About Wheelchairs for Dogs

Dogs that lose the use of their hind legs due to injury or illness can still be active and have a good appetite. Vets now see that being mobile can help a dog's happiness and can lead to the dog becoming healthier or staying healthy. Dog wheelchairs or scooters have been developed to give these special dogs a chance of a better life.

  1. Misconceptions

    • Dogs can still lead comfortable lives even if they lose two legs. It's the same as with people. A dog with a paralyzed hind end shouldn't just drag the useless limbs about because they will rip open and get infected. A dog wheelchair keeps the dog mobile and safe.

    Identification

    • Dog wheelchairs are sometimes sold as "dog carts" (not to be confused with small wagons pulled by dogs as draft animals). They look like little two-wheeled harness racing sulkies for horses. The dog is strapped in with a nylon harness attached to a light framework that supports the useless limbs and two or more big wheels.

    History

    • It is unknown which lucky dog became the first to get around in a dog wheelchair. It is thought that dog wheelchairs were made by pet owners in a last-ditch attempt to save their paralyzed pets from having to be put down. Dog wheelchairs became commercailly available in Europe and North America in the 1990s. Before then, you had to make one yourself.

    Potential

    • Just as one medication isn't right for all dogs, one kind of dog wheelchair may not be right for your dog. You might have to try a couple of styles before getting one that your dog is comfortable in and can move around as if the wheels were just another pair of legs. The right wheelchair is the one where the dog acts just the same as before he was paralyzed.

    Types

    • Although originally for dogs with hind end paralysis or very bad backs, there are now dog wheelchairs made for dogs with foreleg problems, for dogs with only one good leg, and for quadriplegic dogs.

    Warning

    • Not all dogs with mobility problems are able to benefit from a dog wheelchair. If the dog is clearly in pain, not eating, not bothering to groom or has no interest in life, see your veterinarian. Sometimes euthanasia is the only option.