If you haven’t gone through a major dog surgery like amputation before, you  might be surprised at the amount of post-surgery stink that clings to your pup when he comes home from the hospital.

Things like bodily fluids and surgical residue might be stuck on your dog’s fur, and they don’t smell nice. And as Whiskey’s Mum just learned, you can’t give your dog a bath for about 10 days until the staples or stitches are removed.

The post-surgery smell can drive you and your pup crazy, but thankfully you can give your dog a “bath” without getting wet!

Fresh Dog Dry Bath Waterless Shampoo to the Post-Op Rescue

When assembling your post-surgery gear, like carpet runners and clean towels, add Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo Powder or Bath Foam Waterless Shampoo to your post-amputation toolkit.

Fresh Dog dry bath shampoos are made in the U.S. They’re free of dyes, parabens, chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, surfactants, and detergents.

Their natural formula made with essential oils like lavender is safe enough to use on puppies as young as six weeks old.

Fresh Dog Dry Shampoo Powder Ingredients are: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Silica, Essential Oils (Lavender & Rosemary)

Fresh Dog Waterless Bath Foam Shampoo Ingredients are: Purified Water, Coconut Based Surfactants, Glycerine, Ethanol, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Chamomile Extract, Sea Kelp Extract, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, DMDM-Hydantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Titanimum Dioxide and Mica, FD&C Blue #1.

 We tried the dry shampoo powder after the company sent us a sample, and found it easy to use on Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray Dawg.

His fur is dark so we had to rub vigorously to blend the powder into his coat, but once we did he looked and smelled nice.

You can even use it on your dog’s bedding or carpeted areas for an extra nice smell around the house.

Win a Bottle, Get a Fresh Dog

We have one bottle of Fresh Dog Waterless Bath Foam to give away to one lucky Tripawd.

If you’d like a chance at winning, please tell us below in the comments section about your Tripawd’s post-amputation experience when s/he couldn’t take a bath.

Answers must be received no later than Monday, May 21 at 11:59 pm Pacific. A winner will be drawn at random.

Have you seen the new Ruff Wear Web Master Harness features? They’re great! We’re impressed and want to share them with you in this quick overview. Stay tuned for a new in-depth review, or check out our original Ruff Wear Harness review and demo video.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Web Master

The Web Master has truly evolved into the best dog harness, especially for Tripawds. Just take a look at the very first version that Spirit Jerry wore, way back in 2007:

Next, the Web Master morphed into this sporty, handy harness and assistive aid, perfect for three legged heroes!

When the 2008 version was released, we thought the Ruff Wear harness couldn’t get any better:

Now, in 2012, the Web Master Harness is better fitting, more durable and useful than ever! Ruff Wear has outdone itself, yet again. Tripawd dogs have never had it better!

Things to Love about the New Web Master

Impressive new features in Ruff Wear’s 2012 Web Master design include:

• Side buckle protectors reduce wear and tear
• Durable material is lighter, more breathable than ever
• Tailored fit helps harness stay put on front and rear leg Tripawds
• Sliding buckles on straps prevent loose ends from flapping around
• Weighs less than previous version while offering better coverage
• Narrower, padded strap sleeves won’t rotate or collect debris
• Twilight gray color shows less dirt and dog hair
• Wider, padded handle for human comfort
• Material is more dog-hair resistant

Stay tuned for a complete review. If you can’t wait to try it yourself, order your new Ruff Wear Web Master in the Tripawds Gear Store today!

The new FitPAWS Donut Holder is an inflatable ring that helps stabilize the FitPAWS Donut. This is a good training tool if your dog is new to the FitPAWS Donut’s dynamic movement. You can start off with the Donut in the Holder and as your dog gains more core muscle strength and learns how to control his balance, you can remove the Holder and challenge him with the Donut directly on the floor.

Try using the FitPAWS Donut Holder as a hand-held jump-through ring for trick training, agility tire jump training and fun aerobic exercise with your family dog.

