Tips for Walking with a Three Legged Dog

As your Tripawd recovers from amputation surgery, you're probably counting down the days to when she can get out and go for walks again. But before you head out the door with your new three legged dog, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• It’s easier for tripawds to hop along at a quicker pace than it is to walk slowly.
• Walks that used to take 15 minutes can now take 30.
• Allow plenty of time for recuperation and rest.
• Your dog will try to go farther than s/he should. It's up to you to make sure they don't overdo it.
• Take shorter more frequent walks. Start with just a block or two at first.
• Don't push it. Watch for signs of exertion and stop to rest as needed.
• Remember: dogs carry 60% of their weight on the front legs. This is especially important to consider when exercising us front-legged tripawds.
• And lastly, always carry a water bottle with you, and something to drink from.

Although Tripawds can do just about anything a quadruped dog can do, please remember that they are working harder than their four legged friends, and will need extra time to rest during exercise, and more water.

Amputee dogs can go on walks, short hikes, and play at the dog park, but they will overdo it, and potentially injure themselves, if you don't monitor their activity closely.

Allowances will need to be made. Those 4 miles hikes you used to take are probably going to be a thing of the past. That one mile walk to the beach might be too far at first.

But don't mourn what you lost, because your dog sure isn't. He's just hoppy to be alive! Rejoice in the fact that your dog is still around, and find exciting new things to do together that don't involve a lot of walking or exertion.

Sure, it's a lifestyle change for both of you, but really, this is a small price to pay for keeping your best friend around, don't you think?