A dog wheelchair helps animals with reduced mobility to exercise. A dog does not need to be paralyzed to benefit from a wheelchair. There are many reasons why a dog would use a wheelchair. Here are some of the most common:
1. Rehabilitation after injury or surgery
After a serious injury or surgery, weight bearing can be difficult for a recovering dog. An assistive device, such as a wheelchair, provides stability, balance and support to help a dog walk. Additionally, many animal rehabilitation specialists will introduce a cart to their patients for short-term use to aid in walking the animal. A recovering puppy may use a wheelchair for a few weeks or months until he can walk unaided.
Some rehab practices and veterinary practices offer a wheelchair rental program if a cart is only needed temporarily. Pet parents can also rent a dog wheelchair directly from Walkin’ Pets.
2. Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions such as Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH) or Wobblers can significantly impact a dog’s balance and gait. For example, wobbly steps are a hallmark of canine neurological disease, making it almost impossible to stand and walk unaided.
Although a dog’s symptoms may be mild, it is completely normal for dogs with neurological conditions to need a full-assist wheelchair for walking. The four-wheel cart provides equal balance throughout the dog’s body to keep them grounded and stabilized. In addition, the wheelchair will prevent the dog from falling, even if his movements are jerky or if he loses his balance. Most importantly, a quad wheelchair gives dogs with neurological deficits the confidence to walk and stay active.
3. Spine or back problems
Disc degeneration, ruptures, and other spinal conditions can lead to nerve compression and mobility issues. Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is the main spine condition for canine paralysis. Although it is possible for a dog with IVDD to regain the use of their hind legs, in many cases this can cause permanent paralysis. Many IVDD dogs will use a wheelchair while recovering or for the rest of their lives.
4. Weak back legs
Loss of hind leg strength and muscle atrophy are common as animals age. But old age isn’t the only reason a dog’s hind legs become weak. Many canine health issues can affect the hind legs.
Using a wheelchair will still allow a dog to use their hind legs, but it will support them so they can walk without fear of their legs collapsing under them. A dog should use its hind legs as long as it can. Continuous movement of the hind legs will help dogs maintain muscle mass, can help them improve strength and minimize muscle atrophy.
5. Progressive loss of mobility
Dogs with progressive mobility issues find it increasingly difficult to walk as their condition worsens. Degenerative myelopathy, or DM, is the most common mobility condition in this category. DM begins in the hind legs, weakening and then paralyzing them before moving up the spine towards the head.
6. Arthritis and joint pain
While a wheelchair may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia, it can be vital to a pet’s continued mobility. company. Joint problems can make normal walking too painful for a dog, leading to an uneven gait, a more sedentary lifestyle, and even weight gain.
An active animal is a happy animal. A dog wheelchair will relieve pressure on a dog’s hips and joints, making it easier to get around. The mobility aid will provide a feeling of lift and support as the animal moves
7. Old age
As dogs age, you can expect changes in a dog’s mobility. They may find it difficult to get up after a nap, sometimes losing their balance and slowing down naturally. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to help an older pet live a more active life. Daily joint supplements can improve joint health and relieve joint pain in dogs of all ages.
A wheelchair can be a great option for older pets who have to cut short their daily walk because they’re too tired to continue. Just because a dog has a wheelchair doesn’t mean they have to rely on it all the time, it can be a great tool for those ‘bad days’ when an older pet needs a bit of extra support. additional help.
Dog wheelchairs are essential tools for improving canine mobility. Whether a dog needs temporary assistance while he recovers and regains his strength or needs long-term support for a chronic illness, a dog wheelchair gives pets the support they need to stay active.
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