How to Tell If Your Dog Can Use A Dog Wheelchair
An older dog or one with mobility problems still needs daily exercise, and a dog wheelchair may be the solution to helping your pet continue to enjoy its walks outdoors. In the past, a dog that was unable to walk was commonly euthanized when the pet owner felt its quality of life was compromised. Since the 1990s, however, dog wheelchairs have been commercially available in the U.S., and this has helped extend the life of many dogs and give them improved exercise options.
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify the reasons for your dog's mobility issues, and determine whether it needs support for the front or hind legs. The dog may need temporary relief of pain during exercise, short-term rehabilitation after an injury or operation, or long-term use for partial or complete paralysis.
-
2
Test your dog's ability to propel itself using its front legs, as this will help determine its suitability as a wheelchair candidate. Cut two holes in an old towel, place the dog's front legs through the holes and lift the rest of its body on the towel, keeping it level. Assess whether the dog can walk normally using its front quarters.
-
-
3
Determine whether your dog has the spirit to want to be mobile again. The dog's attitude is a major aspect in the success of a dog with a wheelchair, and a dog that is bright and alert in spite of physical challenges is more likely to learn a new way of walking.
-
4
Measure the spaces and entrances in your home. If your dog needs to use the wheelchair indoors as well as outdoors, it will need to be able to get through the doorways without getting stuck, and to turn around in the different rooms.
-
5
Assess your dog's ability to learn a skill such as this one, particularly if it is an older or timid dog. Dogs that have been trained in basic obedience are more likely to be good candidates for training to use a wheelchair.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Research the dog wheelchairs available and see which design will suit your dog. Wheelchairs, also known as dog carts, can be custom made to support the dog's body fully or partially, depending on whether the dog has mobility in some limbs. For a dog with a loss of mobility in all four legs, wheelchairs are available that support the dog both at the back and the front.
Choose a design that accommodates your dog's disability. Some wheelchairs have soft saddles, which are more comfortable for dogs that have some mobility; others have rigid saddles that provide more pelvic support for a dog that is paralyzed. Certain models are collapsible and adjustable, which is convenient for transporting the wheelchair.
Select the best wheels for your dog's situation. A large, heavy dog will need a wide wheelbase to avoid toppling over, but this is less maneuverable for indoor use. A wheelchair intended for use indoors may have narrower wheels and tires than one intended for use outdoors and in rough terrain.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit China Photos/Getty Images News/Getty Images
