[ad_1]
Choosing the right dog wheelchair is easier than you think. Here is a simple step-by-step process for determining what your dog needs for a wheelchair to ensure they get the best mobility cart for your dog:
Finding the Right Size Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair
A fully adjustable dog wheelchair, adjusts in height, length and width allowing a custom fit for each dog. Unlike a custom dog wheelchair, the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair only requires a few simple measurements to order and ships same day! Walkin’ Wheels wheelchairs offer an extremely simple solution for pets with mobility issues. A dog wheelchair is ideal for both long-term use to keep dogs active or for short-term rehabilitation while a dog is healing.
The advantages of an adjustable dog wheelchair are clear, you can easily (and correctly) size your dog for his cart and get it quickly. There are no long delays and your dog is back and moving right away.
Common mobility conditions in dogs that benefit from a dog wheelchair:
- IVDD
- Loss of mobility due to natural aging
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Paralysis
- Neurological conditions
- Recovery from surgery or injury
- Hip dysplasia or arthritis
- Physiotherapy and bodybuilding
Select the size of the wheelchair frame according to the weight of the animal
The size of wheelchair your pet needs is determined by its breed and weight. Select the frame size that best suits your dog’s weight:
mini dog wheelchair
The Mini Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair is for dogs weighing between 2 and 10 pounds. This mini wheelchair is light enough for toy and teacup dog breeds.
With four sizes available, the mini comfortably fits breeds ranging from Chihuahua, Mini Dachshund, Pomeranian and even kittens.
Since the Walkin’ Wheels Mini wheelchair is specifically designed for smaller dogs, this design is unique. Each mini cart has a special harness and leg rings to support your pet’s small frame.
Small dog wheelchair
The Small Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair is intended for small breed dogs weighing between 11 and 25 pounds.
The frame of the wheelchair is constructed from lightweight, hollow aluminum to make maneuvering a small dog easier. The frame is available in four colors. Pet parents can choose the color that best matches their pup’s personality.
The corgi wheelchair is a specially designed version of the small wheelchair specifically for the corgi breed. Features an elongated frame to accommodate the long torso of the breed. The corgi cart is a perfect IVDD wheelchair for corgis.
Medium Dog Wheelchair
Dogs weighing between 26 and 49 pounds. will perfectly fit the Medium Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair. Pets using the Walkin’ Wheels Medium Wagon will receive either 4″ or 8″ wheels, perfect for medium breed dogs.
Dogs such as Bassett Hound, Beagle or Bulldog tend to rely on the Medium Wheelchair to get around.
Don’t worry if the wheelchair is too big to travel with you! Medium or larger wheelchairs, fold flat for easy transport in the car or storage.
Medium/Large Dog Wheelchair
The medium/large dog wheelchair is suitable for dogs weighing 50-69 lbs.
Featuring larger wheels, 12″ or 16″, this mobility cart is designed for slightly larger medium dogs.
Boxer, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and Husky are just a few of the dog breeds that fit the Medium/Large Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. Many of these breeds struggle with hip dysplasia and arthritis, and this cart gives them the support they need to stand and walk on their own without putting too much pressure on their aching joints.
Large Dog Wheelchair
Large breed and giant breed dogs with mobility issues will need a Large Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair.
Dogs that fit in a large wheelchair frame weigh between 70 and 180 pounds. are typically, the Labrador Retriever, the German Shepherd, or even the Great Dane! The Large Cart is popular with dogs struggling with progressive loss of mobility due to degenerative myelopathy or other mobility conditions.
Determine what spacers and wheels are needed based on rear leg height
The hind leg height measurement determines how high your dog’s wheelchair needs to be for him to stand in a natural position. Each Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair is available in different spacer lengths and wheel sizes to ensure your pet gets the right level of height adjustment for their comfort.
The back leg height measurement is simple to take. Lay your dog on his side and measure his hind leg from the bottom of the leg to where the leg meets the torso. Make sure not to stretch the back leg. Your dog’s leg should be positioned in a natural, upright position for the most accurate measurement.
Does my pet need a rear or quad wheelchair?
One of the many benefits of an adjustable dog wheelchair is its ability to convert from a rear support dolly to a full support wheelchair by adding the optional front attachment. But how do you know if your dog needs a rear carrier or a 4-wheel quad? The towel test is a simple way to test your dog’s paw strength at home. Take a bath towel or beach towel and place it in front of your dog’s hind legs, under the abdomen. While holding both ends of the towel, gently lift it up and forward while supporting your dog.
If your dog is able to move forward with your support, he needs a rear support wheelchair. If your dog is showing signs of front leg weakness, such as his front legs splaying outward or his front legs starting to sink in when he walks forward, he needs the extra support of a quad cart. .
With a front wheel attachment compatible with all sizes of Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair, your dog’s wheelchair can convert to a full support cart at any time. So if your dog’s weakness worsens or his mobility status is progressive in nature, his wheelchair can adapt to his changing mobility needs.
Choose between foam wheels or pneumatic tires
Medium and large pets have the choice of foam wheels or air tires. Both styles of wheels have their advantages, so you should choose the one that best suits your dog’s needs.
Foam wheels – the most popular wheel option. The foam wheel comes standard with every Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair. This sturdy all-terrain wheel never cracks or flattens and is designed to take your dog anywhere!
Pneumatic tires – designed for more active dogs, pneumatic tires provide more natural suspension and rebound. Pneumatic tires are an improved wheel option ideal for dogs that like to hike, run, and venture into rough terrain.
For a fun wheel option, check out our new 12″ color foam wheels available in 6 colors!
What else might my paralyzed pet need?
Now that you’ve found the perfect wheelchair for your pet, what’s next? Depending on your dog or cat’s diagnosis, they may need additional support getting in and out of their new mobility cart.
belly support
Long-bodied dogs like the corgi or dachshund and pets with back problems may require additional mid-body support. The neoprene belly support attaches to the frame of their wheelchair and cradles the center of their body to support the spine. If your dog has a bad back, this neoprene wrap is essential!
Front harness for added comfort
Different front harnesses can be used for extra support or to make your dog more comfortable in their wheelchair. Small, broad-chested dogs like the corgi, dachshund, French bulldog, or pug often need a different style harness to make them more comfortable. The small front vest is perfect for pets using the small wheelchair.
The Warrior Front Harness is comfortable to wear and has a handle to help stabilize your dog if needed, this can be incredibly useful when helping your dog in or out of their cart.
Rear lift support harness
When your dog isn’t in his cart, but needs to get out quickly, a rear support harness is just what you need. Not only is a back harness great for bathroom breaks, it can also help support your dog up stairs or into your car. Depending on your style and the level of support your dog needs, Walkin’ Pets makes several rear support harnesses that are also wheelchair compatible.
Indoor mobility
It can be difficult for your dog to use his cart inside the house. To help keep your dog active indoors and protected from scratches from dragging, we recommend the Walkin’ Scooter or Drag Bag. Keep your dog active indoors while protecting him. The scooter and carrier bag allow your dog to lay down and rest when he needs it, making it a great option for extended wear.
Pet Boots
Boots protect your dog’s feet from much more than the cold. There are many reasons why a disabled pet should wear dog boots. The boots protect the paws from abrasions and other injuries caused by rubbing or punching. Dog boots provide traction on slippery floors and can help a dog grip the ground so they can easily stand or walk.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.