The FitPAWS Donut Holder easily inflates with a standard air pump with cone-shaped attachment. (not included.) Do not over inflate the Donut Holder. It should have just enough air in it to feel firm to the touch and help stabilize the Donut.

The Holder must be purchased with FitPAWS Donut. See options and pricing for all FitPAWS canine conditioning gear in the Tripawds Fitness Shop.

Visit the Tripawds Fitness Shop for pricing and to purchase.

Watch the video below to see the FitPAWS Donut in use with and without the holder. Then read our Donut review for more information, or visit the Tripawds Fitness Shop for more great FitPAWS canine conditioning equipment!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sold! This item is no longer available at the Sale price.
Please See All FitPAWS Gear Here!

The FitPAWS Balance Disc helps Tripawds build strong abdominal (core) muscles for better balance and strength.

Rear leg Tripawds can strengthen their remaning rear leg by standing on it with their forelegs.

Front leg Tripawds can strengthen their remaining front limb by standing on it with their back legs.

The balance challenge can be easily adjusted by removing or adding air with an air pump (not included, but not necessary, it’s easy enough to blow up manually.)

The more inflated the two-sided FitPAWS Balance Disc is, the less it will move when your dog is on top and the less challenging it will be.

The less inflated the Balance Disc is, the more dynamically it will move and the more challenging it will be.

If you’re going to buy one tool for helping your Tripawd get stronger, this is the one we would recommend.

The Balance Disc has made a tremendous difference in helping our Wyatt Ray get stronger in both his abdominal area and his remaining rear leg muscles.

This 14″ FitPAWS Balance Disc is perfect for small or medium sized dogs. Bigger dogs over 65 pounds should use the Giant Balance Disc, which can be located here in our complete FitPAWS Balance Disc Review.

Sold! This item is no longer available at the Sale price.
Please See All FitPAWS Gear Here!

Recommended Reading

Tripawds Gear Blog: FitPAWS Balance Disc Strenthens Canine Core Muscles
Tripawds Gear Blog: More Fun with FitPAWS Balance Disc

Forget a Towel, The Pet Support Suit Has Arrived

Every dog has slightly different mobility needs. Tripawds who hardly need help getting around will find the Ruff Wear Webmaster is an ideal fit. But for others who need a higher level of assistance, the custom Pet Support Suit can be the perfect device to help restore quality of life.

Each Pet Support Suit is tailored with a specific dog in mind and custom built to size. For hard-to-fit breeds with exceptionally long or short torsos, or a very thin belly compared to the chest, this harness is the best way to ensure that you get the control and support needed for your dog.

We became fans of the Pet Support Suit when we tried it on Tripawds Founder Jerry (see video below). The suit is exactly as described:

• works for both front and rear leg amputees
• non-slip fabric won’t rotate
• complete wrap-around design
• full underbelly support
• design allows for male anatomy
• several points of adjustment
• adjustable handles for taller people
• easy to put on and remove
• USA-made to order in about 3 business days

What we love the most is that even if a dog is completely immobile, the harness can be laid flat on the ground, slid underneath the torso and secured for a good fit.

An optional shoulder strap provides additional leverage for hoisting your dog up off the floor.

The harness can be worn all day if necessary, while allowing dogs to live life as normally as possible. Keep in mind that the Pet Support Suit’s durable fabric is thick, so monitor your dog when she’s wearing it during summer.

Sizing

NOTE: There are no returns allowed on this custom harness, so please make sure it’s what your Tripawd needs, then measure carefully.

Measure the girth of your dog’s chest, belly and body length to ensure a proper fit. Click the image below to view the sizing instructions at a larger size in a new window.

Demo Video

The following video starting Tripawds Founder Jerry shows exactly how the harness can help dogs with extra mobility challenges.

To purchase a custom Pet Support Suit,
visit our Gear Blog Shop page.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Ruff Wear Web Master harness is the most popular all-purpose support harness we recommend for the vast majority of people looking to help their three legged dogs. Ruff Wear also makes the Doubleback harness which is intended for technical climbing with your dog, but also provides a hip handle for front-leg Tripawds requiring additional rear end support.

