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!
Hi everyone! My handsome 12 year old man Finley lost his front leg due to a dog attack 6 years ago. He's done really well, but he's starting to struggle with arthritis. I've tried to find him various slings and harnesses, but they all seem to slip around his chest. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hey there we're so glad you posted. Sorry to hear about Finley's issues right now. By any chance has he seen a canine rehab therapist yet? If not, that's a great place to go while you figure out the best ways to manage his arthritis.
To answer your question about harnesses, yeah, it can be challenging to find a good harness for a front-leg amputee. Without that other leg to keep harnesses in place, they do tend to rotate. The Ruffwear Webmaster harness rotates the least of all, but for dogs with limited mobility as you're describing we recommend the Custom Pet Support Suit. It costs more to have one made to Finley's measurements, but it will fit better than an off-the-shelf harness will and it's a good tool to help you support him.
If it's his rear-end strength that's wearing out more than the rest of him, you may need a harness with rear leg loops. We love the Doubleback by Ruffwear but it's not for everyone. You can click on the link for a review. The new Care Lift Harness is getting good reviews and may be more of what you're looking for.
Let us know which one you try and what works for him.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)