans. It's only a tool for us to help them get around a little easier, but it's not meant to aid a dog in going faster and further on walks, hikes etc.
A key thing to remember is that all dogs will go and go and go, and run and run and run, until they cannot. By that time, they are seriously exhausted and prone to injuries. It's up to us to moderate their activity to make sure they don't overdo things. Dog strollers are great because you can go on longer walks together, we love them so that Tripawds get to enjoy being outside without being dangerously exhausted.
If you haven't already, please check out our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs . You will find lots of tips about raising a strong, injury-free Tripawd.
We also encourage every new Tripawd parent to visit a canine rehab therapist. These experts can help assess Dash to show you his strengths and weaknesses, and how to help him enjoy his favorite activities without putting him at risk for long term joint stress. As a front leg Tripawd, he is extra susceptible to muscle pulls and joint injuries so it's critical to learn what he is and isn't capable of doing. The best part is the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first rehab visit !
To learn more about rehab therapy see:
All About Rehab Therapy for Tripawds
I hope this hellps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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