Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I've been looking into getting my Calvert who recently had a front leg amputated a harness for walking. He no longer will walk on a leash and collar. He'll sit down and not budge. Usually when I drop the leash then he will start walking towards me. I'm thinking he doesn't like the leash anymore and it's time to look into the harnesses.
I have reviewed the ruffwear Web Master harness and the ezydog convert walking harness.
I'm having a "ruff" time deciding which would be better for Calvert, it's not an "ezy" decision for me. Haha
Anybody have any suggestions or advice? Are there other harnesses that are better?
You're so punny! Way cute.
We're always on the lookout for excellent, rugged harnesses that can work on Tripawds, especially front leggers. The Webmaster is our favorite for all-around assistance, the Convert for walking (it doesn't have as great a lifting ability due to where the handle is placed). Both work on front-leggers (each will slip a little after being worn for a while; that's just the nature of having one front missing leg that isn't there to hold the harness in place. To fix it, just tighten the straps back up). They are great, well-designed and last for years. Did you see this post?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I think I did read that post. 
Right now, Calvert jumps in and out of cars, does steps perfectly, and can even jump in and out of the back door where we dont have stairs. Im thinking the convert walking harness would work well, since calvert just doesnt want to walk on a leash and collar.
But what if im wrong and he begins to need assistance?? Golly. Decisions decisions...
I got the Webmaster harness for Domino (he's a front left amputee) and I love it. He's about 37lbs and I can pretty much lift him off the ground if needed. It's also great for just walking, I usually hook his leash to it when we go out. I'm like you, I worried he might need assistance and went ahead and got the one that makes it easier to lift him. And after talking to a rehab specialist I realized I should be helping him out more, so I'm glad I got the Webmaster. Hope this helps! Good luck and I'm glad he's doing so well.
Cassie and Domino
Domino sporting his Webmaster harness the day it came in
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Domino had his left front leg amputate on May 13th 2014 after being hit by a car. He's now living a happy healthy life on three legs :)
Hi there
Tucker wears the Webmaster harness too and he is also a front leg amputee.
Tucker is a big boy - 85 pounds now post amp and after losing weight and it works beautifully for him and me.
Linda and Tucker
I went with the Perfect Fit harness as I knew Shooter would not put up with anything that had as much coverage as the RuffWear. It was so easy to take on and off as it is built so that you don't have to lift the remaining front leg. The company is great to work with.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I chose the Web Master harness by Ruffwear before the surgery, since I wasn't sure if I would have to help my dog up, and the literature showed that the Webmaster Harness had a better handle. It works fine and gives the dog great support because the leash fits in the dog's middle, BUT for a front-leg amputee it isn't the easiest harness to put on. I believe the Ezydog should be more practical because you don't have to put it through the remaining front leg like the Webmaster Harness. It seems that it does depend a lot on the dog's need for help or not.
My dog is a 90lb Golden Retriever that is well adapted to life on 3 legs.
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
Calvert is having absolutely no problems getting around. Up and down the stairs, in and out of the car, and into and out of my bed he has mastered them all. I am leaning towards the easydog but we will see!! Still torn between the web master and the easydog. Hmm lol.
Hey, I hope you don't mind me hopping on..eek.
My patterdale terrier, Obi, had one of his back legs amputated in March (bone cancer). He was instantly ok on it and in fact has taken up handstands when peeing. we took him on a walk (too long on a hot day too) 2 weeks ago and he couldn't get up the next day. I was absolutely gutted. Got hold of some anti-inflammatory and he soon recovered. He's been fine for a week after that medication but just yesterday noticed he has been panting on the way back from short walks. Last night he wouldn't come up the stairs and again this morning which is most unlike him. He walks about otherwise, around the house and garden no problem. I really need to get him a harness and also looked at the ruffwear but was put off by a comment on Amazon where someone says the straps are too loose. You dogs seems to be front legged amputees, do you know what would be best for a back leg amputee?
I've got a Good Ideas sling but its not supportive enough - just goes under the belly, its too big for my terrier - though he is chunky (being a patterdale).
thanks J
julesac said
I really need to get him a harness and also looked at the ruffwear but was put off by a comment on Amazon where someone says the straps are too loose. You dogs seems to be front legged amputees, do you know what would be best for a back leg amputee?thanks J
Hi Jules, see our input here.
The Webmaster works well on both front and rear amputees. It's a great fit for most dogs although there are the occasional dogs whose bodies just don't work well with it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
If Calvert were hind leg amputee, I would choose the ruffwear double back harness hands down.
But your story helps me in my decision. I think ill go with the webmaster so if calvert ever does begin to have any problems i can use the harness to assist him. The ezydog harness isnt meant for assisting and lifting. Thanks for sharing! !
The thing about the Doubleback is it doesn't work the way it's intended to on a rear leg, because it needs 2 legs in order to use the back of the harness, the leg loops.
Good choice on the Webmaster! We love the Convert too, it's an excellent product for its intended use, but for an all-purpose utilitarian harness we are partial to the Webmaster.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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