Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi, my name is Pam and I recently adopted/rescued a tripod named Frazier. He is a mini Austrailian Cattle Dog otherwise known as a blue heeler. He's approximately 2 years old and had his front right leg amputated last May. He's sat in the Vet's kennel for months and then in foster care for months.
My concern or question to those of you with tripods is.....how do I keep his back legs from getting stiff. He hops and keeps his back legs straight without any bend in the hocks. He can't swim without tipping over. I bought a life jacket for him I hope swimming will help get his back legs moving correctly. Any other suggestions? He's very athletic but tires very easily. He is also missing quite a few teeth on the left side of his mouth and can't chew on rawhides etc like my other dogs can. Poor baby. Any suggestions on safe chew toys would be helpful too.
Pam
Welcome! You future forum posts will not require moderation.
Please search these forums and the blogs for lots of great canine conditioning tips and advice. Here are a few links to help you get started on your home work...
Importance of Exercises and Stretching for Dogs
Benefits of massage for dogs and how to do it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Welcome Pam...and congrats on your new family member 
You will find this place to be an amazing one for any questions you may have.
Swimming will definitely do great things for him and I also highly recommend Animal Chiropractic, just like in humans a healthy spine means a healthy body...so I would see if you have one in your area. I personally like the Pet-Tek line of supplements...they have a product called Re-Gen Max that is awesome! It has Glucosamine, Chondritin, MSM (a natural pain reliever), and Hyaluronic Acid (this works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In addition, it might affect the way the body responds to injury). I also suggest adding black Chia to his food...it is a natural anti-inflammatory...I give my 40 - 45 lb BC's one tbsp a day.
Best of luck and we look forward to learning more about him and seeing some photo's and video's soon
Roxy…Border Collie cross born on approximately October 27th, 2011;
Rescued in January 2012 by Oops a Dazy Rescue & Sanctuary;
Right hind leg amputated on January 20th, 2012 due to a severe spiral fracture;
Adopted on February 21st, 2012 by Teena, a devoted human & Charlee, a purebred BC.
Hugs, tail wags & sloppy kisses
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