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!
Register
Log In
Members
Add Topic
My 60lb German Shepherd, Lupa, was hit by a car when she was a little over 4 years old after strong winds blew a gate open. The accident shattered her front right elbow and the vets recommended full amputation of the leg. Since the wreck, her back legs limp when she walks and she has a few sensitive areas along her back toward her hips.
I got Lupa when she was 6 months old with NO intentions of ever letting her on furniture other than my bed. I had firmly decided that I would immediately correct any attempts to get on furniture. I never did becuase she never attempted it. I let her sleep with in me in my bed but she preffered the hard floor unless it was really cold.
One night, when Lupa was 5 years old, I was sitting on the couch watching a movie with my family. Lupa was pacing around the room and lying down in different areas. At first, I thought she was returning to her normal pacing that GSDs do, but upon closer observation, I though it looked as though she couldn't get settled or comfortable. She eventually walked over to the couch and jumped on it. I was surprised! 5 years and NOW she decides to try the couch! It's been 2 years since this incident and she has done this about 4 times. I really don't have an issue with her on the couch since she doesn't do it to snatch food off your plate, tear up the upholstery or any other bad behaviour other dogs I've had and allowed on the couch have exhibited. She will remove herself if I tell her too, so I know she will not start thinking she "owns" the couch.
Having said I don't really mind her on the furniture, I would still like to know why she is doing this. We live with a roommate who owns the furniture in the house I rent and this may be something she doesn't want. She wants to get new furniture, so the a dog on the current furniture isn't an issue, but it's best to start now. I'm sure she would understand if this is something Lupa does to get comfortable, but I don't my dog on her furniture if it isn't really needed.
She did this again, last night. Could it be that she is doing this to get comfortable/ease joint pain? I don't want to force her off the couch if being on the floor is somehow hurting her joints.
Welcome! Lupa sure is one cute pup. I don't know why she is jumping on the furniture. It could be she is trying to get comfortable, or maybe to be closer to you???? Is there a way that you can put a "doggy sheet or blanket" on the furniture for her? Maybe you can train her to only get up there if the sheet/blanket are on. We did that in the later years for Skyler & Chloe, as we wanted them to be more comfortable as they aged.
Please keep us posted as to how she is doing.
Sending golden hugs to you!
Cathy/Jane/Spirits Skyler & Chloe
There is a blanket covering the couch due to a precious roommate's dog ruining the couch (another reason I don't like dogs on furniture) until we get a new one. Getting her a special blanket for when she does want to be on the couch is a good idea, thanks! Why didn't I think of that? I thought she might want to get closer to me as well, but last night she jumped onto the couch when I was sitting in a chair.
It just seems strange that all of a sudden she wants to get on furniture. It makes me think there may be a reason.
There could be another reason. Just keep a close eye on her. Go with your gut...when in doubt, check it out.
Offline
Lupa may be trying to get more comfortable, and if this is the case you might consider getting her a comfy orthopedic dog bed.
She may also be asserting dominance to compensate for what dogs often think pack-mates may perceive as a weakness after amputation. If this is the case, you need to decide whether to correct her or allow it – comforting her, but reinforcing the behavior.
She may also be seeking the comfort of the pack leader for these same reasons.
If you decide the latter route, and the roommate is OK with her being there, consider some of the stylish furniture covers.
FYI: When it comes to pain, however, dogs will often seek out a cold – even if hard – floor, over a soft warm spot to rest as the cold feels better on aching joint.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
1 Guest(s)
