What To Expect When Adopting A Three-Legged Dog

Every dog deserves to be loved, and that includes the three-legged ones. Affectionately referred to as tripawds, tripaws, or tripods, thousands of these pups enjoy the comforts of a loving home, including Maxx and Trio, who were featured in the 2025 Puppy Bowl. Whether you have a heart specifically for tripawds awaiting adoption or you recently fell in love with one at a shelter, there are a few things to consider before adopting a dog with three legs. With weight management, joint care, a mobility aid, and a few home modifications, tripawds can live long, happy lives. However, they might require modifications during walks and playtime, compared to four-legged dogs.

Some dogs are born with three legs while others undergo an amputation for various reasons, including cancer, trauma, infection, or a severe luxating patella. Unfortunately, some people make false assumptions about these pets. They think they'll have a low quality of life or that caring for them would be too difficult or expensive. Some surrender or even euthanize their dogs because of these thoughts. Knowing what to expect when adopting a three-legged dog can prevent surprises and help you be more prepared to give a tripawd a furever home.

When a human has only one leg, it's impossible to walk without a prosthetic leg. This isn't the case for dogs though; with three remaining legs, they can still walk and run without replacing the missing leg. Needless to say, tripawds can be very resilient. Their gait might be altered compared to a four-legged dog, but they can still live active, fulfilled lives, as if completely unaware of their condition.

Many tripawds still enjoy walking around the neighborhood, playing fetch in the backyard, and running at the park or beach, and yes, they can still get dog zoomies. However, for your adopted pup to live a happy, fulfilled life, they're going to need a little extra love, patience, and support.

Another factor to consider is the difference between a dog that was born with three legs or a leg deformity and an amputee. A dog that was born as a tripawd will adjust quickly since three functioning legs are all they've known. On the other hand, a pet that once had four functioning legs will require more time to adapt after losing a limb. If you adopt a dog shortly after an amputation, keep this adjustment period in mind.

All dogs should exercise on a regular basis as they're able, whether they have four or three legs, but tripawds require modifications at some point. Dr. Jeff Werber, a veterinarian and veterinary medical journalist, weighed in on the topic. "It's important for a three-legged pet to stay toned and to have controlled muscle tone," he told PetMD. He added that physical activity might fatigue these dogs faster than ones with four legs, due to the weight distribution on three limbs instead of four.

With this caveat in mind, don't overdo the walks or runs with your new canine companion. They may want to walk or run a 5K non-stop at your side, at your pace, but their legs might not let them. Instead of starting with a non-stop 1-miler, aim for half or a quarter of that distance and see how your dog responds. Allow them frequent breaks, which they'll probably appreciate because it will lead to more exploratory sniffing time.

Depending on the breed, age, and the amount of time spent as a tripawd, some dogs might be able to handle 30 minutes of play or other exercise while others need a break after 15. Aim for short distances and time limits in the early days. Adjust if your dog appears to be able to handle more, but eventually, you'll have to scale back again as all dogs naturally slow down with age.

Obesity can be problematic for a four-legged dog, as it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain, but for a tripawd, it can be even worse on their joints. A 2020 study in The Anatomical Record found that dogs typically carry 60% of their body weight on their front legs and 40% on the back, so these percentages change if a leg is missing. If a dog is carrying extra weight while also missing a limb, more weight is being supported on the other legs. This can increase the risk of arthritis in three-legged dogs.

A veterinarian or veterinary technician can weigh your dog and let you know their body condition score (BCS), but you can weigh your dog at home if you have an appropriate scale. If you're able to comfortably carry your dog for a few seconds, weigh yourself while carrying them and note the number. Then, weigh yourself without the dog and calculate the difference between the numbers.

Unsure how to determine if your dog is overweight or not? An ideal BSC is a 5 on a 9-point scale. This means your dog's ribs should be easily noticeable with only a small amount of fat covering them. Their waist should also be easy to find when looking down from above them, and you should see an upward angle from the front of their abdomen to their hind legs (or leg). If your dog is or becomes overweight, you'll need to make diet adjustments.

You likely already know that minor home modifications are required for any new pet, such as designating eating and sleeping areas, but three-legged dogs may require a few more. These dogs are prone to slipping on hard floors, so consider adding carpeting, rugs, or runners to your home if you haven't already. This will provide more traction under their paws and help them walk with more stability and confidence, without slipping. Dog boots, toe grips, or paw pads are also options to offer traction, such as DOK's TigerToes Non-Slip Dog Socks.

You may also want to consider mobility aids for your tripawd. Although most tripawds can walk on three legs without assistance, training them to use a wheelchair can provide several benefits. One is that it helps to reduce strain on the remaining leg(s), which can help prevent them from tiring as easily during walks. Dog wheelchairs can be purchased in various sizes from online retailers, or your vet can help you find one.

A dog stroller is another mobility aid option. Of course, your dog won't be able to walk while in a stroller, but this option gives you the freedom to go on longer walks without having to harness them into a wheelchair. Plus, your dog may enjoy the elevation and seeing their surroundings from a higher perspective.

Three-legged dogs can have specific joint health concerns, too. Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates shared their unique needs with PetMD, "Three-legged pets may be at increased risk of osteoarthritis and other joint problems as they age due to alterations in their posture and movement." Arthritis for a dog can be both painful and debilitating, just as it is for humans. This is why it's so important to establish a joint care routine for your dog.

Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin have all been proven to help reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation while protecting joints. Many joint supplements for dogs include all three of these ingredients, among others. An FDA-approved injection is another option for osteoarthritis management. Ask your veterinarian for their recommendations, as there are dozens of products available.

If you prefer to get feedback on a specific product from people who have actually used it on their three-legged dog, consider joining a tripawd support group on social media. These groups give you the opportunity to connect with thousands of other tripawd parents, ask questions, share stories, and get advice and support. With a little planning, extra care, and lots of love, your tripawd pup can live a long, happy life.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.