Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Like us humans they are short, tall, thin and well, shall we say ‘not so thin’! Which makes each of them unique in appearance, personality and needs.

Bouncer is an old pro with his wheels, but you should not let your dog ‘sleep’ in a wheel cart. Especially if it is being used for a spinal injury

What is a wheelchair ?

A wheelchair or wheel cart may be defined as an external aid or device to assist a disabled, injured or recovering patient to regain mobility, motility and/or movement. The aid may be used permanently or temporarily.

A paraplegic cat or dog may not be permanently paralysed. Physio or hydro therapy is often used to help them regain mobility.

Why an adjustable wheelchair ?

They can be used for multiple animals (especially for shelters). Did you know a cat or dog may need adjustments to the height and width of a wheelchair as their condition changes?

Dogs with terminal illnesses may face mobility problems and a wheelchair helps ease the strain of moving. Especially for large breeds, it can become difficult or sometimes impossible to move a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd because of their weight and size.

Price considerations

Caring for a paraplegic dog is an investment of not just your time and effort but also money. Depending on the severity of your cat or dogs condition you may need an additional person or caregiver to meet their needs.

Therefore finances will be a significant consideration, which is why it is important you invest in a sturdy versatile product. The idea is that the chair grows with your pet or patient.

Main features to consider when buying a wheelchair

1. Stability means the chair won’t easily tip over. This the difference between your pet learning to walk again and gain conference quickly. An unsteady or ultra light device may result in your pet taking a long while to gain the confidence to walk or even move.
2. Comfort if the device is not comfortable your patient or pet will be reluctant to use it.
3. Durability is key if you have a permanently paralysed dog. A wheelchair made of durable material means your investment is for the long term.
4. Adaptability we cannot stress enough the importance of an adaptable wheelchair. It makes life easier for your dog rehabilitation specialist and yourself. It should adapt to terrain, dog growth, be useable with multiple devices.
5. Material, they should be medical grade material. Parts should be well coated, non rust and not cause any discomfort or injury to the user.

Leaders in disabled pet products

We’ve put together a list of the most trusted wheelchairs for your dog or cat.

1. Handicapped pets Walkin Wheels , one of the most recognisable aids for disabled pets. For over two decades the company has innovated, worked with veterinarians and canine professionals. Together they have created an extensive line of products. Each product is designed and created with the aim of comfort, ease of use. Most importantly they add value to the life of a disabled animal.
2. Eddies wheels - For two decades Eddie's Wheels has helped pet families with their custom built wheelchairs. Their "Variable axle carts' allow the user to change a cart's balance based on the dogs needs.
3. K9 carts - Dedicated to pet care and veterinary practice for over 50 years. K9 carts has been in the field of pet care and mobility since 1961! The website has numerous resources including informative articles on canine diseases. K9 carts allows US based clients and patients to rent wheelchairs, check out their website for more details.
4. Bionic pets is a another company giving hope and movement to a variety of animals. From cats and dogs to cows and even elephants! Their custom made prosthetics cater to a range of mobility and the pets specific needs.

Why are these names you can trust ?

Each of these companies are unique, but have a common thread. The founders remain close to their initial goals, to help their customers which was born out of a need to help their own pets. Look for companies and organisations that are not ‘commercial’ what we mean is take the time to check how involved the founders remain in the company.

This indicates to you the “hands on approach” which keeps in mind patient/ user comfort and safety.

The size of a company will not matter as long as the product is well crafted with the input of relevant information and professionals.

We look for companies which make sure the animals safety comes first, followed by their record, and of course their collaboration with vets, physiotherapists and rehab centers.

How to introduce a wheelchair to your pet or patient

Animals are not unique in their ability to remember an unpleasant experience. Put yourself in their place- if you had to wear a sling or plaster and the first thing you experienced was pain- you are not going to take kindly to trying it on or using it the next time.

You are in control of their comfort. A harness or wheelchair or even something as simple as a collar if fitted incorrectly and causes excessive discomfort - the memory remains. And they will not readily take to it.

Know your patient, if they are inquisitive, let them take their time to “check out” the device, which in dog language is allowing them to sniff and take their time to become familiar with and comfortable around an object. Now they know the device is not the enemy and means no harm, slowly unpack and introduce it to them.

Put it on the dog or cat for a few minutes at a time, maybe once or twice a day for the first 2-3 days.

Once they realise it’s going to help, they trust the object. With trust comes confidence.