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What is a Dog Wheelchair?
Like a traditional wheelchair, a dog wheelchair is designed to improve the mobility of the animal. But rather than sitting in a chair and get pushed around, these canine versions are carts that support the weight of a dog's rear end. With this weight removed, senior dogs or those with hip issues, amputations, arthritis, or other injuries can move about easier.
Before decided to get a wheelchair for your dog, you should always check with your veterinarian to see if it's helpful or necessary. It's also important to find one with wheels that roll smoothly, that's lightweight so dogs can easily pull them, and that's adjustable to get the best fit possible. The harness that attaches the cart to your dog should also be well-padded and comfortable.
Alternatively, you can purchase a support sling or ramp to help with mobility as well.
Yes. If your dog is in significant pain or is recovering from an injury, many vets recommend using dog wheelchairs to increase a dog's lifespan and quality of life. In fact, some of the best dog wheelchairs on the market were designed by veterinarians.
Dog wheelchairs aren't designed for all-day use, rather only used for walks out of the house, play sessions, and socialization. When first introducing your dog to a wheelchair, only put them in it for no more than 10 minutes at a time, twice a day. Then, you can gradually build up session length according to your dog's stamina and overall health. Though you shouldn't keep your dog in a wheelchair for any longer than an hour at a time.
Hip dysplasia is a serious condition that's common in certain breeds, particularly larger dogs, where the hip joint deteriorates over time. A dog wheelchair can provide the rear-end support that dogs with hip dysplasia need to maintain mobility.