For larger, less mobile dogs, and those requiring additional support, Animal Support Technologies offers a couple different harnesses. See all recommended harnesses in the Tripawds Gear Shop and read on for tips to help determine which one is best for your three legged friend.

Ruff Wear Web Master Harness

Originally designed to assist search-and-rescue dogs, this handy harness allows you to help your tripawd up and down stairs, in and out of a vehicle, or provide extra support. See full review and demo video for complete details.

• Most popular and affordable.
• Best for all purpose general support.
• Most comfortable in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable padded chest and belly straps.
• Five adjustment points.
• Quick release buckles.
• Handle centered on back
• Includes sturdy D-ring for attaching a leash.
• Sizes to fit nearly any dog.

Ruff Wear Doubleback Harness

Strength rated belay harness designed for technical climbing with dogs provides direct hip support using padded leg loops that stow in convenient zippered pocket when not being used. Read full Doubleback harness review for details.

• Full padded belly support
• Rear leg loops enable hip-lift and even weight dispersion
• Stow away leg loops
• Allows multi-point adjustments for a custom fit
• Rugged, durable design is strength-rated to 2,000lbf
• Two handles, one providing direct hip support
• Not ideal for rear-leg Tripawds with small or no stump
• No quick release buckles
• Narrow top handle

See all recommended dog support harnesses in the Tripawds Gear Shop!

AST Get A Grip Harness

For deep chested, large breed, heavyweight or more physically challenged Tripawds, the AST provides superior under-belly support. NOTE: Small and Medium Get A Grips have permanent handles. Large size has four individual loops. Please select preferred handle options. Read Get A Grip product review and see demo video for details.

• Comfortable under-belly support when carrying is necessary
• Quick and easy to put on
• Gives even support when lifting
• Ideal for larger, heavyweight or less mobile dogs
• Optional shoulder straps
• Abdominal section accommodates male anatomy
• Small and Medium sizes include permanent handles.
• Large size includes four hand grip loops.
• Carrying handles/loops are not removable
• Optional clip-on handles and straps available
• Doesn’t seem practical for all-day use
• Not necessarily for active Tripawds
• Fabric seems heavy for hot climates

AST Get A Grip Total

Select this option to receive a kit complete with Get A Grip Harness, clip-on handles and shoulder straps. NOTE: Ensure proper fit before replacing permanent handles on small and medium sizes to avoid voiding warranty. Read Get A Grip product review and see demo video for details.

• See Get A Grip harness features above.
• Includes adjustable clip-on handles.
• Includes adjustable clip-on over the shoulder straps.

AST Custom Pet Support Suit

Ensure a perfect fit with this custom designed body harness made to order for your dog. The best solution for giant breed dogs and/or long term use. Includes Additional Velcro® closure, no-slip fit, choice of color and adjustable, detachable handles. No returns. See Jerry’s original Pet Support Suit review and video. New review coming soon!

• Wrap-Around Design
• Custom Built to your dog’s measurements
• Additional Velcro® Closure
• Adjustable Straps
• No-Slip Fit
• Durable, Heavy-Duty Construction
• Choice of Color
• Adjustable, Detachable Handles
• Washable
• Optional Shoulder Strap
• Unbeatable Support and Control

Visit the Tripawds Gear Shop for more helpful products!

The world’s best source for durable canine support harnesses and apparel has just released new items.

Watch for redesigned favorites like the Webmaster Dog Harness and the all-new K-9 Float Coat.

New color changes have been made to the K-9 Overcoat and Skyliner Boots too.

Visit our Gear Blog Shop Page today for all new styles of these Tripawds favorites!

Stay tuned for complete product announcement and reviews by Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray Dawg.

Shop the Tripawds Gear Store today!

Tripawd Cadence (aka, trifod) asked in our Hopping Around Discussion Forum:

“I looked at the gear and there is a lot for the core strengthening, but I don’t know where to begin. I want to try to be economical about it and not buy everything, but start with one or two basics and maybe add more later if I need too.”

