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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Our 8 year old lab is 8 days post amp. Our vet said he can start swimming later this fall, but he would need a life preserver to learn how to swim as a tripawd. He LOVES to swim & play in the water!!!
Hi Tuckerdog and family!
If you have girth measurements that would help tremendously. The girth is the widest part around his torso. To find it, take a measuring tape and wrap it around his body, going under the widest part of his rib cage then back to the top.
I hope you get to go swimming soon! You must be lucky enough to live somewhere warm?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
34" = large float coat . We live in MN, but the water should be fine for him into October.
OK that should help, hopefully someone will have one for you before the lake freezes over.
October swimming in MN? Wow, you northerners sure are hearty!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Your dog may not need the life vest. If he was an avid swimmer before he still may be. I considered getting one for Brutus and honestly I think he might have growled at me. We started with the pool 2 weeks after his surgery and it was like nothing had changed for him, so keep in mind some dogs may not need it.
Charley is a lab, but never really swam before his amputation at 2 years old...we actually thought he hated water because he won't go near a swimming pool. The first time we took him to the river post amp, he got right in the water and started swimming like a professional! No practicing or float coat needed!
We do put a float coat on him because where we take him has a slight current and I feel better knowing he'll be okay even if he gets a bit fatigued. The handles on the float coat help to if it's hard for them to get out of the water (especially for Charley when it's a bit rocky since he's a front amp).
Charley's Blog: CHOCOLATE KISSES
DOB: 3-29-08, male chocolate lab
Dx: OSA L proximal humerus 10-19-10
Amputation: L front leg & scapula 10-28-10
Chemo: 5 rounds of Carboplatin
Video (12 weeks post amp):Tripaw Charley Playing
♥♥♥ Lots of supplements and love!!! ♥♥♥
Good idea to wear one Charley! One of the benefits of a float coat is that while yes, most dogs can swim without one, a good float coat means it takes less effort for dogs to remain buoyant, which = more fun time in the water! We notice a big difference in the height of a dog's head above the water when they're wearing one. The higher their head position is, the less water they take on too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We finally had the opportunity to get Tucker out for a swim & he did great, no float coat needed. I am hoping we have a good winter & he will get a lot of lake time next summer!!!
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