I am very excited to announce that we are now offering the Walkin’ Wheels™ adjustable dog wheelchair on www.DogQuality.com. This product by Handicapped Pets is currently being sold in the United States, but until now has not been sold within Canada. We are very happy to be the company bringing this life changing product to Canadian owners, so they can give mobility back to their older dogs.

I will be doing a video review of this dog wheelchair in the coming weeks, but I wanted to give you a bit of an overview for those currently researching dog wheelchairs for their older, injured or disabled dogs. This dog wheelchair works for dog’s who are paralyzed, but also for dogs who still have mobility in their rear legs who need help to walk.

Here are just a few reasons why we are so excited about the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair:

It’s adjustable – Senior dog owners no longer have to worry about taking 8-12 different measurements to custom fit the wheelchair for their dog. Also measurements are often difficult to take when your dog has difficulty standing, making this process quite challenging. The Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair requires one measurement; the groin to the floor, and even then you don’t have to be exact. Not only is this more convenient, but it also takes the pressure off. I speak with owners everyday who express concerns that they have taken the incorrect measurements. A dog wheelchair is a big investment and the last thing you want is a dog wheelchair that doesn’t fit properly.

No lifting of your dog required – If you have a large dog then you will appreciate the fact that with this dog wheelchair you do not have to lift your dog into the rear leg holders like in the custom fit carts. Instead you can fit the appropriate harness and leg rings onto your dog and then attach these to the wheelchair.

Rugged frame and wheels – Despite the adjustable nature of this dog wheelchair, the Walkin’ Wheels frame is solid, making it the ultimate all-terrain dog wheelchair. To give you even more ruggedness, owners can select air-filled tires to give maximum durability and a smooth ride across multiple terrain types.

Great re-sale value – Due to the fact that this dog wheelchair is adjustable it means that it can be sold very easily if your dog no longer requires it. If shorter or taller wheels are required these can be purchased separately without the need to replace the entire dog cart.

Well these are just a few of the reasons we are excited to be bringing the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair to Canadian owners ….more to come as we take a look at this dog cart in action, up close and personal.

For more information please visit: DogQuality.com

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.

Hi everyone,

As many of you are aware Dog Quality has been selected as a finalist for the BizBreak contest. The winner is awarded a cash prize of $3,000 plus mentoring from some very successful business people. Winning this contest is important to us as it will help to fund the development of our newest products (eco-friendly, self-absorbent washable dog diapers and a super cool dog jogger/stroller) to improve the quality of life for older dogs.

Voting only takes a second and we’d really appreciate it.

It always amazes me how closely the dog world parallels the human world, in particular as you look at the challenges of getting older. Arthritis is a condition that exemplifies this as it is rampant across both the dog and human population.

In Canada 1 in 6 people suffer from arthritis, and in the United States you are looking at 1 in 7. Just as in the dog world, a key factor contributing to the continued rise in arthritis is longer lifespans. While finding statistics on dog arthritis is a bit more difficult, it is estimated that between 20-25% of the dog population suffers from arthritis. Given that there are more than 6 million dogs in Canada and roughly 77 millions dogs in the United States that would mean we have between 16-20 million dogs challenged with arthritis today. Can you imagine what that number looks like on a global scale?

What is Arthritis?
In a nutshell, arthritis is a term used to describe joint inflammation. Since there are several causes of joint inflammation, there are also many different types of arthritis. Just as in the human world, the most common type of dog arthritis is osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease), which is basically the deterioration of cartilage within joints. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber so as it thins, movement becomes painful and more difficult as stiffness sets in.

What are the Symptoms of Dog Arthritis?

• Limping or favoring one or more limbs
• Stiffness/slowness as your dog gets up
• Changes in how your dog sits
• Reluctance to go on walks
• Reluctance or inability to jump
• Excessive panting
• Sleeping more than usual

How do you Treat Dog Arthritis?
There are many different treatment methods to help find relief for your older dog. Some methods are traditional, but senior dog owners should also consider alternative treatment techniques.

The Medical Approach:
Since dog arthritis can be painful, most vets will prescribe some form of pain killer and anti-inflammatory. Two common medications often prescribed are Metacam and Rimadyl. As with most prescription medication there can also be harmful side effects, so working with your veterinarian to find the best option is recommended.

Alternative Therapy:
For those senior dog owners who have either tried medication and have not seen the results, or for those who fear the side effects may outweigh the potential benefits, rest assured there are many different types of non-invasive alternative treatments to explore.

Growing in popularity are methods such as canine hydro-therapy, massage, acupuncture, and physio-therapy, which can make a significant difference for your older dog in terms of increasing mobility and reducing the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

Natural Supplements:
Supplements can be an effective way to minimize the impact of dog arthritis. Two popular supplements are Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Glucosamine which are believed to help maintain joint health and improve mobility.

In addition to the above mention treatment options here are some valuable tips to consider:

Watch your Dog’s Weight:
A common problem that happens when a dog’s mobility is reduced is weight gain, which further complicates their condition. The more weight placed on the dog’s joints, the more intensified the symptoms will be. Ensuring that your dog receives a healthy, balanced diet can make a huge difference in this area.

