Whether they suffered a serious injury or experience a chronic condition, a wheelchair can ensure your dog can still have its day. But choosing the right wheelchair for your dog could seem overwhelming at first glance. There are many moving parts to consider when finding a device that meets their needs. So where do you begin?
The most important thing to know is that there isn’t a singular assistive device tailored to all dogs. Certain factors will dictate the appropriate wheelchair size, type, and design for your dog. If you’re ever unsure of what wheelchair best suits your dog’s needs, consult your veterinarian. They can offer insight based on your dog’s health profile.
Wheelchairs Can Assist Dogs with Permanent or Temporary Conditions
Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club’s Chief Veterinarian, shares that wheelchairs are used for many conditions. “Most wheelchairs used with dogs are usually for conditions that cause permanent disabilities, though they could also be used for temporary conditions, as in humans,” he explains.
Most wheelchairs for dogs are made for dogs having mobility issues with their rear limbs. However, there are now also a few specialized wheelchairs made for dogs having forelimb issues.
He notes that some conditions that may necessitate wheelchair use include:
- Severe osteoarthritis, including those due to severe hip or elbow dysplasia
- Neuromuscular disorders causing weakness of limbs, such as progressive degenerative myelopathy
- Neurologic or spinal problems, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causing paralysis
- Surgical recovery or amputations
Wheelchairs can also help with mobility issues following serious accidents, such as collisions or injuries resulting from overexertion.
The Benefits of Wheelchairs for Dogs
When asked about the benefits of assistive wheelchairs for dogs, Dr. Klein has a straightforward answer: “Wheelchairs allow dogs the freedom to move when they may not be able to do so on their own.”
Other benefits include:
- Weight management. Dogs struggling with mobility may develop obesity from a lack of exercise. Excessive weight can exacerbate joint problems and limit a dog’s mobility further.
- Offering much-needed stimulation. It can be tough for a high-energy dog breed to go from playing for hours to having their mobility affected. Ensuring they get adequate playtime with a wheelchair betters both their physical and mental well-being.
- Pain relief. Some dogs may “carry” their leg because it hurts to put pressure on it. Dog wheelchairs, especially those outfitted with slings and cushions, aim to reduce this pressure and promote comfort.
In the long run, wheelchairs can also reduce the likelihood of secondary ailments arising from impaired mobility. These can include muscle atrophy, pressure sores, and complications stemming from obesity, such as diabetes.
Different Dog Wheelchairs Are Suited to Different Conditions
As noted, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all wheelchair for every dog and every health condition. Choosing the right assistive device for your pet depends on their ailment, size, and activity level. For instance, you may choose a front-support wheelchair if your dog has weakness in their front legs. These devices are triangular-shaped, with a singular wheel in the front and two in the back.
Rear-support wheelchairs are ideal for dogs who have conditions like severe hip dysplasia, which can cause weakness and discomfort in a dog’s back legs. Quad-support wheelchairs are ideal for dogs with quadriplegia, meaning they experience a lack of mobility in all four legs.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian, who can point you in the right direction when choosing the right wheelchair for your dog.
Features to Look for When Selecting a Dog Wheelchair
“Today, there are a variety of wheelchairs for dogs available varying in size, make, sturdiness, wheel thickness/type, etc,” shares Dr. Klein. Here are a few features to consider when looking for a dog wheelchair:
- A lightweight frame. Many wheelchairs are made of aluminum, a durable, lightweight material that allows for easy transportation and adds little weight to the dog’s body.
- Swivel caster wheels. Here, wheels can move in more directions than backward and forward. They move on a 360-degree vertical axis, granting your dog more range of motion and enhancing maneuverability.
- An adjustable frame. Some puppies are born with congenital conditions that affect their legs and mobility. You may choose a wheelchair that you can adjust as they grow.
When selecting a wheelchair, also consider the terrain your dog regularly visits. “Wheel size and thickness should correspond to the size of the dog and the type of activity the dog will be doing,” notes Dr. Klein. For instance, if you have a house-dwelling Pekingese, you may opt for thin, smooth wheels ideal for traveling over carpet, tile, and concrete. But if you have an Australian Shepherd who loves running in the grass and spending time outdoors, consider a wheelchair equipped with larger wheels with deep tread.
Finding the Right Size Wheelchair for Your Dog
A well-fitted wheelchair could alleviate discomfort, promote mobility, and ultimately enhance your dog’s quality of life. It also prevents the development of adverse conditions. “Proper size and fit are important to prevent pain or sores developing on the dog,” says Dr. Klein. “A veterinarian or certified veterinary physical therapist would best be able to advise on the type of wheelchair suited for that individual dog and its temporary or permanent needs.”
Follow these steps to find a wheelchair with that “just right” fit:
- Take your dog’s measurements. Using a soft measuring tape, measure the width between their hips, the length of their body, and their height at the withers (shoulders).
- Weigh your dog. Some adjustable wheelchairs focus more on weight than measurements. If you don’t have a scale for your dog, weigh yourself, then weigh yourself again holding your dog. Subtract the two numbers, and you’ll get your dog’s weight.
- Assess the straps. Ideally, you should be able to slide two fingers underneath a strap. If you can’t, it’s too tight. If you can slide more fingers, then it’s too loose and risks causing skin irritation and pressure sores.
You could also experiment with different types of wheelchairs and see which one best suits your dog. Some veterinary offices (and even select veterinary medical supply stores) allow owners to experiment with different types of dog wheelchairs.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dog’s Wheelchair
You want to ensure that your dog’s wheelchair remains in tip-top shape, so they can get the most use from it. This involves some routine maintenance. When cleaning the device, be sure to consider the wheelchair’s material. For instance, if it’s made of aluminum, avoid using acid cleaners or aggressive alkaline substances, as these can cause discoloration and “eat away” at the metal. If you’re unsure of the wheelchair’s material, play it safe and use soap and warm water when cleaning.
At the manufacturer’s discretion, you may also use lubricant to ensure moving parts, such as the wheels and axis, don’t grind against one another. Hand-washing straps, checking tire pressure, and replacing worn-out materials can also prolong the wheelchair’s usage and maximize its efficiency. If you’re ever unsure about cleaning or maintaining an aspect of your dog’s wheelchair, consult the device’s user manual.
Additional Ways to Promote Your Dog’s Mobility
Aside from wheelchair usage, there are many ways to promote your dog’s comfort and range of motion. Dr. Klein explains one of them: “One of the most manageable ways an owner can improve their dog’s mobility and comfort is proper weight management. Obesity contributes to difficulties associated with mobility and progressive conditions in dogs already having difficulties ambulating, such as dogs experiencing severe osteoarthritis caused by age or elbow/hip dysplasia.”
Another way to ensure your dog’s comfort is by making sure your home is accessible. Rearrange furniture to create a clear path, place ramps, and install non-slip flooring, so your dog’s wheelchair gets better traction. With just a few adjustments, you can ensure your dog retains their mobility and gets the most out of life.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.