Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Tomorrow I'm getting a home visit from a rescue organization who has a Tripawd German shorthaired pointer available. He lost a rear leg after it was mangled in an animal trap. I've seen videos of him and wow can he run! I'm just a little nervous about having a special needs dog. Will the dogs at the dog park pick on him? What about arthritis?
He is beautiful and my heart tells me I want him. Any suggestions on care or even how to make a good impression on the rescue people would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
bravo for you!!! you are fortunate, in that your pup is not facing a cancer battle as well. dogs do remarkably well on three legs, and rear leggers seem to recover quickly from the amputation! you are considering a very active breed, so, don't expect that being a tripawd will slow him down much.
you might want to read the 'required reading list http://tripawds.....ng-list/ to get a headstart on what to expect. a few things to think about are non-skid rugs around your house, a raised food bowl, maybe a harness to help get in and out of a vehicle and on stairs.
any pictures of your soon to be forever pup?? let us know how the interview goes!!
charon & spirit gayle
Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included). She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.
Love Never Ends
Trapper, welcome! We're so hoppy to hear that you're considering a Tripawd, thank you.
I think it's so funny that Tripawds are called "special needs" because oftentimes they are so far from it! You won't find many Tripawds who need to be treated any differently than other dogs, with the exception of a bit more moderation when it comes to playtime and eating.
You see, keeping a Tripawd lean is key toward a good healthy long life, because you want to avoid any extra weight on their bones. With that kind of breed though you probably won't have to worry too much. About the only other thing you'll also need to consider is that while a Tripawd can have fantastic bursts of energy and overzealous playtimes, keeping their activity to a manageable level is also key to avoiding long-term arthritic problems. Just because they can keep up with other dogs doesn't mean they should, and you will need to play recess monitor to ensure he doesn't over do it. You'll find that in time, you'll know what's too much activity versus not enough.
Be sure to flip through these CARE videos which discuss fitness and mobility.
Good luck tomorrow, please keep us posted, and if the rescue wants to know more about us, send 'em our way!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh and as far as whether or not other dogs will pick on them....generally it's the humans who are more anxious about that scenario than the dogs, which can translate into behavioral issues. While some dogs may show a tendency to be over protective right after surgery, usually once they get the hang of living on three legs they aren't so nervous around quadpawds.
Always remember, your emotions are reflected back by your dog. If you believe he is strong and capable, he will believe it too, and so will the other dogs around you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Our fingers are crossed that your home visit goes well. Aside from the things that Charon mentioned, I would only add joint supplements to the list. There's little that a tripawd can't/won't be able to do when they decide they want to. Most don't have a clue that they are any different from the other dogs.
As far as other dogs picking on them, my Rio got a little feistier after she became a Tripawd, and wouldn't hesitate to let other dogs know that she didn't appreciate them poking about in her business. Not anti-social, but just less tolerant of young dogs trying to "get frisky" with her.
~ ~ Rio ~ ~ |
Thanks for all the fast & friendly replies! Now I really REALLY want him so I can hang out with all of you!
I'll share his Petfinder page with you all since I don't have any photos of my own. There's a video of him on there too. http://www.petf.....l/21320226
Just don't steal him out from under me! lol
I'm as nervous as all get out about this home visit. If for some reason it doesn't work out, I'll be sure to let the rescue group know about you guys as a possible resource in helping him find a home. But I'm really hoping for the first scenario where you all get to deal with me asking a million questions!
Welcome Trapper! Tripawds are definitely awesome and I think it is wonderful that you would consider adopting one. Zeus does everything now that he did before the amputation. He has adapted beautifully and his quality of life is absolutely great (with the exception of a couple of tired days after each chemo, but that has nothing to do with the amp. itself so it is not something you will have to worry about).
I have a long history of volunteering with rescue groups and would like to offer a tip about the home visit and application process. It is always viewed favorably when the potential adoptee has 'done their homework' as it shows their concern for truly doing what is in the best interest of the animal. Obviously, since you have found this site, you have already started this research. It would probably be helpful for the home visit to have some idea of how you would adapt your home to make it tripawd friendly and to relay these to the interviewer. For example, if you have slippery floors you might have some plan for placing rugs or runners to help with traction . Express your willingness to buy an elevated food/water bowl. Etc, etc. That will impress them that you are really giving this serious consideration. Good luck!!!
Lisa
Zeus was a Husky mix diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at age 11. A visible lung met and suspicious spot on his liver meant a poor prognosis-six weeks was our vet's best guess. We decided to fight for our boy and his right front leg was amputated on 12/1/11. We did six rounds of chemo, changed his diet and spoiled him completely rotten. We were blessed with 10 great months after diagnosis. Against the odds, the lung met remained a single met and grew very little over those months. A wonderful furbaby with the most gentle spirit, he fought with a strength that we never imagined he possessed. We have no regrets...
http://zeuspod......pawds.com/
Wow, what a beautiful boy. I can see why you fell head over heels! Here's hoping Trapper is all yours this time next week! Please keep us posted; I'm nervous too!