Keep your Dog Active:
Making sure that your dog continues to exercise is also important to reduce the overall symptoms and keep your dog mobile. While your older dog may not be able to walk the distances they once used to, they should still remain active. Finding the right balance of rest and exercise will go a long way in keeping your senior dog healthy.

Look to Innovation:
Certain products can also help in maintaining your dog’s mobility. Dog strollers allow you to continue to take your dog on long walks by letting them walk when able and rest when needed. A dog stroller is also particularly great when you have another dog who may not have mobility issues. Instead of leaving your older dog behind, or worse, instead of not going at all, a dog stroller lets you take both dogs for the exercise they need.

A dog wheelchair is another important product that can give the gift of mobility to older dogs suffering from arthritis. If the dog’s front legs are still strong then a dog wheelchair will encourage mobility by providing the much-needed stability, while still allowing the dog to use their rear legs.

Dog slings represent an affordable walking aid that offer either rear support or mid-torso support for dogs with leg weakness.

As our dogs get older and face the challenges that come with age, we as owners need to put the time and effort into finding the best ways to provide relief and improve their quality of life. The best news of all is that we have options to make this happen. Getting older can be a happy fun-filled time in the life of you and your senior dog, so don’t let the effects of age stop you from doing the things you both love to do.

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of www.DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.

Over the past few months we at DogQuality.com have been hard at work developing a new line of eco-friendly washable dog diapers. The motivation for these products was based on consistent feedback received from senior dog owners who have been frustrated with the dog diapers currently on the market.

Key issues include:

• Disposable dog diapers can be expensive since an older dog struggling with incontinence and bowel trouble will often go through multiple diapers each day.
• The current washable dog diapers available today are more like diaper covers since they require an owner to insert a disposable pad to provide the necessary absorbency. Inserting a pad can also be expensive and is not very comfortable for your dog.
• Using disposable products rather than reusable can be extremely damaging to the environment. Disposable diapers and pads, just like disposable baby diapers, typically end up in landfills and have been estimated to take 250-500 years to decompose according to a study by the Women’s Environmental Network. Yikes!

Taking in all this feedback we wanted to create a truly environmentally friendly, comfortable, absorbent, waterproof and cost effective solution for dealing with dog incontinence and bowel troubles. As a result, we created the Washable Wonders™, self-absorbent, reusable dog diapers which do not require a pad insert because of a super soft and extremely absorbent microfiber lining, which holds up to 7 times its weight in liquid. The diaper’s outer shell is made of  a waterproof  PUL material which will keep your carpets and furniture dry.  So soft and comfortable for your dog and so effective for your peace of mind. These dog diapers will come in a variety of sizes to fit small, medium and large dogs.

We have created two styles of the Washable Wonders™ – a full diaper style and a male wrap design. Initial testing has been completed and further modifications have been made based on the results. We are currently in customer trials. We have 12 customers with dogs (male and female) suffering from incontinence helping us with the final round of testing.  Final modifications will be made based on their feedback to ensure that we bring the best dog diapers to market.

I hope you are getting as excited as I am about the help these diapers will give to owners and dogs alike.

Here is a sneak peek at the diapers:

As dogs get older and face issues such as arthritis and joint weakness, owners need to be aware that their dog is at risk of injury when they are jumping down from furniture such as couches or beds. In addition, it is important to understand that climbing onto these same areas will become more difficult for dogs as they get into their later years. Dog steps can be just the answer as they allow older dogs to climb without straining their joints and descend without the need to jump.

We had the opportunity to do a side-by-side review of two popular dog steps currently on the market. Doggy Steps from the As Seen on TV brand and Pet Gear’s Soft Steps.

There are noticeable differences between the two products starting with price. The As Seen on TV Doggy Steps are approximately $35 CDN compared to Pet Gear’s which run around $75 CDN. The expression ‘you get what you pay for’ was running through my head as I could not help but notice how flimsy the Doggy Steps were next to the sturdy Pet Gear dog stairs.

The Doggy Steps can handle dogs up to 70 lbs, but I would feel a bit safer if only small lightweight dogs used these stairs as the lack of stability was worrisome. The Pet Gear product with its wider steps has a maximum weight capacity of 150 lbs, something I personally put to the test

The size of the steps was also very different between the two products. The Doggy Steps measure 18″Lx14″Wx12″H while the Pet Gear dog steps come in much taller and wider at 22.5″L x 16″W x 16″H.

Both products have an underneath rubber that allows the dog steps to grip even the most slippery floors such as hardwood or tile. In terms of colour selection, the Doggy Steps only come in the creme colour while the Pet Gear dog steps come in Blue, Burgundy, Coffee and Leopard.

Overall, there is a dog and a situation to suit both products so each owner needs to make the decision according to their dog’s needs and the physical surroundings. Small dogs can certainly benefit from the Doggy Steps which are especially useful when budget and room size are an issue. The Pet Gear steps are definitely of a higher quality and therefore the better choice for heavier, bigger dogs or small dogs that like to fit their whole body on each step as they climb.

The most important thing to decide is whether it is time to give your dog an easier way to climb onto and down from couches and beds to help keep them safe from injury, while continuing to give them access to some of their favourite places around the house. For more info on dog steps please visit: DogQuality.com

Have you used dog steps for your senior dog? If so we’d love to hear about your experience.

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of www.DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.