Dog Wheelchair Buyer’s Guide
The best way to express your love and care for your physically disabled dog is by getting them a wheelchair or cart. The wheelchair or dog cart is basically a device that assists a physically disabled dog with support for walking, running, playing, exercising, and everything it needs to lead an active independent life.
It helps to improve your dog’s quality of life and can even extend the dog’s active life by several years.
Why & When Your Dog May Need A Wheelchair Or Cart
A dog wheelchair is something you may need to consider when your dog struggles with walking, going up and down the stairs, or defecating normally. It’s, however, important to consult your vet first when you notice any mobility problem in your dog. The wheelchair should only be used when the condition that caused the paralysis or mobility issues is untreatable.
There are many causes of mobility problems in dogs including joint and muscle pain and soreness, weak limbs, physical injuries due to accidents, recovery from surgery, paralysis, spinal problems, amputations, and other neurological problems.
Mobility limitation and hence the need for a dog wheelchair can be as a result of the following health conditions:
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy is a condition that affects older dogs between the ages of 8 and 14 years. The condition is caused by a loss of connectivity between the dog’s brain and spinal cord. There’s still no cure for DM which is why a wheelchair is an appropriate option, especially because the dog doesn’t experience any pain. The wheelchair will improve your dog’s mobility and quality of life.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
IVDD is caused by the deterioration or displacement of the cushion between the dog’s spinal discs. It’s a painful condition that affects all types and breeds of dogs, although some are more prone to the disease than others. In severe cases of IVDD, the dog develops weakness or even paralysis of the legs. In such cases, a dog wheelchair is the best recovery option.
Your dog can still maintain the use of its four legs if the condition is discovered at an early stage. A wheelchair helps in the rehabilitation and treatment of IVDD. If the damage is too severe and your dog becomes paralyzed then the wheelchair will be the only option for your dog.
Dog Arthritis & Dysplasia
Dog arthritis or dysplasia is a condition that causes joint stiffness in dogs. Both arthritis and dysplasia make it difficult for the dog to rely on its hind legs for support. The conditions make the performance of basic tasks such as walking and running extremely painful and almost impossible. Both conditions can be cured or managed by feeding your dog supplements such as Glucosamine, Omega Fatty Acids, and Chondroitin Sulfate among others. However, when movement becomes too painful for your dog due to sore joints then a dog’s wheelchair will be your best option.
Dog Paralysis
Paralysis in dogs can happen due to old age, sickness, or genetic predispositions. There are other complications that can cause sudden or gradual paralysis to your dog, such as spinal column complications, bacterial infection, and infectious tick bites. Most of these sudden paralysis conditions are treatable when identified and addressed at an early stage. However, you may need a wheelchair to help your dog get by in life even if the paralysis is only temporary. The wheel will help the dog regain lost mobility while the condition is being treated.
Knee Ligaments & ACL Injuries
If in the unfortunate event your dog tears its knee ligaments or ACL, recovery can take a long time. ACL and knee injuries can happen without notice and severely impair your dog’s mobility. There are even cases where the damage can only be corrected by surgery. In such cases, your dog will be required to take rest until it recovers. It will take a long time before the dog can perform strenuous hikes and runs again. Its physical activities will be severely limited during this recovery period.
The dog will also need sufficient support during this period to ensure that it doesn’t strain and tear adjacent tissues and ligaments. A wheelchair will provide the necessary support and mobility while ensuring that the dog doesn’t overcompensate for the damaged leg.
A wheelchair provides the necessary support and mobility for a dog with an injury or symptoms of the conditions and illnesses discussed above. However, we recommend that you consult a vet or licensed professional to decide on the best option for your dog before going for a wheelchair. Remember, the goal is to give your dog the best possible care and support possible.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Dog Wheelchair
Here are some of the key things to consider when shopping for the perfect wheelchair for a dog with mobility problems:
Size And Weight Of Your Dog’s Limbs
Dog wheelchairs come in different sizes to suit different types of dogs. It’s therefore important to ensure that the wheelchair you choose can accommodate the weight of your dog as well as the length of the dog’s limbs and the height of its shoulders and hips. Check the weight of the wheelchair properly to avoid breakage problems. If you can’t put an adult on a child’s bike then don’t try to buy your German shepherd a wheelchair meant for a pooch.
Measure your pet properly to get a wheelchair with the right size and weight for your dog. The measurements should include hip and shoulder height and width as well as length of the legs, full weight, and overall body length. Measure the dog in a standing position. Take accurate measurements preferably twice to avoid disappointing mishaps. Make sure the wheelchair can comfortably hold the entire mass of your dog.
The Wheelchair’s Construction Materials
The materials used in the design and construction of the dog wheelchair will have a direct effect on its comfort, strength, performance, and durability. You definitely want a wheelchair that your dog can drag along with ease to find one made of lightweight, preferably aluminum, material. The dog cart should also be strong enough to withstand heavy use and outdoor elements such as rain, mud, sun, and dirt.
Durability is important in a dog’s wheelchair too. Test the wheelchair and see how it can withstand your pet’s usage. You may not know how long your dog will be on the wheelchair so find a model that will serve the dog for as long as possible.
Cost & Quality
There’s no way you can put a monetary price on the love, care, and concern for your dog. You definitely want the best for your sick dog but it will be important to start by checking your budget to determine what type of wheelchair you can afford. Fortunately, there are many options out there with different price points to suit your budget.
Keep in mind that, like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. However, a more expensive model will probably have a few extra features and functions that your dog may never need while a cheaper option will still be safe and comfortable. Your goal, therefore, is to find a balance between cost and quality. Look for a wheelchair that your dog will enjoy using rather than try to save a few dollars and end up with an uncomfortable cart. A high-quality model will last longer and keep your pet safe and comfortable at all times.
