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When a dog loses a leg, it can be an emotional and worrying time for the whole family. You may wonder how your dog will cope, whether they will be able to walk comfortably again, and how you can make life easier for them.

Finding the best clothes for 3 legged dogs can be challenging. Standard dog jumpers and coats are usually designed for four-legged dogs, leaving excess fabric around a missing limb. The right clothing should fit securely, allow the remaining legs to move freely, and provide suitable warmth and coverage without restricting movement.

Short answer: yes — for warmth, and for security.

This was long before I was making recovery shirts for dogs.

Today I also made this one — a brindle Staffie in my new retro henley t-shirt.

Today I decided to cut some XS recovery shirts for a girl. I had these fabrics ready on my table: dusk pink with hearts, cream bunny, light blue lilac shade with specks and a white floral one. All were for a right leg amputation. You can see them here, freshly cut and waiting for the sewing machine. When a dog needs an amputation, families often message me in a panic. It's a lot to take in, and suddenly you have to find clothes you never thought you would need. Most people tell me the same two things: "I can't find anything in her size" and "I don't know what I actually need." That is completely normal. For a very small dog, everything in the shops is too big. An XS for a chihuahua is only about 20cm long on the back, so it has to be cut especially. And for an amputation, the shirt has to be made for the right leg. A standard recovery suit with four leg holes won't work — you need one side made to protect the surgery site, and the other side with a soft sleeve for the leg they still have. These shirts are all 100% cotton and have an elasticated underbelly so the hem won't go under the leg when the dog is learning to walk. I always make my recovery shirts in 100% cotton. After surgery the skin is sore and warm, and cotton lets the wound breathe. It is soft, it doesn't stick, and you can wash it at 30 degrees every day and it stays gentle. Fleece and synthetic fabrics can make them too hot and rub. The elasticated underbelly is a small detail that makes a big difference. When a dog is learning to walk on three legs for the first time, especially after a front leg amputation, a loose hem can slip under their chest and get in the way. A very soft elastic just holds the edge up, away from their feet, without any pressure on the tummy or the wound. If you have found yourself searching for this, you are not alone. Here is what helps me make the right shirt for you: 1. Which leg? You will need to choose: front left, front right, back left, or back right. The shirt or PJs are then cut to cover and protect that side. 2. What size? If your dog is too sore to be measured right after surgery, her weight is enough for me to work from. For tiny dogs, XS and XXS are usually 2-3kg. But correct measurements will give me more of an idea of your dog's size, as the weight doesn't tell the shape of your dog's body. 3. How many? Most families like to have 3 or 4. One to wear, one in the wash, one ready. Cotton dries quickly, but it helps to have a spare in those first few days. I cut these four today in my favourite little prints because even a recovery shirt can be pretty. Healing is hard enough — a dusk pink heart or a little cream bunny makes it a bit softer. All handmade in cotton, in my sewing studio. Tiina x