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.
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My pup had his left hind leg amputated on June 8th and just came home today. Caring for him is very scary, and I was wondering if anyone had any tips to make him as comfortable as possible? Not to mention he keeps catching his cone around his neck on his incision. Any advice is welcomed. Thank you@
amourheather said
...any tips to make him as comfortable as possible?
Yes! Start here for help navigating the many helpful resources Tripawds has to offer. Bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List and check out the FAQs for many helpful recovery and care tips.
Confinement and moderation during the next couple weeks are most important for a quick complete recovery. You will also find many cone of shame alternatives in the Tripawds Gear blog .
While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!
Best wishes for your pup. What's his name? Please keep us posted, your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi there and welcome!
I am so sorry that your dog had to lose his leg, and I know this is a really scary time, but you have absolutely come to the right place to get the information and support you need. We really do understand your situation, as we have all been there ourselves. Admin has given you some great links, above. If he is finding the cone a nuisance, a lot of people with rear amps have used boxer shorts to protect the incision, and if you are able to keep an eye on him, and he isn't inclined to bother it, you may not need to use the cone, unless you have to leave him on his own and perhaps at night.
Can you tell us a bit more about your dog? What's his name? What was the reason for the amputation? How old is he? What breed/size?
In terms of making him comfortable, providing good traction is extremely important, as the tripawd hop makes it much easier to slip, and you don't want him losing confidence. If you have hardwood or tiled floors, you'll want to cover these with rugs with a non slip backing, or some people have used yoga mats etc. You may also want to raise his food and water bowls, especially if he is a larger dog. A harness may also be a great help in assisting him to get around. many people here use the Ruffwear webmaster harness , which gives good support and has a handle on the back.
Right now, the most important thing is to ensure he gets plenty of rest. How is he eating? Peeing? Pooping? What medication is he on? Is he showing any signs of pain – panting, restlessness etc.?
Please keep us posted. And ask absolutely anything. We're here for you.
Big hug,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Great advice already! So Yes, when you can, let us know how things are going, okay? We are all here for you and certainly understand how difficult and stressful and exhausting this recovery part can be!!
And we also understand how WONDERFUL things can be once all that surgery pain is over!! 🙂
Keepi g the pain managed is very important the first teo weeks or so. Most Vets send you home with Tramadol, Gabapentin, Rimadyl and an antibiotic. It is major surgery and it does hurt!
Jist rest, rest, rest and short potty breaks for now.
Update when you can. WE CARE and YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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