As a dog owner, you will likely go through multiple online reviews searching for the perfect wheelchair for your four-legged companion to scoot around much easier. It is important to understand what you should look for to get the most suitable wheelchair for your dog. In this article, I will use my experience with these wheelchairs to give you an honest review that will make the decision as easy as possible for you.
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You love your pet; you feel a burst of joy when you see your dog run towards you when you get back home. This is a great feeling but sometimes, for one reason or the other, your pet can get immobilized. One such scenario is when your dog gets injured on both hind legs or both front legs and your vet recommends a wheelchair for the period of recovery. This is a temporary situation. On some occasions, our pets can get a permanent prescription to use a wheelchair.
Some tick bites also contain neurotoxins that are injected into your pet’s body when they get bitten and may lead to permanent paralysis. One such example is a Dermacentor tick bite from the female ticks.
Before you set out on your hunt for a pet wheelchair, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you go along with your search. The first and most important is to know the size and weight of your dog. This is important because buying a wheelchair that is too large may be tiresome for your dog. Measure the size of your dog. If you want a dog wheelchair for back legs then measure the hind legs from where the thighs meet the body, do not pull the leg straight. Do this with your dog laying down. Use the same logic to measure the size of the dog’s front legs as well. Once you know these two measurements, weight and size, your search can begin.
Consider also, the layout of your house and where the dog goes a lot of the time. It would be unfair to get a dog front wheelchair with tires that are too big to allow your dog up the stairs. Consider the kind of mobility you expect of the dog before you make a purchase. Another point worth noting is the material of the wheels. It is best if you find foam tires as they do not get punctured even if the dog gets its teeth in them, and, it most likely will.
If you have a small puppy that happens to need a wheelchair, consider the longevity of the wheelchair in terms of flexibility of the frame to allow use for longer. It can save you the trouble of recurrent expenditure on wheelchairs if you get one that can be adjusted to your growing best friend.
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Having taken a look at the best dog wheelchair on the market, it only makes sense to check which other options are available. Here are in-depth reviews of 6 wheelchairs that might also be best for you. The reviews take a look at some of the top features of each wheelchair with the pros and cons to make your buying decision a lot easier.
The strap that holds it in place on your dog is also very comfortable. The strap fits without hampering mobility and also allows for a leash to be added on in case you need to go for a walk. Be sure to carry a leash when you are going up or down a hill with your dog. Given the size of the wheelchair and the inability of your dog to use its hind legs, going up and down a hill may need you to steady the speed.
The big dog wheelchair is first on this list as it sets the bar quite high. It is fantastic for pets weighing between 70 to 180 pounds and holds up very nicely over a long period. Some of its best features include:
Walkin’ wheels have wheelchairs for all dog sizes, which proves why it is the best you can buy. Other than the chair for large dogs, it has one for medium dogs that weigh between 50 -69lb, and another for small dogs that weigh under 25lbs.
Features include:
The large wheels mean easier mobility over rough surfaces but present a challenge with stairs. They can be used appropriately with dogs without both hind legs, paralyzed or broken hind legs. The rear support rings on this wheelchair do not hinder your dog from wagging its tail. The tail can go under it easily. The space at the back is dependent on the size of your dog, the larger it is, the less space. The dog can however still do the business without any problem and the easy mobility over grass is an added advantage.
Features include:
The large wheelbase and tires mean that your dog may be stuck on furniture or going in between seats at the dining table. It is made from stainless steel and aluminium, it will not rust. The frame is will last for a while. The large tires allow for easy mobility over tall grass and rough surfaces. Be sure to attend to the dog when going up the stairs of a hilly place.
Features include:
Strong aluminium frame and adjustable size mean you can use them for a while as long as your dog’s hip can still fit in them. They do come in a variety of patterns and designs. The straps are durable and will last the lifetime of the wheelchair. You do not need to worry about the longevity of these wheelchairs a whole lot because they are meant to be for rehabilitation but they do last a while. Commonly used as a small dog wheelchair, the limits of this can be pushed to about 44 to 77-pound dogs which are quite large.
Features include:
Closely supervise your dog’s usage of the chair as it can be cumbersome to sleep in the chair. It is light so the dog will move around in them easily with the aluminium frame guaranteeing durability. The light material makes them the best extra small dog wheelchair. It also comes with foam tires so you never get a flat. If you have a small dog they already have a hard time going up the stairs, this will make that harder. Be sure to carry your dog up the steps if you want them upstairs. This is a cheap dog wheelchair that will not break your bank.
Features include:
The ease of set up and removal from your pet means you can be out of the house and on your way to the park in minutes. Your pet can do its business in this wheelchair comfortably. It is a perfect large dog wheelchair for rehab as it allows your pet some degree of mobility for the hind legs as they recover. If your dog suffers from paralysis use a diaper as they cannot control they urinate. It is easy to store the wheelchair when it is not in use because of the modular parts.
Features include:
The sturdy aluminium construction means the weight of the dog is no issue, you just have to get the size right. It may be worth noting that the smaller front wheels may require you to pay closer attention to the height you set the front at. Some dogs may feel a little nervous about this contraption gave how cagey it feels so be sure to take your time when putting your dog in it.
To sum it all up, to get the best wheelchair for your dog, you need to know the dog size as well as the kind of help and support you need. There are many considerations you have to make, for example, an older wheelchair you had may not be the right fit or may not meet the vet prescription for a different dog. Be sure to keep in mind your living conditions concerning the dog and the amount of time you intend to have the dog in the wheelchair. More importantly, use dog wheelchair reviews to pick the right wheelchair for your dog. This will ensure you do not make blind purchases.
Images credits: Amazon.com