When Your Dog Needs to Get Amputated
Nothing seems to hinder an amputated dog. The enthusiasm displayed after a surgery proves their spirits are hard to be dampened. While dog owners may seem emotionally affected or disturbed by the need to amputate their pet due to some health concerns, it is done to save them or give them a more comfortable life. Although our hope is for dogs not to go through this ordeal, in the event they do, here are some tips to help a dog and its owner deal with the situation.
- Dogs are bound to be confused at first by the amputation and will naturally be afraid. To ensure your dog that they are going to be fine, it is best to act normal when you greet them. Do not display negative emotions in front of them.
- The days following the amputation is a challenging period. A dog would need to find its new centre of balance. The difficulties it would face include, trying to stand from a sitting position, adjusting its three legs during a sitting position, using its elbow to hold his head, or trying to get comfortable when lying down. It is recommended to consult a pet physiotherapist assist in strengthening balance in an amputated dog.
- Your dog may have lost its appetite to eat but it would need all the energy to recover well. This is your chance to spoil your dog so do prepare their favorite dishes or special treats. Drinking water frequently is also encouraged.
- For the first few days, it will be good to have a comfortable covering for your dog’s bed. This is to observe if there are any bleeding from the amputated area. There could be some infections developed post-surgery due to contamination of an exposed surgery site, however these are rare post-surgery complications that can be avoided with an appropriate dressing.
- Owners must understand that dogs easily adapt to situations and amputated dogs are no less the same. Dogs, most often than not, do not show any signs of distress after amputation but relief rather, due to the agony it was facing with the troubled limb.