Does My Dog Need a Wheelchair?
At nearly twelve years old, it’s not unexpected for German Shepherds to have trouble with their hind legs. When we noticed Buster’s activity level decreasing, we had his veterinarian run some tests. Luckily, we were able to rule out hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. The vet determined that the weakness in Buster’s hind legs is caused primarily by arthritis.
With that in mind, we made some changes to better care for Buster. Part of our new plan was to take shorter, more frequent walks. The goal was use moderate exercise to reduce joint pain and keep his muscles toned. It was on one of those shorter walks that Buster let me know it was time for a dog wheelchair.
READ MORE ⇒ How to Help a Dog With Arthritis Keep Going
How Does The Dog Wheelchair Work?
The Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair was a cinch to assemble. And it’s very adjustable, so you can easily get a comfortable fit. The folks at HandicappedPet.com are also terrific, offering suggestions for minor tweaks to make sure Buster’s wheels were just right.
The arms of the wheelchair (at the bottom of the above) clip into the harness that comes with the wheelchair. Buster’s hind legs go in the holes made by the foam-covered straps, and those straps are held together with a neoprene strap to form a cradle for his back end. When he’s in the wheelchair, Buster is able to relieve himself (#1 and #2) without the straps being in the way.
The Walkin’ Wheels also comes with wonderful instructions to acclimate your dog to his new wheelchair. And I was fully prepared for that to be a lengthy process. After all, Buster needed several weeks to get comfortable using his dog ramp! So, imagine my surprise when I put the wheelchair on Buster for the first time – just to check the fit – and he started walking. No training needed … he loved it right from the beginning.
READ MORE ⇒ Choosing and Training Your Dog to Use a Ramp
What is a dog wheelchair or cart?
It’s a device that provides support for walking, to assist dogs who have mobility issues. With canine carts, these dogs can play, run and get the exercise they need.
Dog Wheelchairs for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
If your dog has mobility issues then a dog wheelchair may be the best solution. We want you to know that physical limitations are not the end to mobility. Many dog owners end up euthanizing their dogs, which isn’t the solution. Many people do not know that dog wheelchairs even exist.
If your dog has degenerative myelopathy you can at least prolong the quality of their life, although there is still no cure. On the other hand, with a condition like hip dysplasia, your dog can still live a very long and active life with a dog wheelchair. These issues can be caused by old age, birth defects, accidents or other disorders that are both physical and also mental health related.