Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello to all,
I am looking for some advice. I currently have an older lab, and am looking at a shelter puppy (under 6 months) that has had a front leg amputated. What are the main concerns and considerations that need to be considered in adopting an amputee puppy. What are some situations that may be taken for granted that could be an issue that needs to be addressed. (ie, I have hardwood stairs to my second floor, how far can an adjusted amputee walk on walks, is eating or going to the bathroom going to cause problems?) I would appreciate as much information as possible that anyone can offer.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Scooter,
Good for you to plan to adopt the tripawd puppy!
Was the puppy involved in an accident? How long ago was the surgery done? In any event, the little pup probably has already got used to hopping around on three by now.
A few suggestions:
- slip-proof floorings
- harness for lifting or assisting in some tricky situations
- ramp for getting in and out of higher-off-the-ground vehicle
- since the pup at the shelter is a front leg amputee, the food/water dish needed to be elevated to lessen the strain on the remaining front leg
- start the pup on good quality diet/supplements for general health and well being, plus a good foundation for the hips/joints. (since tripawd's gait is very different, there is a lot of compensation on posture and adjustments when in motion)
- if the puppy likes water, swimming is by far the best to have the full-body workout, and to build muscle strength.
- dogs' front legs carry over 60% of the weight, the pup's remaining front leg is doing the job for the fallen comrade as well, so never let the pup get pudgy.
As far as hardwood stairs is concerned ... There was once a video clip which showed Jerry navigating his way up and down, but I couldn't find that. Jerry will let you know when he gets online.
Good luck!
Jessie
So glad that you are considering adopting a tripawd puppy. Not a lot of people would have the courage to do something like that. Amen to everything Genie had to say. As for the flooring my pawrents bought some indoor/outdoor area rugs so that I would not slip and are very easy to take them outside and hose them down to clean. I do remember that video about Jerry going up and down the stairs....sure that Jer will give you the link to it when he reads all these notes. Just remember, humans first impression is that us tripawds have a hard life but take it from us...which have gone from being 4 legged to 3 legged and are just doing wonderful and living life to the fullest. Good luck and keep us posted!
Kellie
scooter said:
I am looking for some advice.
You've come to the right place! Thank you for registering.
I suggest you search these forums using keywords describing your specific concerns. All of the things you mention have been covered many times in previous posts.
Genie has given you a great start! Keep the walks short, and take them more often. Put runners on hardwood floors to prevent slipping. Raise food bowls off the ground. We could go on ...
Going to the bathroom will not be a problem. When we gotta go, we go! And we figure it out. Most importantly, don't be so concerned. Or at least don't show it around your pup. Pretend like life is normal, and they will believe it is. Beacause, well ... it is!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Kellie said:
I do remember that video about Jerry going up and down the stairs….sure that Jer will give you the link to it when he reads all these notes.
Good memory! That video was so long ago ... you can view my people helping me down the stairs with my helpful harness in my Health Tips video playlist. Just click on the menu icon in the YouTube player, then scroll back to one of the first few movies. Or, you can watch it on YouTube.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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