How to Start Your At-Home Dog Rehab Routine

Working on your Tripawds’ rehab routine at home isn’t complicated, but according to Deanna Rodgers, PT, CCRP of Good Life Physical Therapy for Animals in Fort Collins, Colorado, ideally you want to work with a physical therapist first. Rogers advises finding a dog rehab practitioner who will work with you to meet your goal of at-home therapy.

Rogers says that when she meets with a new client, she wants to know what the owner’s goals are for their dog. If yours is to do the exercises at home, Rogers will break this goal down into managable steps to help you reach it. A good practitioner like Rogers will give owners the tools necessary to ensure lifelong fitness.

She adds that one physical therapy session is not enough and occasional check-ins are advisable. “It’s beneficial to have the physical therapist show you things you can do,” she says, “to ensure you’e doing them right and to see how your dog has (or hasn’t) improved.”

After your physical therapist shows you how to do at-home doggie rehab, ideally you and your dog will want to do these exercises with a partner. “The quality of movement may be better with two people working at the same time,” she says.

You can see in this video that Rogers is using the FitPAWS Peanut for Tripawd Spree’s workout. Rogers and  Connie Fredman of Canine Health Resort are both working with Spree to give her the best workout possible. One person holds the Kong, while the other steadies the ball and ensures Spree is doing her exercises correctly.

Please note that this video depicts advanced canine rehab stretching. Always consult a CCRP or CCRT before exercising with your dog at home.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As you can see, Spree is a strong, healthy Tripawd thanks to regular canine rehabilitation therapy!

The FitPAWS Peanut is available here
on the Tripawds Canine Conditioning Page

Recommended Reading:

• Tripawds Gear Blog: Why Longer Walks Won’t Strengthen a Tripawds Leg Muscles
• Tripawds Gear Blog: Help Build Dog Strength with the FitPAWS Balance Disc
• Tripawds News Blog: Dog Rehab Therapy Helps Tripawds Beat the Odds
• Tripawds News Blog: Rear Leg Workouts for Lucy
• Tripawds News Blog: Canine Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Therapy Tips for Tripawds
• Tripawds Downloads: Build Your Own Buja Board for Core Strengthening

NOTE: We are not veterinarians. All information provided here is based only on our own experiences caring for Jerry and Wyatt, and the experiences of other Tripawds members. Please consult your vet or do further research before implementing any new fitness regimen into your dog’s treatment plan.

First, What Not to Do:

Don’t stand or hover over your dog the first time you try the harness. Above all else, never, ever force your dog to wear a harness (or other gear) right out of the package. You especially want the first time to be a pawsitive experience.

Many dogs see a human standing over them as a dominant behavior and will resist a forceful attempt to put gear on their body. The feel of the harness fabric and straps around his torso can also be construed as  dominant behavior. We’ve heard that some Greyhounds have a tendency to freeze as soon the harness goes on, so be sure to make it fun and rewarding!

A good dog harness introduction is easier if two people are available; one to feed treats and the other to maneuver the harness around and onto your dog. But as you can see in this fun and helpful YouTube video by ElliotDMDS, one person can introduce this harness quite easily!

NOTE: The harness used in this video is not a Ruff Wear Webmaster, but the procedure used for introducing it to your dog should prove helpful for any harness.

Click here to view the embedded video.

How to Make a Proper Webmaster Harness Introduction

Before you put the Webmaster harness on your Tripawd, follow these instructions.:

1. Extend all harness webbing straps completely out until the end of each strap reaches the corresponding buckle. Keep in mind that strap ends may be tucked inside padded strap sleeves.
2. Place the harness flat on the ground with the top (outside) of the harness facing up.
3. Set small treats on top of the harness. Let your dog eat them and sniff away!
4. Continue placing treats on the harness and allow your dog to stand on and around it.
5. Slowly move the harness up, down around your dog’s body while feeding treats.

Take a break! You may want to wait a day until you try the next steps. In between each one, feed treats and show your enthusiasm! Tell your Tripawd that the harness means FUN!

