Forelimb Strength

Your dog must be able to walk strongly on its front legs, with its back held in a level position. Use the “towel test” to determine whether or not the above is possible. If you have a small dog we suggest you take an old towel, cut two holes in it, and place the legs through the holes. Remembering to keep the back level, see if your dog will walk normally. This action simulates our cart support system. If you have a large dog, a towel under each hind leg is an easier way to do the “towel test”.

Signs of forelimb weakness:

Stumbling or knuckling with one or both front paws.
Short, choppy steps or crossing over of the front paws.
Splaying front legs out wide to maintain balance.
Taking a few steps and stopping or lying back on the front legs.

Dog Obesity

Paralyzed, obese, dogs may have a harder time adjusting to a wheelchair. This is usually because of their forced period of inactivity. Dragging themselves along the ground is not considered an indication of front limb strength. If your dog is able to walk, when supported with a towel or sling, this indicates that your dog will probably be able to handle a wheelchair. Use of a wheelchair will help with weight reduction and take the stress and strain off the back and limbs.

Dog Desire

When fitted with a dog wheelchair most mobility impaired dogs, with few exceptions, will take to their wheelchairs immediately. Typically you'll see their tails start wagging and there will be a new spark in their eyes. With an older dog, it is important to know your dog and understand what they want to do. If they are content to just lay around, and only be taken out for very short periods, you may want to consider another option. On the other hand, if they are bright, alert and full of life, despite their mobility problem, a dog wheelchair can provide your dog with an extended, happier, and healthier life.

Dog Disposition

It is extremely rare that a dog will fight or refuse to use a dog wheelchair. Before purchasing a dog wheelchair we suggest that you first try the towel test to see if your dog is comfortable with this type of motion. If he or she walks readily with towel support then they will do well in a wheelchair.

Dog Medical Conditions

There are several medical conditions where a dog wheelchair can offer significant mobility, relief and at times, recovery.

Here are some common medical conditions that may be helped with a dog wheelchair. If your dog has a condition not listed here please feel free to contact us for additional information. We also highly recommend that you consult with your Veterinarian.

Thoracolumbar Disc Degenerative DiseaseThis is the most common medical condition for which a dog may need a dog wheelchair. Our dog wheelchairs can aid in a dog's rehabilitation whether he or she has had IVDD surgery or not. If your dog is not showing signs of regaining motor function within 2 weeks after diagnosis, we recommend a wheelchair to aid in rehabilitation.

Degenerative Myelopathy: This is the second most common condition for which dogs need a wheelchair. It generally starts off with knuckling of one hind paw, leading to both paws, and a swaying gait in the rear, very often with legs crossing. There is no pain associated with this condition. Unfortunately, it usually travels up the spinal cord and affects the front legs. To delay this process, we recommend using a dog wheelchair as soon as you observe mobility impairment in the rear of your dog. This will take stress and strain off both the rear and front legs and keep your dog active and happy. Your dog can still use its rear legs as long as he or she is able.

Knee: Dogs with knee, or ACL, problems generally have surgery to correct this. Post surgery, our dog wheelchair will aid in taking stress off the surgically repaired limb, while preventing breakdown of the other leg. This is particularly applicable to overweight dogs.

Arthritis: If the arthritis is controlled with medication, and is in the rear limbs, then a dog wheelchair will aid mobility by taking stress off the hind limbs.

If you have any questions please do not hesitant to contact us.