Don’t overlook pets with disabilities
SPCA often have animals with special needs.
They may have come to them blind, deaf or with three legs. Some have arrived with injuries so bad the vet has recommended removing the broken leg or damaged eye, but they can still be happy, thriving companions.
A pet with three legs can be perfectly happy and healthy. Please remember this not just for adoption but if you ever have to decide whether or not to have your pet’s leg amputated. Most animals adapt very quickly after surgery and cope very well on three legs.
Create no-slip zones in your home where your three-legged pet frequently travels. With farm animals, level terrain makes it easier for them to get around. Make sure your three-legged pet maintains a healthy weight. Excess weight can strain joints and put animals at risk of injury or other healthy issues.
Monitor your pet’s activity levels and watch for signs of fatigue, having to support their body weight on three legs instead of four can tire your pet out.
A deaf dog is as easy to train as a hearing dog — you use hand signals instead of verbal commands.
‘Watch me’ should be one of the very first skills your dog learns. By teaching them to constantly check in with you, you are always able to communicate with them and keep them safe in a dangerous situation.
Many people teach their dogs sign language. Any hand signal will do as long as you’re consistent.
When the dog performs the correct command, give them an open flash of your hand or a thumbs-up to visually mark the correct behaviour and then give a treat.
It is a good idea to find a certified trainer in your area who uses only positivereinforcement to support your dog’s training.