When my dog started getting older, I didn’t know what to do. She started getting tired easily and just didn’t have the energy to get around like she used to. I looked everywhere, but the answer was obvious: a doggy wheelchair! It’s the best way for her to stay healthy and happy without straining herself, and you can bet I didn’t stop looking until I found the perfect match. I decided to share my best dog wheelchair reviews today.
Reasons Why A Doggy Might Need One
Not all dogs will need a K9 wheelchair, but there are many reasons why yours might need one.
When I started researching, I was surprised to find that tiring easily is only one of the reasons to get a device to help canines walk. There is a multitude of medical issues that can be eased with some wheels, such as hip and leg problems, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, arthritis, a slipped disc, paralysis, soreness, spinal and neurological problems, and surgical recovery to name a few.
The most common condition where a doggy might need one to help with its mobility is Thoracolumbar Disc Degenerative Disease. Males are more likely to suffer from this than females and there are also certain breeds that are generally more predisposed to this disease. Mobility wheels in this instance can help with the dog’s rehabilitation and mobility.
Another condition (commonly the 2nd cause) is Degenerative Myelopathy, where the disease usually travels up the dog’s spinal cord and eventually affects its front and back legs legs. Getting a wheelchair for your dog in this case can actually help to delay the progression of the disease by helping to ease the strain off your dog’s front and back legs. Your dog will be much happier and able to be more active with the help of a wheelchair.
Dog arthritis is yet another common medical condition. Usually, they are given arthritis medication to manage the disease. A wheelchair in this instance will help to take pressure and give more relief to the hind legs especially and help your dog in its mobility, giving it a better standard of living.
Injuries or genetic problems can cause a dog to be paralyzed. Using one can help to suspend your dog’s hind legs with slings and rely on the wheels to move around.
Will All Dogs Benefit From A Wheelchair?
A main factor in the success of using one is the canine’s attitude! If it is alert, full of energy, active and spirited enough to want to be active still, then it is highly possible to be a huge success! Also, your dog must at least be able to walk stably and strongly on its front legs. Test this out using the ‘towel’ test.
The 5 Best Doggy Wheelchairs To Buy
You might want to start researching or be on the lookout, especially since wheels for dogs are more common than you might think. If you don’t believe me, you will when you do get online and get bombarded with all the options out there eg. canine wheelchair for front legs or back legs. That’s exactly why I’ve got the best five here and ready for you, if only so you don’t need to suffer through research like I did.
1. Walkin’ Wheels
This was one of the first options I looked at. Why? Well, because right away I was told that it would help with all of the problems listed above, and that it would allow my dog to run around and play again without worrying about how tired her legs got. It was exactly what I was looking for, but of course that didn’t stop me from considering every factor.
Key Features:
- Push button adjustability is offered for height, length, and width.
- Designed perfectly for bathroom breaks. Don’t need to worry about your canine soiling the frame.
- Comfortable, durable, lightweight and easy to store.
- Aluminium frame
- Folds flat for easy travel
- Only a simple measurement of height and width are required before you can order the proper size.
- Perfect for dogs that weigh 70-180 pounds where their leg height measures between 17 and 20 inches.
Why It’s So Popular:
- It can be used for pets of any size, with available sizes up to 3XLarge.
- Many users have said wonderful things about the durability, including the fact that it works on all terrains.
- It’s very easy to get a dog into it, and instructions are even provided on how to get started.
Cons:
- This product may not work for more feeble dogs, regardless of size.
- The hind legs usually hang down. Socks or slings could be needed.
- Additional products need to be purchased in many cases for specific dogs, such as the vest, slings, or socks. You can use it with the Walkin’ Lift Rear Dog Harness.
Who Does This Suit?
This chair works well for all dogs with all kinds of conditions. If your pet is a little feebler than others though, they might have a problem using it and still end up needing your help. It seems to benefit smaller breeds slightly better as sometimes larger dogs’ feet drag on the ground, but it’s still a great buy!
2. Best Friend Mobility Extra Small
This is perfect if you have an extra small dog. You’re probably wondering if there’s anything that can even fit with your little friend – luckily there is! Even the smallest pup can benefit from this product if they’re having some problems, which can’t be said for all ordinary puppy wheelchairs. This’ll get the little ones up and walking again instead of you carrying them all the time.
Key Features:
- It has 3 inch polyurethane wheels, padded shoulder support, an adjustable shoulder harness, and a built in adjustable rear leg harness.
- The height easily adjusts for dogs anywhere between 9-14 inches.
- The cart can be used for assisted walking or full rear leg support depending on whichever suits your dog’s needs
Why It’s So Popular:
- It’s lightweight and the frame is also non-corrosive.
- The front harness is especially helpful for small dogs, and it clips on easily.
- Male and Females can both go to the bathroom comfortably and without making a mess.
- It’s very easy to use and put on your dog ; the wheel height can even be adjusted.
Cons:
- You need to keep tightening the adjustment points and screws, like the wheel height. Especially if your dog gets so overjoyed with his newfound mobility that he keeps running around!
- A little tricky to assemble.
Who Does This Suit?
This works for small dogs but also works well for dogs that have different needs. The adjustment in height and the switch between full or partial support is perfect for any dog. There are some drawbacks but nothing major. Use it with this drag bag that is great for pets who are paralyzed.
3. Huggiecart
If your dog isn’t super tiny, but you’ve still got a small guy or gal to take care of, try this adorably named “Huggiecart”. This puppy chair will be best for small dogs to get around in. Maybe now you can actually take your little guy walking with you, and you won’t be worried every time you leave the house!
Key Features:
- This product works best for dogs weighing anywhere from 18-40 pounds.
