If your heart's been captured by a dog or cat who has three legs, you might wonder whether you'll be able to provide the care they need. How will they get around? Will they need special equipment, like a three-legged dog harness?
Here's what to expect when adopting a three-legged pet.
Since dogs and cats tend to live in the moment and easily accept and adapt to new situations, they generally handle amputations in stride. In fact, Petful points out, pet amputations are usually more upsetting for pet parents than for the pets themselves.
With the source of their pain or illness gone, animals tend to quickly adapt to losing a leg. Often, they regain full mobility in a short amount of time — though they may need help on stairs and uneven ground, as well as additional assistance as they age. But by keeping them at a healthy weight and paying special attention to joint health, you can ensure that your three-legged pet remains mobile and active well into old age.
When considering adopting any pet, it's important to ask questions about their breed, temperament, exercise and grooming needs, etc. Get answers to these additional questions specific to "tri-pawed" pets so that you'll have a better idea of what to expect when adopting a three-legged pet:
Before bringing your new pet home, spend time making some of these simple modifications to your house:
Making some of these adjustments in your home will make it much easier for your pet to adjust to their new surroundings.
Are you wondering what to expect when adopting a three-legged pet who's older? The needs of a three-legged dog or cat, as with any pet, will change as they age. But you can help them maintain their mobility over their lifetime by being vigilant about their weight and joint health.
Here's where to focus your long-term care efforts:
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect when adopting a three-legged pet, you hopefully see that caring for one isn't all that different from caring for a pet with four legs. Three-legged pets have just as much love to give and can experience just as much joy as any other dog or cat.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
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This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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