Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello Everyone,
This is my first post here! I own a business called Otto's Outfits and I have been asked to make 2 tripod sweaters now.
One of those customers indicated that tripod owners often have a hard time finding
clothing to fit their dogs. I would like to develope a full line of sweaters that will fit correctly.
Can anyone give me advice on specific issues that I might need to continue in making these sweaters? I would be much obliged 🙂
You all can email me at otto@ottos-outfits if you wish.
Thank you,
~Hayley
Hi Hayley, thanks for joining us here. Your sweaters are awesome! Here are some tips I hope may help:
Sweaters made for right after surgery would be super helpful. Maybe something with a removable, washable liner?
When our leg gets taken off, we lose our fur, sometimes for months, and we sure get cold if it happens to be in the wintertime.
Rear leg Tripawds have the biggest issues in finding sweaters. There is a big need for sweaters for these pups.
When my Mom found my Fido Fleece sweater, she sewed up the armhole I wasn't using. It fit OK, not as snug as the other side, but it worked. I think that fitting a sweater for a dog with a missing leg would require measurements to be taken so that there wasn't a bunch of bulky fabric leftover. We're not all the same chest size, or hind quarter size. I'm not sure how to get around this.
The best part about the Fido Fleece sweaters is that they velcro on top. I think this is very important.
It would be handy if, for front leg Tripawds, we didn't have to step into the arm hole when putting it on. That's tricky, especially after surgery. Maybe if you could somehow make it so that you open and close the sweater with velcro?
Well, hope this helps. If you need any Tripawds to test your sweaters out, let us know, we're happy to help. And if you'd like to develop an officially licensed Tripawds™ line of apparel, give us a call, we'd love to partner with you!
Happy sewing.
Rene, Jim & Spirit Dog Jerry
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you Jerry and Family, that is certainly helpful!
The velcro idea is a very good one. What I have now is actually designed to keep dogs warm, so can you elaborate on what you mean by an 'after-surgery' vest?
I would think a back-leg tripod (ooh, i am learnig new vocabulary!) would not have much issues with a regular sweater, as they are not designed to cover the back legs. Is there a fitting issue here that I am missing?
I will certainly need to test these as I make more. 
. I don't actually know anyone who owns a tripod so it would be helpful.
If you email me with a phone number, I would like to discuss this more with you!
Thanks,
~Hayley
ottos-outfits said:
can you elaborate on what you mean by an ‘after-surgery’ vest?
I would think a back-leg tripod (ooh, i am learnig new vocabulary!) would not have much issues with a regular sweater, as they are not designed to cover the back legs. Is there a fitting issue here that I am missing?
~Hayley
Hi Hayley,
To answer your first question:
I meant to say an after surgery sweater. Something that is very washable and practical, and won't stick to big nasty scars. Some of us get bandages after surgery, some of us don't. If the incision area leaks (which often happens), it wuld be good to have a removable liner.
About rear-legged Tripawds, they need something that can cover up their surgery scar that usually runs from about the groin area up their side almost to their spine. It needs to keep that fur-free area warm, while still allowing them to go potty. I know it sounds tricky.
Mom will email you our # and we can chat. She loves to sew, understands what you're thinking of, and thinks it's a great idea!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Hayley,
One thing that would be terrific is if you had "big and tall" sizes. Many Tripawds are large and giant breed dogs, since osteosarcoma is so common with big dogs. It is so hard to find warm things for our big babies! And these big dogs, when they get shaved from the surgery are practically naked. My Great Dane had her surgery in November and we are in Michigan, so we really need something warm. She is always shivering and still looks naked after a month. I love Nova's Fido Fleece, but wish we would have had a choice of styles. With big dogs there just isn't much to choose from. I agree with Jerry that the velcro is a must-have. Easy access is key! My Nova is a front leg Tripawd, and it is very difficult to slip her front leg into the hole. She has to be either laying down or I need someone to help me who can hold a 110-lb dog in the air.
I am wondering if rear leg Tripawds would benefit from buying larger sizes, then they would hang over their back? It's so tricky with all the potty issues.
Dane Mom Sue at nova.tripawds.com and Mom to Beautiful Great Dane Queen Nova, a Blind Tripawd, who kicked cancer's butt from 11/08-03/13. The Queen is Spirit Nova now, but her legacy lives on here at Tripawds!
Dane Mom Sue said:
One thing that would be terrific is if you had "big and tall" sizes...
I do have a Lare and Extra Large size availible for
big dogs, they just aren't on the main page of my site because they
cost a bit more.
I have never met a dog before
missing a back leg. I think I would have to see one in person before
trying to make a patter but, with Jerry's suggestion of a velcroing
back I think it could be done!
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