- Sturdy and durable yet lightweight aluminum frame construction with a chest harness and rear leg stirrups that are adjustable.
- Wheels are smooth to roll and come with bearings.
- The length, width, and height are adjustable for the best fit possible.
Why It’s So Popular:
- It’s not exclusively for tiny dogs! There are adjustable sizes for larger dogs that are within the weight range.
- Contacting the company and providing them with your dog’s measurements will allow them to get the perfect size.
- The whole frame is a little heavier and more reinforced, so your dog can’t slip out of it so easily.
- Highly recommended for Dashund-ish type dogs
Cons:
- Not a lot of detailed directions provided but you can easily call the company if you encounter any problems.
- Sometimes, the nuts don’t stay tight for very long. This might mean you’ll have to use your screwdriver.
Who Does This Suit?
In general, this suits smaller breeds, but if you’ve got a bigger one at home, it can benefit them too! Despite the lack of super detailed instructions, if you’re confident in your own abilities, maybe give this one a whirl. Your little friend will certainly be on your tail with this product.
4. K9 Carts Rear Support
It’s great that there are so many wheels for dogs that come in small sizes, but you might be reading this and wondering where all the models for larger dogs are. It’s lucky then that I found another device to help dogs walk that comes in a large. This comes from the US and is built and designed and recommended by veterinarians. With a glowing recommendation like that, I just had to look into it.
Key Features:
- The lightest model on the market since it’s built from aircraft aluminum.
- Very durable and strong.
- It can be used as a walking cart or as a suspension cart with rear legs up in slings.
- The leg support rings are covered with padding to prevent any kind of pressure sores and to give pelvic support.
Why It’s So Popular:
- It’s very easy to assemble the product and change the adjustments.
- It’s durable and lightweight and does not require much adjustment.
- Dogs are still able to do their business in their cart without any problems.
- Available in extra small, small, medium, large, pink, white, red and blue.
Cons:
- The measurements might be difficult to get right.
- Some buyers have been concerned about back pain since their dog cannot sit or lay down in the chair.
- The wheels may not stand up to dogs when they cut corners; they often get stuck if they’re using it inside or tip over if they turn too sharply.
Who Does This Best Suit?
There aren’t too many issues with this brand actually, and most people seemed to love it. This device is best for dogs who need a permanent method of transportation now or who may need one in the future. With the option to put the rear legs up in slings, it lets dogs in therapy or with continuing problems to adjust to their needs.
5. Sitgo Dog
One of the main complaints with some wheelchairs is that they don’t allow your pup to sit down and relax while they’re in it. This means you might have to take it on and off constantly. That’s not the case with this one. Your pet can actually sit easily in this chair.
Key Features:
- The rear of the chair can be lowered, which allows the pet to sit, but also allows you to get your dog into the chair without heavy lifting.
- Lightweight and adjustable aluminum frame.
- The cart can be used both for assisted walking and complete support.
- The wheels work on all terrain, the front harness system clips on easily, and both the front and rear harnesses are designed for comfort.
Why It’s So Popular:
- Detailed set of instructions is given with the product.
- Instructions were included on how to get your dog used to your chair and how to actually use it.
- It is a great rehabilitation device for your dog with the available stirrups for back legs.
Cons:
- A little more expensive than some other models but worth your convenience.
- The screws keeping the wheels at the right height loosen with activity, so you’ll have to check on them often.
- The “sit-down” portion needs to be adjusted depending on your dog’s weight.
Who Does This Wheelchair Best Suit?
This works the best for dogs and owners that are active. Using this, you’ll be able to take your dogs to cafes or outside just to sit down and you won’t need to worry about taking them in and out of the wheelchair constantly. Be wary of the instructions since they’re a little difficult for some buyers, but in the end, most people say it’s been worth the price.
Dog mobility wheelchairs are a lot more common than you might think nowadays. I didn’t know how common they were until I started researching them myself. She was tired and had a hard time staying up and running, but these chairs are perfect! I hope this best dog wheelchair reviews has helped you understand more about what to look out for.
How To Help Your Dog Get Used To a Wheelchair?
Some of our pet dogs are unfortunate enough to having a disease that makes them lose their inability to move, walk, chase or run and some of them are just born with deficiencies — shorter legs, a limp leg or no legs at all. Some may also be recovering from an accident. Whatever of these circumstances your pet is in, losing some kind of mobility is a hard thing to get over with.
Dog wheelchairs are specifically designed to help your dog pets overcome mobility issues. They can help your pets freely move around and do their usual thing — running and chasing bones. To those dogs that are suffering with diseases that are related to their nerves or spinal cords, getting your pets in one can be really tough.
It may not be easy at first but it will be worth it trying especially with the hope of seeing your pet actually living its life again. However, it is still best if you consult with the veterinarian first what brand or type is best for your pet’s situation.
Wheelchairs can help dogs with weak, short and limp legs, too. It’s a really useful tool.
We all know that dogs like to move around. They like to freely mess around big spaces and making them use one will take a lot of getting used to on their part. Using one will definitely put a limitation to movements.
Depending on what kind of dog you have, the wheels’ noise can be a distracting thing for them. Some may also be bothered with the bumping motions the chair may cause. Or some may just find it really uncomfortable. That is why it is very important that you help and guide your pet adjust with using it until they get used to it and they are free to not use it again.
Developing a training program with using these dog wheels will be really helpful. With a given timeline, list down the things you want your pet to do on its new wheels. Some games or obstacles you might want to play is a good idea, too. And in having these activities, having a bag of treats at your side will be very handy. You can use it during our training process with your dog and you will see that your pet becomes more attentive and obedient.
