Disability Aids for Dogs

Disability aids for dogs are almost exclusively for increasing mobility, which is often impaired due to genetic defects, car accidents or degenerative disorders. Dogs may find it difficult to get up and down stairs or furniture, or their hindquarters may be completely paralyzed. Ramps, stairs and wheelchairs are typical mobility aids for dogs.

  1. Ramps and Stairs

    • As dogs age, they often develop hip dysplasia or arthritis, making it difficult to negotiate stairs or leap up onto beds or couches. Ramps and stairs are two mobility aids that make climbing stairs and reaching furniture easier.

    Wheelchairs

    • Dogs may become partially paralyzed due to being hit by a car or from a degenerative genetic disorder such as intervertebral disc disease. In these cases, a specialized wheelchair for dogs--usually a two-wheeled cart of a sling or saddle design--can help the injured animal to move easily.

    Hearing Aids

    • You might wonder why deaf dogs are not given hearing aids or even cochlear implants. As Dr. George Strain from Louisiana State University points out, these devices are expensive and dogs either will not tolerate or benefit from them. Most dogs readily adapt to a loss of hearing, relying on sight and smell instead.