moving an incapacitated Newf?

BigJimsmagik

BigJimsmagik

New member
I've been Thinking about my size compared to a Newf. In reality by the time I get a Newf and he hits above the 80lb mark I'm going to have trouble if for some reason I need to get him to a vet and he isn't able to go on his own steam.
a Newfie is going to at least match my weight but most likely outweigh me. I do have my hubby but it would be a tough go and chances are it would happen when I am on my own. (I have had pets far too long to not think about these things lol)

My question is What plan does everyone have in place should something happen and you need to move a 150 lb dead weight into your vehicle? Even with 2 people it would be a difficult task.
 
M

MMtnmom

New member
I changed vets to a practice about 6 blocks from my house for this specific reason...they will come to the house if necessary. I also like them very well and one of the vets lives about a block from me. There are also doggie stretchers you can get but I would think that would still be difficult.
 
Blacknewfs

Blacknewfs

New member
One of the Newf rescues sells stretchers (and slings) as a fundraiser. Probably worth investing in. Does anyone remember the link?

I have been through that nightmare, and it was a horrible experience struggling to get our girl into the truck to get her to the help she needed. I don't wish that on anyone.
 
J

JackandKelly

New member
I was just looking at stretchers yesterday as a precaution. There are tons of soft sided ones, but I really want ones with poles on the side. I think it would be easier to carry. I did a search for "pole stretchers" and found alot of them, but agree it would still probably be impossible for one person alone.
 
BigJimsmagik

BigJimsmagik

New member
Alone with a pole stretcher is possible I think. Tie Straps and a whole lot of adrenalin. If the poles are strong enough to handle being dragged on one end.
I suppose in a pinch a good tarp would do, your dog would have a rough ride though.
getting it done quick is the problem.

someone with height could do a firemans carry (arms wrapped around the chest) but as for those of us vertically challenged its an issue ;) lol
I'm 5'.
 
Blacknewfs

Blacknewfs

New member
BigJimsmagik said:
Alone with a pole stretcher is possible I think. Tie Straps and a whole lot of adrenalin. If the poles are strong enough to handle being dragged on one end.
I suppose in a pinch a good tarp would do, your dog would have a rough ride though.
getting it done quick is the problem.

someone with height could do a firemans carry (arms wrapped around the chest) but as for those of us vertically challenged its an issue ;) lol
I'm 5'.
Click to expand...
Yes. A sturdy pole stretcher is totally doable alone -- much easier than using a blanket, and safer for the dog too.

Jim has prepped himself to carry any of our dogs out of the bush should one of them be injured during a hike. He trained, carry really heaving packs during our hikes, specifically so he can do this. I can't. If something happened to one of them in the woods while I was exercising them alone, I would have to drag them out on a stretcher. In a life or death emergency, you do what you have to do, but carrying a dog that weighs more than you is extremely difficult and can potentially injure them more. A stretcher is the way to go.
 
J

JackandKelly

New member
My problem is getting her and the stretcher into an SUV. I could lift one end of the stretcher into the SUV and then go to the other end and lift and push it in, but with a soft pole stretcher I wonder if the Newf in the middle being soft mushy weight would stop me from pushing it in.
Has anyone done this??
I think I will go with the hard stretcher/backboard. When I lift and push it will slide in easy.
This is all assuming I had to do it alone and my husband isn't here to help.
 
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BigJimsmagik

BigJimsmagik

New member
I really like that stretcher plafleursr! Thank you for the link. The wheels on the end would be perfect.
I guess you could Modify a spine board with wheels if you wanted the length in case you are on your own.
I think if I was alone and had to get my dog into my truck I would start banging on neighbors doors. Or even grab someone in the street if I couldn't get him in on my own.
 
J

JackandKelly

New member
BigJimsmagik said:
I really like that stretcher plafleursr! Thank you for the link. The wheels on the end would be perfect.
I guess you could Modify a spine board with wheels if you wanted the length in case you are on your own.
I think if I was alone and had to get my dog into my truck I would start banging on neighbors doors. Or even grab someone in the street if I couldn't get him in on my own.
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I would too, but it's over a quarter mile to the street (which has no traffic since only a couple people live on it) and the neighbors are even farther.

Your idea of the wheels on the spineboard is a very good one!
 
R Taft

R Taft

Active member
I "use" my friends............We all have dogs and horses and we all "use one another no matter what time of the day or where. We have traveled to out of way places to collect people with broken down horse trailers and when my Zacky had his first stroke. A friend and her hubby came with their wagon and took us to the vet. We used a canvas to roll him on and did a three people lift into the wagon. Mostly hubby and I manage ourselves
 
newfiemomof2

newfiemomof2

New member
Blacknewfs said:
One of the Newf rescues sells stretchers (and slings) as a fundraiser. Probably worth investing in. Does anyone remember the link?

I have been through that nightmare, and it was a horrible experience struggling to get our girl into the truck to get her to the help she needed. I don't wish that on anyone.
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Northland Newfoundland Club sells slings and stretchers. The money goes to their rescue fund and they do a lot of rescues. These are canvas with rope handles and are relatively inexpensive. There is an ortho in NY state who orders the slings in bulk for his hip patients. Well worth it. I have one of each and gifted my vet with a set.
 
BigJimsmagik

BigJimsmagik

New member
yes being so far from neighbors is not always convenient! it would be back to the spine board idea then.
I drive a truck myself so the height of it will be an extra challenge.
 
Lori

Lori

New member
That's were maybe the dog ramp could help, especially if you have the stretcher with wheels on one end.


BigJimsmagik said:
yes being so far from neighbors is not always convenient! it would be back to the spine board idea then.
I drive a truck myself so the height of it will be an extra challenge.
Click to expand...
 
R Taft

R Taft

Active member
Lori said:
That's were maybe the dog ramp could help, especially if you have the stretcher with wheels on one end.
Click to expand...
I did once travel one of our newfs in the horse trailer, when I could not get her into our truck..........A stretcher with wheel would be good for that
 
victoria1140

victoria1140

Active member
we have a padded board to slide him onto and then a trolley jack for underneath , the ease of this method is we can then slide him on the board straight into the car if neccessary.

However heaven forbid we can call on neighbours , etc to help if needed, I also carry a a good penknife so if he hurts himself on his walks I can make a temporary splint, but I also have an emergency no of a pet ambulance just in case though if push came to shove I could manage a firemans lift just
 
ZoomZoom

ZoomZoom

New member
Wow...you guys all sound so prepared for something like this! I have been so busy gathering brushes, shampoo, leads, collars, backpacks, and toys...well I have never considered what I would do if I needed to actually lift her into my car! I was so happy when she could finally jump in on her own that I think I have put the thought of her needing my assistance right out of my mind! Reading this post has made me reconsider. Thanks. I love NN!:icon_bb:
 
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