What are the benefits of canine wheelchairs?
We are sure that you have seen plenty of videos and social media posts with dogs in wheelchairs/carts. Oftentimes, the stereotype is that the dog is debilitated, which is certainly not the case for all dogs in carts. The truth is, there are many benefits of wheelchairs for our canine friends:
- Carts can give dogs independence to get around and see the world
- They can assist dogs when they are re-learning how to walk (think of it as a walker or crutches)
- Wheelchairs can ease the effects of gravity for three-legged dogs
- They can aide dogs when recovering from surgery in order to give them proper alignment/posture
- They can improve a dog’s quality of life with certain progressive neurologic conditions by allowing them to “walk” as the condition gets worse
Think of their wheels as an assistive device, allowing them to live happier, longer lives. Pictured above is Jojo who at 1 year of age had never been on a walk before. She has a severe orthopedic issue in both of her knees and her pawrents reached out to inquire about helping her. Jojo was fit for a wheelchair while waiting for surgery and instantly her mood improved. She started running around and was finally able to go on her first walk ever! This cart eased the pressure on her knees and allowed her to stand up straight. She was finally able to take steps with her legs as opposed to standing in a crouched position.
What’s involved in getting wheels for my dog?
The first step is to seek out a certified canine rehab therapist! They will assess the state that your dog is in and review their medical history in order to determine if a wheelchair is necessary. After their assessment, they will discuss which brand is a good fit for your furry friend. Proper measurements will be taken and sent off to the wheelchair company along with some other information. This likely will include their activity level, types of surfaces your dog likes to be on, medical diagnosis, and a photo so they know who they are assisting. Once the wheels are shipped and then assembled by your canine rehab therapist, another couple of sessions are required to make minor adjustments to the fit. This will also allow your pup to get acclimated to the cart.
Generally once your dog’s wheelchair is properly fit, it shouldn’t need many adjustments. Your dog is ready to hit the road and enjoy the fresh air on their walk or go play in the dog park. Depending on the medical diagnosis, it’s encouraged to continue seeing your canine rehab therapist in order to progress your dog’s strength, balance, and stability. It is a big adjustment getting used to the cart and this can take some time. However, with proper guidance on what areas need to be targeted during therapy, there’s no doubt that a wheelchair can lift their spirits and give them the independence that they need to live out their life.
~Canine PT and Me Team