It\'s heartwarming to see dog owners taking their dogs for a walk or playing fetch with them. But what happens when the dog is too old, injured, or paralyzed to go outside? The answer is dog wheelchairs. It may seem like something from sci-fi movies, but dog wheelchairs are real, and they make life much easier for both pets and pet parents! In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about these fantastic contraptions before buying one of your own.
What is a wheelchair for dogs?
A dog wheelchair is a device that attaches to the dog\'s front legs and allows it to move about with ease. It can get modified for any size or weight for dogs, but generally speaking, this equipment will suit small breeds better than larger ones.
Why does your dog need one?
There are many instances when your dog may benefit from using a dog wheelchair:
- Dogs who have had surgery on their spine and are not yet able to walk again because they\'re still recovering from injuries;
- Older dogs whose hips or joints don\'t allow them to do much walking;
- Pets that suffer spinal cord damage, like most cases, result in paralysis, which makes everyday tasks difficult (but not impossible);
- Orphaned puppies who were not born with the ability to walk and need help to get around;
- Dogs that have diagnosed with arthritis or other joint problems, affecting their mobility.
What dog are wheelchairs available on the market?
There is a wide range of dog wheelchairs out there, so it\'s essential to find one that fits your dog\'s needs:
- Standard dog wheelchairs for pets who suffer from upper extremity paralysis can get fixed in place by using straps that wrap under the pet\'s belly and attach at both ends to rear wheels. The user holds onto handles mounted on either side to steer this type of device. These dog wheelchairs come equipped with brakes and handbrakes for extra safety. This dog wheelchair can use for outdoors and indoors.
- The dog walker is a dog wheelchair for pets paralyzed in their back legs only, often due to spinal cord injuries or conditions such as canine disk disease, which causes nerve damage. This dog wheelchair allows the pet to take total weight on its front paws while walking alongside its handler with no hindquarter strength. It also features adjustable footplates, so even if your dog has different sized feet, you\'ll still be able to use this type of dog wheelchair with ease!
- Dog strollers are great for dogs that suffer from illnesses like Cushing\'s syndrome because they allow them to move about more freely without the risk of developing pressure sores. We recommend dog strollers with a dog wheelchair frame that get pushed for these types of cases.
- Dog backpacks are perfect if you want to allow your dog to stay active while still providing some level of support for their hindquarters and spine.
How to choose the right one for your dog?
- Some dog wheelchairs can be used on multiple surfaces, while others are limited to the pavement.
- There is no such entity as a dog wheelchair that works with all breeds or sizes of dogs, so make sure you find one that will fit your dog\'s needs.
- Ensure the dog wheelchair is designed ergonomically and doesn\'t put too much pressure on certain parts of their body. That means it should have a comprehensive design rather than having narrow bars where they can bump into them easily.
So if you are looking for a dog wheelchair, we recommend contacting the Best Friend Mobility team. They provide high-quality products and excellent customer service to ensure your pup has the best mobility possible - no matter what their disability may be. Contact them today if you have any questions or want to get started on an order!
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