By Susan Spisak
Have you ever seen a dog who appears to be pulling a pair of wheels behind him? Those wheels are actually referred to as wheelchairs. They’re utilized for a variety of reasons including leg paralysis, hip dysplasia disease, deformed limbs, multiple limb amputation, or full-bodied support. If your dog has limited mobility, know that wheels can give him some independence and allow him to frolic like a healthy, happy dog.
To understand how they work, the wheelchair is attached by a harness and metal frame that’s designed to keep him standing while playing outdoors (or indoors) and to potty. It must be removed for afternoon naps and nighttime sleeping—he’s not in it 100% of the time. It will roll over low steps and is fine with the use of a ramp.
When you first decide you should consider a wheelchair, it may seem overwhelming. Be sure to do research—there’s plenty of online resources—and talk to your veterinarian or a canine rehabilitation therapist to help you decide on how to proceed. Have a realistic understanding of what one can and cannot do for your dog. And know that if you do buy one, you’re going to be heavily involved daily—he’s going to need you to get him in and out of the wheels, so you’ll both have a learning curve.
Note: The photo of the dog above is a stock photo and is not available for adoption.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH of the Animal Wellness Center in Augusta, said it doesn’t take long for a dog to adapt to a wheelchair, especially once he understands it doesn’t hurt when attached. “The difficulty is to learn how to maneuver around corners and furniture.” She added, “It is going to be harder for the guardian to make it easy for the dog by changing the set up in the house, ramps instead of stairs, etc.” Additionally, you’ll need to make sure he doesn’t develop any sores due to rubbing incorrectly.
She weighed in on when she would recommend one to a client, “The most common use for a wheelchair are dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) which is a progressive neurological disease. Another major diagnosis is paralysis from spinal diseases.” Dr. Herman added that when a senior is so debilitated that supportive therapies do not allow mobility, a wheelchair can be investigated. “This is considered when the hind legs are involved.”
That said, she believes a wheelchair is not necessary for healthy seniors with joint problems. “It is best for seniors to be supported by a good diet and weight, appropriate exercise, joint supplements, and effective, safe pain meds.” Three-legged dogs, aka tripods, have lost a limb because of a trauma such as a car accident, or had an amputation, often from cancer, deformity, or infection, and they’re fine without them as well, said Dr. Herman. “Tripods learn to use and strengthen the remaining legs.” I can attest to that…there’s a Husky near me who is walked daily, and it took me a while to realize he only has 3 legs. He hops so fast!
As far as types of wheelchairs are concerned, there are three main ones to accommodate special needs.
Rear-limb wheelchairs will attach to your dog with a chest or torso harness. There’s a support bar under the abdomen and positions the hind legs. If your dog has some mobility, being able to touch the ground and move his legs facilities the rehab. If he cannot move them, stirrups will hold his hind legs off the ground.
Forelimb wheelchairs take advantage of your dog’s stronger back legs while supporting the front weak or missing limb(s). You may want to buy one with a head rest for added comfort.
Next are full-body support wheelchairs. They sport four wheels and are a good solution for your dog if all limbs are weak, paralyzed, or there’s a disability that doesn’t allow him to move much without falling.
Dr. Herman said these wheelchairs can be expensive, so shop around and ask plenty of questions. Find a company that is helpful and can thoroughly clarify all inquiries and clear up any doubts. Ask for guidance on measuring your dog for the best fit. And ask your veterinarian for their recommendations.
Popular manufacturers include Best Friend Mobility, (bestfriendmobility.net/), Doggon’ Wheels (doggon.com/), K-9 Carts (k9carts.com/), and Walkin’ Pets (handicappedpets.com/). Eddie’s Wheel (eddieswheels.com/) a Shelburn Falls, Massachusetts company (four hours from Portland), has plenty of info on various chairs. They also share their experience with their own disabled dogs over the years on their website. Or, if you’re handy, there is an online video to build your own, handicappedpets.com/.
If your guy needs some assistance, but isn’t truly disabled, or you’re not interested in a wheelchair, try a canine support sling with handles. They can hold your dog’s back legs and spine and are helpful for going up and down stairs. I used one with my seniors when they had back leg issues. We also recently found a full body one with shoulder and hand strap so my husband could easily carry our 80-pound Teddy up and down the stairs after an ACL surgery with cast. My son joked that Teddy looked like he was in a doggie book bag (and he did!), but hey, it eased the situation! Check local dog stores and Amazon as well.
On the cover:
Dolly, 8 months old
Dolly is a beach-loving bundle of joy who never lets anything rain on her parade! This lively girl is seizing every moment of her second chance at life. Whether she's cruising in her wheelchair or zipping around by scooting, Dolly's spirit is unstoppable. Her wagging tail and infectious zest for life prove that nothing can hold her back. Now, she's on the lookout for a forever home that's as unique and loving as she is. Visit https://pittieposserescue.com/adopt/ to complete an application.