No matter if your pet has lost his or her legs, that doesn’t mean they can’t get involved! With wheelchairs for dogs, your pup can continue to run, play, and explore like before, restoring their freedom and ensuring they can continue to enjoy themselves as they always have. We’ve got everything you need to know about getting your furry friend back on his or her paws with this guide to wheelchairs for dogs. Walking was the purpose of these wheels, after all!
Dog wheelchair selection
If your vet has recommended a dog wheelchair for hind legs, they can assist you in choosing the best option. If you want to do your own research, note that doggie wheelchairs can be pricey, so it’s important to get one that ticks all the boxes for your pup. We’ll look at your options based on the size of your wheelchair and the type of mobility support you require.
The size
In order to choose a dog wheelchair, most manufacturers offer weight-based recommendations. It may also be necessary to know your pet’s measurements, such as the length of their body and the height of their rear legs, to ensure that the wheelchair is the correct fit. Dog wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes, from small Chihuahuas weighing 2 pounds to large breeds weighing 180 pounds. To ensure a comfortable fit, the wheelchair can be adjusted based on your furry friend’s height, length, and width.
The style
The three common types of dog wheelchairs are the rear-wheel wheelchair, the full-support or quad wheelchair, and the front-wheel wheelchair.
There are sizes available for pups from 2 to 180 lbs in the Walkin’ Wheels Rear Dog Wheelchair. Dog wheelchairs with rear wheels are the most common, since the wheels sit directly under the pup’s hips to help mobility. Dogs of certain breeds and small dogs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, are also accommodated with Walkin’ Wheels’ wheelchairs.
Pet mobility experts K9 Carts offer a Full Support Dog Wheelchair that has been designed, tested, and approved by veterinarians. Whether your dog pals struggle to walk on two legs or all four, the custom-made wheelchair relieves stress on the legs and shoulders.
Your pup might benefit from a full-support doggie wheelchair if it has an injured front leg or has been amputationed. The weight can be transferred from the front legs to the back of a dog wheelchair for front legs, so your pup will be able to continue climbing hills, sitting down, and getting his nose to the ground with his back legs. By matching your pooch pal’s measurements, disabilities, and the terrain they exercise on, Eddie’s Wheels customizes front wheelers for them.
The wheels
Some manufacturers offer different options depending on how your dog pal lives, so you can get a well-made pet wheelchair with a reliable set of wheels. The most popular choice for pups is foam wheels, which are durable and won’t puncture easily, while air-filled tires provide natural suspension, which can make them more comfortable on rugged terrain.
Wheelchair introduction for your dog
While our furry friends are naturally active animals, adjusting to a wheelchair can take time. Some pups might get the hang of zoomies on their dog wheels instantly, while others may require a little patience and support. Ensure that the frame of your pup’s wheelchair is properly fitted and positioned if they are having difficulty getting used to it. Your fur baby may also need some time to regain strength in his or her muscles if he or she has been having difficulties getting around for a while. If your vet recommends a wheelchair for your dog, don’t delay getting one. It will take your furry friend longer to recover from mobility issues and rebuild the muscles required to strut their stuff if they have been dealing with them for a long time.
Dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis may benefit from using a wheelchair on “bad days,” when joint pain makes it difficult for them to get around. Your pet can gradually adjust to the new way of getting around by introducing them to a wheelchair at an early stage by allowing their muscles to strengthen and their bodies to adjust to moving around without all four legs. Always consult your vet before you use a wheelchair for your dog, to make sure it’s the right choice. Click here healpup.com
Your dog will be happier and healthier when he is supported with a wheelchair, whether his front legs are paralyzed or his back legs are paralyzed. Our fur babies love to walk, play fetch, and zoom around the garden in wheelchairs. In addition to keeping your pup fit and healthy, a wheelchair may even lengthen their life, restoring their freedom and zest for life.