Scout: January 31, 2002 to November 7, 2011
Scout's diagnosis was "poorly differentiated sarcoma"; amputation 1/11/2011. Scout enjoyed 9 fantastic years on 4 legs and 9 glorious months on 3 legs. If love alone could have saved you…
Oh, what a handsome boy! Love his happy, smiling face.
It's a really great thing to be a tripawd pawrent. Hope you pass! (We recently had a home inspection - it was pretty low key. She basically just wanted to check that there were water bowls available and she looked to see if we had a fully fenced yard. Hopefully you will pass with flying colors and get to adopt Trapper!)
Keep us posted,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom
Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!
Awww what a georgous boy, can definatley see why you fell in love with this guy. Best of luck with the home visit I really hope it goes super well!!!!! being a Tripawd parent is awesome and there isn't really too much to worry about other than the occasionaly traction problems, especially on slippy floors ( our kitchen has rugs all over it 🙂 and making sure they stay nice and lean.
Good luck and let us all know how it goes.
Sarah, Kayla and Sarge
Oh he IS such a beautiful boy! Good luck in the home inspection. Being a tripawd pawrent is the best! We hope to hear from you about how it all goes!
Jewels was a gorgeous Lab-Shep mix that found us at the pet rescue when she was just 3 months old. Born June 2000; Diagnosed OSA on June 1, 2011; L-front Amputation September 12, 2011; Crossed Rainbow Bridge December 30, 2011. My "baby dog" will always be in my heart. Now she is running fast and free on all four legs after the rabbits and squirrels! Jewels was loved by her crazy-busy mom, even-keeled dad, pesky twin human brothers and monkeydog sister Aspen. Read about Jewels' Tripawd Journey here.
Hi Trapper -
I hope your interview goes well and you find a furever loving home. Tripawds are the best and coolest dogs ever!!
I see from the PetFinder ad that you are in Gurnee, IL. Is that where your new home will be?
The Chicago-land Tripawd group is a strong one and we try to get together every month (in the warm months of course) at a dog beach in the city. I hope to meet you someday very soon.
All the advice you got above is spot on and I don't think I can offer much more than they already have. I have been a Tripawd for almost 2 years (because of that stupid cancer stuff) but still do everything I did with 4 legs. If anything, I am more demanding and spoiled now than before.
Paws crossed that everything goes well.
Ginger
Yeah, Wisconsin! (Gerry and I are in Madison)
If/when you get Trapper and have your first vet visit, I'd recommend asking your vet about Dasuquin and/or fish oil as supplements to help protect his joints over the years. I knew about Dasuquin from the blogs here when I got Gerry, and when I asked the vet, he was like, "Oh yeah, good idea!" I'm sure I heard about fish oil too, but it slipped my mind until recently when I went to a little workshop on injury prevention (it originally meant for seriously athletic dogs, but I wasn't the only person with a three-legged dog to show up with questions!) and heard about fish oil again, so I'll probably follow up on that with my vet at our next visit.
Regarding dog parks, my first tripawd had no issues with other dogs at the park after his amputation. But he rarely wasted any time with dogs he didn't like or who didn't like him anyway. He was noticeably more outgoing after his amputation too in fact, probably because the tumor in his bad leg had been holding him back. Gerry (my second) has some issues with the dog park, but it's mainly his own fault. I'm inclined to believe his missing leg makes him a little insecure and he overcompensates by being quite rude to large male dogs and then, surprise, surprise, the other dog sometimes reacts before I can intercede. Alas, dog parks are probably a lost cause for him. BUT, as I didn't have Gerry prior to his three-leggedness, for all I know, he was always a rude little upstart with the big male dogs, haha.
Good luck! Gerry is crossing his paws for you and Trapper!
Gerry has been a tripawd since 12/16/2009.
He was a shelter dog with a mysterious past and an irrepairable knee injury.
Videos and pics of Gerry's pawesomeness can be found at: http://gerry.tripawds.com
Welcome…I am the proud new human to 4 month old Tripawd Border Collie x, named Miss Roxy…our adoption became official on Tuesday She just celebrated her one month ampuversary on the 20th and she is doing pawsome!!!
Like you, I too had concerns but after doing some research and talking to the nice folks on here, those concerns just melted away. Roxy is fitting in quite nicely with my family, both human and k9…I also have a 4 year old BC and they run around like two normal dogs, you'd never know Roxy was even missing a leg You can see video's of them in the "Share Your Story" section just before yours
I have worked in holistic pet industry for 4 years and some other products I have researched that I feel would be great for maintaining healthy hips and joints are Pet Tek Re-gen Max (http://www.pet-.....re-gen-max) and Pet Kelp Joint & Bone (http://www.petk....._bone.html).
Best of luck, I look forward to finding out the results of your interview.
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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