1. Feed your dog treats while gently placing the front opening of the harness over your dog’s neck.
2. Slowly remove the harness, and repeat the above step a couple of times.
3. With the harness on your dog’s neck and back, support your dog while gently maneuvering the front right leg through the right leg loop. Skip this if your dog is a front right Tripawd.
4. Continue feeding treats while slowly wrapping the chest strap around your dog’s stomach. Close buckle.
5. Proceed to wrap the belly strap around your dog’s stomach. Close buckle.
6. Tighten excess strap webbing by pulling it through the elastic band. Slide excess webbing back into the padded strap sleeve.
7. The upper front chest straps can be tightened or lengthened just by sliding the plastic buckles away or toward the harness body.
8. Grab a leash and go for a walk!

NOTE: Many customers neglect to notice that the three front straps can be adjusted. Be sure to extend or tighten these before assuming the harness is the wrong size.

You can attach your dog’s leash to the steel D-ring if you choose. This is a great way to evenly distribute weight on a Tripawd.

Read why we love the Webmaster for Canine Amputees
in our complete Webmaster Dog Harness Review. 

Walking is great for endurance, but it does not build strength.

Thoughts About Strengthening Your Tripawd’s Limbs

Even though a Tripawd can go on long walks after recovering from surgery, that doesn’t mean he should.

Your time will be better spent by taking a few minutes each day to practice core strengthening activities.

A dog’s core muscles (or abdominals) are like a human’s: they support the back muscles which in turn help support the entire body, maintain balance and allow us to work out other parts, like the leg muscles.

Tripawds Spokespup Wyatt Ray Dawg is a good example of what can happen when you dedicate your recreation time to canine fitness games that strengthen core muscles.

Nearly three years after beginning our work on improving his core muscles and balance capabilities, Wyatt is stronger than ever.

We did it by using equipment like the games created by FitPAWS canine conditioning gear, but read on for more ideas about how to strengthen your three-legged dog’s legs.

Getting Stronger One Game at a Time

As you can see in the above photo of Wyatt Ray running, his remaining rear limb was extremely weak and his slope was extremely pronounced. That photo was taken less than six months after amputation.

Today, this photo on the right shows his improvement, almost three years after amputation. His stronger core muscles are better able to support his entire body, his rear leg has gained power and more obvious definition.

Today he has better spinal alignment and longer endurance that helps him during playtime and walks. Staying strong will also reduce joint stress as he ages.

Can you see the difference in the two photos?

Strengthening Tips for Tripawds

• Take shorter, more frequent walks (no more than 20 minutes each).
• Practice proprioception (“body awareness”) by balancing on uneven surfaces, like walking over small hedges, up and down curbs, and stepping over sticks and logs.
• Keep food proportions small (notice how you can see the faint outline of Wyatt’s ribs in the above photo). Tripawds should be thinner than quadpawds to ease the strain on their joints.
• Play with FitPAWS canine conditioning gear several times a week, but make daily games your goal.

Remember, you don’t need to invest a lot of money into canine fitness gear. And you can also build your own dog fitness equipment, or use simple objects like couch cushions and pillows! Here’s a list of places to help you get started.

Recommended Reading:

Tripawds Gear Blog: Fitness Tips for Tripawds

Tripawds Gear Blog: How to Build a Homemade Agility Course

Tripawds Gear Blog: More Fun with FitPAWS Balance Discs

Tripawds Gear Blog: Stay Strong with Maggie’s FitPAWS Workout

Tripawds Downloads Blog: Get Fit with a DIY Balance Board for Dogs

Tripawds Gear Blog: FitPAWS Wobble Board Builds Amputee Confidence

Tripawds News Blog: California Animal Rehabilitation Center Recovery, Fitness and Diet Tips

 NOTE: We are not veterinarians. All information provided here is based only on our own experiences caring for Jerry and Wyatt, and the experiences of other Tripawds members. Please consult your vet or do further research before implementing any new fitness regimen into your dog’s treatment plan.