Discover The Life Of Dogs In Wheelchairs

Until some time ago, the solution for disabled dogs was sacrifice. Fortunately, these animals can now have a good quality of life thanks to wheelchairs. Are there limitations? Obviously yes, but it is enough to view different videos that we will find on the Internet to see how these cheerful animals lead an almost normal life. They can play, run, go up and down stairs, etc.

On the market there is a wide variety of wheelchair models for those dogs that have unfortunately been physically disabled.

Nowadays, veterinary advances are very advanced and the care given to pets is increasingly specialized and manages to improve their quality of life.

Despite the current level of veterinary medicine, sometimes this medical care is not enough. When a dog is prostrate, paralyzed in its hindquarters, if it cannot move its hind legs, there is little that the professional can do to restore mobility.

Causes of loss of mobility in dogs

This loss of mobility is normal after some surgical intervention, fractures, accidents, etc.

Loss of mobility may also be due to some diseases or degenerative processes. This is the case of severe canine osteoarthritis, dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, hernias, paralysis, etc.

Permanent paralysis of the front or back legs is often a major cause of loss of mobility. So are amputations or birth defects in limbs that prevent proper mobility.

The so-called reduced mobility can be generated by neurological problems, spinal problems, herniated discs or any type of trauma. This limited mobility usually occurs in cases of advanced age or obesity, when the animal cannot support itself with any of its limbs.

Different models of wheelchairs for dogs

We will find a wide variety of wheelchairs for our pet, to help him overcome his disability. We can choose “brand” chairs. They are manufactured following a standardized industrial process. There are also models that can be made by hand. Another option is the wheelchairs for dogs that we dare to build with our own hands.

A very interesting novelty in dog chairs are the 3D models, built from the measurements of the dog. For more information, files and instructions for manufacturing these next-generation examples can be found on numerous web pages.

The models on the market take into account the different characteristics:

• Wheelchairs for forelimbs. These models are difficult to make and we won’t see much variety on the market.

• Chairs for hind limbs. More common, among other things because the number of cases of animals with this disability is high.

• Integral chairs. For cases with very low mobility.

• Rehabilitation wheelchairs. There are very few models.

Aspects to consider when purchasing dog seats

The first thing to take into account is to analyze what measurements are those of our pet. A mistake here can ruin the whole process, because the animal could not walk. It’s about making life easier for our friend.

Once we have the exact measurements, if we have decided to order a wheelchair for dogs, we will provide them to the company or craftsman in charge.

There is also the option of special models that adapt to any size. These dog wheelchairs can be ordered overnight. They have a design that allows the dog to adapt as it progresses in its use. These types of models are ideal for puppies, since we can adapt them as our dog grows. In some cases they are foldable, so we will save space and gain comfort.

There are wheelchairs for dogs  developed for small breeds, with very light materials.

Building dog chairs at home

There are many materials that can be useful for the construction of wheelchairs for dogs: steel, methacrylate, aluminum, PVC pipes, etc. Along with the structure, it is important to select the type of wheels that we are going to use on the chair. We will do it depending on the area where the animal is going to transit.

If our pet’s space will be an urban area, the wheels must be small to have space and maneuverability. However, if we live in the countryside or in an urbanization with gardens, dirt, grass, a large, strong and resistant wheel will be much better.