If you've just been told that your dog has to undergo a leg amputation, I know how scared you are. It's not easy to envision your best friend as a canine amputee, and the recovery can be ruff for a couple of weeks, but overall, most dogs do pretty darn good after recovering.

Believe it or not, dogs recover from surgery a lot faster than we imagine, both mentally and physically. Most dogs recover within a couple of weeks. It is important, however, not to compare your dog against other stories you've heard about. All dogs are different in their recovery time and capabilities after surgery.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if your dog is about to have amputation surgery:

Things to Make Recovery Easier

• Be prepared for your dog to have a loss of appetite right after surgery. Pain meds dull our desire to eat, and it may be days before we feel really hungry again. Keep his favorite foods handy, and be prepared to do some home cooking to whet his whistle.
• You must stay mentally strong. Your dog will absorb your energy. Be pawsitive.
• Don't cry when you see the nasty surgery scar. Look your dog in the eye and tell him how much he means to you, and how proud you are. They DO know what you are saying.
  
• Get no-slip runners and rugs for all slippery surfaces in your house. You don't have to cover all of the area, just where your dog can have a clear path to get to his feeding spot, outside to go potty,etc.,
• As she gets used to getting up to walk around or go potty, try wrapping a bath towel or cut-open canvas grocery bag under her belly to hoist her rear end and give her a little support. Many dogs will only need this kind of assistance for the first few days.
• Later, after the stitches heal, a Ruffwear Harness is extremely helpful by allowing you to assist your dog in getting around (in and out of cars, learning to use stairs on three legs, and helping her up when she lays in an awkward spot on the floor). The harness is always the most helpful when you least expect to need it, so always keep it on your dog except at night.
• For the first week or so, keep your Tripawd confined to a small area in your home, and never let her tackle stairs or going outside by herself during the first few days.
• If you have other dogs, you might want to supervise them closely when they play together, to keep your dog from overdoing it or injuring the incision area.
• Don’t let your dog jump up or down off the bed or couch until they are completely healed. Your dog will forget that they are adapting to a new body, and can hurt themselves. It’s up to you to help them through this phase.
• Three legged dogs need to build up their resiliency. It will take time to get strong. Don't push him.
• Remember, your tripawd will not be able to go nearly as far on walks as before the amputation surgery, but isn't it better to have him around, happy and healthy, than not at all?
  

Remember, stay strong and think pawsitive. Your dog needs you to be a strong pack leader right now. Crying won't do him any good. Show him that you don't care that he has three legs, and always remember:

Dogs are born with three legs and a spare!

Before you know it, your dog will be getting around in no time.