Choosing A Wheelchair For Your Handicapped Dog

When we commonly think of wheelchairs, we think of them as a useful way of getting around for those who are diabled, but more and more often of late wheelchairs have been used as a way of getting around for disabled dogs as well. If your dog has undergone surgery, been involved in an accident, or experienced a hip joint ailments, there's a good chance your vet has introduced him to a dog wheelchair.

It's not uncommon for an elderly, injured or disabled dog to lose the ability to control his front or back legs. While in the past this may have required putting the dog to sleep, today he can continue to live a happy and mobile (though perhaps somewhat limited) life. A dog cart or dog wheelchair can aid the dog until he heals, or in more permanent cases, provide the ability to continue to get around quite successfully.

These are some of the more common situations in which a dog might need a wheelchair:

• Hip Dysplacia
• Disc disease
• Ruptured discs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractured back
• Arthritis
• Chronic leg weakness
• Front and back leg amputation
• Paralysis
• Neurological disease
• Limb paralysis

In finding the right dog wheelchair or cart for your disabled dog, you'll want to fit the wheelchair to your dog's condition. For instance, is your dog having a back or front problem? Wheelchairs and carts can support the back, the front, or even all four legs. They can also include stirrups, training wheels, counterbalanced carts, and counterweights for amputees. In some dog wheelchairs, the dog wears a harness attached with clips framed to the cart. In others, the dog sits on the saddle. The proper way to evaluate a dog wheelchair is to consider how it will be used by your dog.

Here are a few points to keep in mind when purchasing a dog wheelchair:

1. Measure your dog. If you're purchasing a dog wheelchair through your vet, he can handle the measurements and make sure you get the right wheelchair for your dog's needs. However, if you're purchasing over the Internet, it's vital that you carefully take the measurements. Every manufacturer has different requirements. So the better information you provide, the better the fit and function of the wheelchair.

2. If you have the opportunity to test a wheelchair before you buy it, take advantage. You want to find a wheelchair that not helps your dog get around, but also is comfortable.

3. After finally purchasing your desired wheelchair, give your dog time to adjust. This isn't always necessary. Sometimes a dog will immediately take to the wheelchair. However, more often, there will be a period of adjustment. Be patient.

If one of the above ailments affects your dog, especially if his overall mobility is impaired, a dog wheelchair (or in some cases a dog cart) can provide the perfect solution. Your dog not longer has to be put to sleep and he doesn't have to be kept indoors and immobile. Even if he's lost the use of all fours, there are solutions that help him continue to an active, loving part of the family.