1. An adjustable dog wheelchair
For paralyzed pets, a dog wheelchair is the greatest gift you can give them. A wheelchair gives your pet their freedom back, allowing them to follow their family and engage with the world. Here are some ways a wheelchair can benefit your dog:
- Go to the toilet easily – yes, a dog can pee and poop cleanly using a wheelchair!
- Enjoy their daily walk.
- Help them stay active and mobile.
- Get them upright and upright in a natural position.
- Regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass, regain strength and maintain a healthy weight.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get a Cart
The decision to equip your dog with a wheelchair should always be made in consultation with your veterinarian. Every pet’s needs are different, and using a wheelchair safely is an important part of keeping your pet healthy.
There are many reasons why introducing your dog to a wheelchair early in the process is a good idea. The wheelchair encourages your pet to exercise, paralyzed dogs working to regain function in their hind leg will use a wheelchair as a tool to aid and support their recovery. Once in a cart, a mobile dog can work slowly to regain strength. Pets may incorporate carriage time into their rehabilitation sessions. Even if only for a few minutes at a time, it can help your pet slowly build stamina and maintain muscle.
2. A lifting harness
Lifting and carrying a paralyzed dog can put a lot of strain on your back, especially if you’re caring for a large dog. Look for a harness that can be used with your wheelchair and alone.
How to choose the right lifting harness for a paralyzed dog
Determine where your dog needs support
The majority of canine paralysis affects the hind legs. You can choose a harness that will support your pet’s hind legs or one that will support the whole body. A harness that supports the front and back legs is often the best option for large paralyzed dogs because it provides the highest level of control and support.
Does your dog need a wheelchair?
If your paralyzed dog has a wheelchair or will soon have one, choose a wheelchair-compatible harness. A harness that clips into your dog’s cart will make it easier to support him when you put him in his cart and make your pet more comfortable.
Understanding your harness options:
Up-n-Go Rear Support Leash – Simple to use harness, perfect for a paralyzed dog who does not yet use a wheelchair.
Warrior Rear Harness – best rear support harness for wheelchair compatibility. Can be used in or out of the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair.
BuddyUp™ harness – provides full body support. The BuddyUp Harness will provide your paralyzed pet with the highest level of support in and out of their Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair.
3. Drag the bag
When your dog isn’t using their wheelchair, paralyzed puppies spend a lot of time lying down or moving around on the floor. Wearing a pet carrier protects your dog’s chest and legs from painful wounds and scratches.
A pet carrier is a great way to keep your paralyzed pet comfortable while allowing them to move around safely without injury. Since many paralyzed pets also suffer from incontinence, it’s a good idea to have more than one carrier bag on hand so you can easily swap it out if one becomes soiled.
4. Leg protection
Since a paralyzed dog may not feel his feet and legs, he may drag his paws behind him. It is important to protect their paws to avoid injury.
How to avoid dragging the legs when using the wheelchair:
The best way to protect your dog’s feet while in the wheelchair is to raise them off the ground and prevent them from dragging their toes. Every Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair comes with a set of brackets that attach to the back of the cart. Place each hind leg in a stirrup, it should rest just above your dog’s hock and squeeze to keep your dog’s leg lifted.
The boot and stirrup kit – upgrade your pet’s wheelchair with the boot and stirrup kit. Instead of the standard stirrups, your dog can wear special boots that clip onto a stretchy cord and lift your dog’s feet off the ground.
Protecting your dog’s paws in the house:
Need to protect your dog’s dragging paws when indoors? No problem, a pair of sturdy dog boots is a simple and effective solution to protecting your paralyzed dog’s feet.
5. Daily joint support
When caring for a paralyzed person, your dog’s joint health should be a priority. When using a mobility device or wheelchair, your pet places all of its weight on its front legs and on the cart. A daily joint supplement can support healthy joint structure, relieve occasional joint stiffness, and promote dog mobility.
