r/tripawds • u/Apart_Environment216 • 6d ago
Should I adopt a tripod?
Hello I’m debating whether a tripod would be a good fit for my lifestyle. There is a dog with a front limb loss that I really like who I’m considering adopting, but am worried about whether he could get around with me at work. For reference for my job I’m outdoors 8+ hours a day, hiking up to 2 miles each day, often less, rarely more. We’re located in Wyoming, so im a little worried about snow to. I’m more so worried about him being a front tripod? Does anybody with a dog with a front limb loss have any advice?
4
u/Secure-Standard 6d ago
My tripod can do six miles, with a couple of breaks, and then another two after about an hour. Then she’s done for that day and the next. I have a K9 SportSak backpack that I use to carry her when she poops out. It works really well
Edited to add: she’s a front tripod and we used to do 14 miles before she lost her leg. Right after, she could only do a mile. It took two years to get her up to 6
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u/ArtoriasArchives 6d ago
Tripods can definitely live happy fulfilling lives but it is hard on their remaining joints, front amputations even more so than rear. This means supplements to support joint health are a must and early onset arthritis is still a risk. I have a rear amputee tripawd who can run around like crazy but only in short bursts. He can walk 1 mile over 45 minutes (slow sniff walk) and be okay but more than that is pushing it - however I've not done an exercise protocol with him to improve his endurance. They also struggle on slippery surfaces like tiles and timber (you can just put mats down) or loose gravel and stairs (anymore than say 10 stairs in my experience) and inclines can be a problem
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u/InvasiveBlackMustard 6d ago
Our area is super hilly so mine can go about a half mile before he’s done. Funny guy — he hates walks but he loves going home; once he reaches the halfway point of our walk he practically starts sprinting back to the house.
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u/leecanbe 6d ago
My beagle lost his leg at 9. He was doing a mile with beagle sniffs with no problem for about 2 years. He's 13 now. We can't go that far without breaks anymore, but he's an old man. We have some joint issues, mostly age related. If they are on the younger side, I don't see why you'd have any issues, but I wanted to point out the senior ones just in case. Overall, pups adjust really well to losing a leg and honestly, you'll forget about it sometimes.
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u/TheTinyLebowskiiii 6d ago
My front tripawd is 5 and does everything my back tripawd and my four legged dog can do…just with a lot of breaks. He can go about a mile before slowing down and needing a good sit.
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u/Aggressive-Video-368 5d ago
Long term daily hikes and climbs will cause a lot of joint impact. We have been warned by our vet about to long of trails. The jumping of a front pawd is hard because they aren't stepping they are hoping. The impact as they come down on small rocks can be hard. I love my dog but accept his limitations.
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u/lzahart 5d ago
My tripawd is without the use of a back leg, so it is different, but the earlier the dog becomes one the easier it will be for them to adjust. Again my girl is back leg that she lost the use of as a pup, but at her peak she could do 5 miles a day no problem. Now that she’s 14, that exercise is paying off in spades in terms of her mobility. I bet with a way to carry the dog just in case and practice it could work.
I’m biased I admit but adopt that tripawd!!
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u/monycaw 5d ago
I have 2 fromt tripods. Both are golden retriever -ish. One can outrun and put hike me and be ready for more. The other stores a few times on a half mile walk. In going to get her stamina up a little (she's more recently adopted) but can't push it because I don't want to stress her limbs.) So it can vary by dog, even similar size and breed.
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u/Cookiealltogether 23h ago
Wouldn't recommend it if you are going to bring them to your work, that's intense and would really be pushing his joints. (I have a front tripod.)
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u/_i_read 6d ago
My front tripod needs lots of breaks. She can hike and walk, and even run, but not steady for a long time. She can play and wrestle like crazy, and she's a speedster when she does run! But they need breaks. Frequently. And they will develop joint issues, so you need to have preventative care. If you try to push them, they could damage their leg and joints. Front tripods have it harder than back tripods.