3-legged dog?

Question

There is a 3 legged dog in the pound. Shes 8 years old medium sized dog. Seems pretty nice. I have been keeping a eye on her and now I believe shes been there too long and needs out. I suppose people are unsure of her having 3 legs. Do you think this dog will be able to climb steep steps? Its her back leg that is missing. I know she can play and run like usual but what about the steps. I'm thinking I'm going to get her out tomorrow but rather her sleep in our room upstairs then downstairs in a crate. By the way, we are talking about a 100 year old farmhouse where the steps also curve up.

Answer 1

She'll be fine.

I have a friend that has a lab with 3 legs. He is amazing. He's not handicapped at all. He can keep up with the other labs.

The only thing I think you'll notice is it may take her a little time to build up her muscles since she's been in the pound for a bit.

Keep her lean, that extra weight isn't something she needs. My friend's lab is on the lean side as well. But he is solid muscle. He's just a happy, healthy normal dog.

Bless you for taking this dog! You wont regret it!

Answer 2

1) Are horses smart and in what way? Like dogs, you've got a range of intelligence there. They usually have very good memories and are good at telling time (sticking with routines). 2) Do horses have strong complex personalities the way dogs, cats or people do? Yes, most of them. 3) Do horses request attention from their owners? Some do, some don't. Depends on how they were raised and treated. I think most learn to crave attention, and mistreated ones can be changed. 4) The police use horses for riot control and I wondered why they don't freak out with all the commotion. Then someone pointed out that they used to take horses into battle. Even more reason to wonder why they don't freak out. Their first instinct is to freak out. Police horses are trained and desensitized NOT to. A horse's first protection is FLIGHT, since they're so fast. If that doesn't work, they'll fight. Only patient training can make them "bombproof". 5) Why do they euthanize horses when they break their legs instead of fixing them? Economics, mostly. Usually you'll hear about this with race horses. I race horse in a cast does not make the owner any money. Also, with their weight, fixing broken legs can lead to complications. It can be and is done, though. 6) How long do horses lie down to sleep per day? Again, depends on the horse, but not a whole lot, maybe 1 hour. They have a check ligament that allows them to sleep standing up without falling over.

Answer 3

I think that her having a nice home would mean more to her, if nobody is going to adopt her will she be put to sleep? You can always try and see how she does with your stairs and if it turns out that she has to sleep downstairs, I'm sure she won't mind.

This is obviously a poor dog who has been through a lot already, with only having 3 legs. If you can provide her a home then go and get her!!!

I'm sure if you love her enough it will make up for not being able to climb some stairs :)

Answer 4

She sounds as though she has adapted very well to having 3 legs. I would definitely give her a chance. Although it would be great to sleep upstairs with you but if she doesn't adapt to the steps, I am sure she would rather spend the night in a crate and have a family to call her then to spend every day and every night in a crate or kennel at the shelter.

Answer 5

People say that 3 legged dogs are just the same as 4 legged dogs but they just have three legs. I think that the dog will do fine with going up steep steps (if they're not slippery). I say that you should go and buy her.

Answer 6

Well Many times they are okay. Maybe if you have outside steps make a ramp for her just to make it a bit easy. At first she will just be scared and probably not even want to try. But most 3-legged just hop up stairs. Also you might want to get some doggy steps (maybe one or two) So she can get on the couch or get on the bed to snuggle. Also if you are willing to invest a bit of $$ you can buy her a special doggy weel-chair so it is easy for her to get around. It just helps her get around better. And make sure she is not over weight when you have her! I know you wana spoil her because she is special but this can hurt her other legs!
Well i would talk with your vet about the stairs to and maybe getting a weel-chair for her.
GOOD LUCK!

Answer 7

I do so agree with all the folk who have already answered. I know people who have had dogs with only three legs and you'll be amazed how adaptable they are. One I know can outrun one of my dogs and if you throw a ball for them she is the first one to retrieve it.

I think it's wonderful that you are considering taking this little girl into your home and your heart. She will manage those steps just fine. I hope she gives you many years of pleasure. Good luck.

Answer 8

There was a 3-legged dog in our neighborhood growing up and he got around just fine. The only concern I would have is if the stairs are hardwood - that can be slippery for any dog - so if the stairs are wood only, you may need to think about getting a carpet runner for the stairs.

Also - the dog's name - it was Tripod. And he was a sweetheart.

Answer 9

awww
you are soo kind, most people would see she had 3 legs and walk away.
i used to have a 3 legged dog and my room is downstairs so he didnt need 2 climb stairs but we had 2 big steps ( bout 30 cm) going into the house and he managed that fine.
is she small enough for you to carry her up the stairs?
good luck :)

Answer 10

She should be able to go up and down stairs just fine. The dogs accomidate rather easily from an amputation. There is a male that is owned by a friend of mine with a rear leg amputation, and he gets around fine.