Dog Wheelchairs

While we normally think about wheelchairs being used for frail, injured, or sick humans, sometimes our canine loved ones need some extra mobility assistance, too. Dog wheelchairs have grown in popularity as people become even more attached to their dogs and as veterinarian technology has made saving dogs from serious physical injuries more common. If your vet has recommended a wheelchair for your pet or if you’re worried one might be in your companion’s future, here is some information that might be useful to you.

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Reasons for Needing One

First, let’s look at why dog wheelchairs might be necessary. In some cases, the reasons are genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia or wobblers. Both of these conditions can cause dogs to lose the use of their back legs and can hamper their quality of life. Severe arthritis with older dogs can sometimes cause problems with mobility.

Another common reason is injury. Spinal cord injuries, displaced hips, back fractures, and amputations can also hamper mobility. In these cases, dogs were once humanely euthanized because they would have a limited quality of life if they could not move around. Thanks to the wheelchairs, however, dogs who live through severe physical injuries can often continue to thrive and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Different Types Available

If you’ve never seen dog wheelchairs before, you might be imagining something that was comparable to the wheelchairs used for humans. Obviously, this isn’t going to be the case because the dog won’t sit in a chair and wheel themselves around. Instead, these wheelchairs usually consist of two wheels which are attached to a lightweight frame and strapped to the dog’s back. The wheels take the place of the dog’s back legs.

There are several types of wheelchairs available. For example, some of them have four wheels so they support the dog more completely. These are usually not used as a permanent solution but are a good way to help dogs who are rehabilitating from injuries and who cannot put a lot of weight on their legs. Some of these devices are also available to meet the needs of dogs who have lost the use of their front limbs as well.

The nice thing is that any size dog can work with one of these wheelchairs. Normally, the price is determined by the dog’s weight. To order these wheelchairs, you’ll need to take specific measurements of your dog. If your vet is handling the ordering, he or she will probably take care of this for you. If you’re ordering online, you’ll find instructions that will walk you through the process.

Adjustment

If you’re concerned that your dog will not want to use one of these devices, don’t be. Dogs typically adjust quite quickly and don’t seem to mind them at all. Even if your dog doesn’t take to the dog wheelchairs right away, using some treats to make your pet more comfortable will help speed up the adjustment period. You may also need to help other animals in the house adjust to the new device.