Are Dog Wheelchairs Only for Older Pets?
Mobility issues, joint pain, and difficulty walking are common issues in older dogs. But mobility issues aren’t limited to only senior dogs. Many young dogs and puppies can also struggle with their mobility, and in many cases, a dog wheelchair is a great way to keep a young dog active!
Benefits of a Puppy Wheelchair
Wheelchairs are great for pets in motion too! Especially puppies. The Walkin’ Wheels fully adjustable wheelchair is a fantastic option to assist dogs of all ages who are suffering from mobility adversities. A puppy wheelchair allows young and growing dogs to stay active while giving them the support they need to move naturally and safely.
A Growing Dog Needs an Adjustable Wheelchair
Puppies can grow fast, they need a wheelchair that will grow with them! The Walkin’ Wheels would allow puppies to grow independently while the wheelchair keeps them comfortable standing. This would help them grow in proper proportions without adding strain to any particular body part. In addition, as a dog grows, incremental adjustments can be made to the height, width, and length of the wheelchair to keep them comfortably supported.
Prevention of muscle atrophy, freedom to play with other puppies, and expressing their high energy level are just a few great reasons to utilize the Walkin’ Wheels. An adjustable wheelchair can grow with them as they get bigger. You can always swap out the frame size, as we have many different sizes to choose from. Our wheelchair experts work with young and growing dogs all the time. Call us at 888-253-0777 so we can help you select the best wheelchair size to grow with them!
Protect Your Own Back
Another great benefit for the owners: The Walkin’ Wheels saves pet owners’ backs by eliminating the need to bend over and support their puppy for walks or bathroom breaks. Constantly bending and lifting your puppy (especially a large one) can lead to back pain and strain. A wheelchair solves all this by giving your dog a way to stay active and independent of their owner. A puppy wheelchair means freedom for you and your dog! The Walkin’ Wheels allow for independent elimination as the rear harness system was designed not to interfere with this area.
Wheelchairs Encourage Exercise
While in the wheelchair, puppies can still use their paws to walk. Unless a puppy is paralyzed, all four legs should be touching the ground when using the cart. This is to encourage the dog to walk and use its back legs to help build muscle while they exercise. The wheelchair would relieve the strain of their body weight from their limbs, allowing them to move naturally and wiggle the way we love to see puppies do!
If rehabilitation exercises are necessary, the Walkin’ Wheels can help support your puppy’s body while you also work on its range of motion exercises!
5 Reasons Why a Young Dog Would Need a Wheelchair
1. Balance Issues
Whether a puppy has trouble maintaining their balance or has a condition that causes them to shake and fall over, a wheelchair can help. For example, puppies dealing with the sudden loss of balance may become reluctant to move on their own because they’re afraid of falling. A wheelchair will support them and help them build confidence so they can feel safe walking around on their own.
2. Conformational Limb Deformity
Young dogs and puppies can be born with a congenital limb deformity that may make placing weight on the affected leg difficult. These issues can range from having one leg shorter than the others to a leg being twisted or even contracted. However, it’s most common for a puppy’s front legs to be impacted, with either of the two bones (the radius or ulna) in the front leg or even the paw that’s born malformed.
If the dog isn’t in pain, a wheelchair can help the dog learn to walk and stand properly as the puppy builds up its strength. With the wheelchair’s support, the puppy gets the assistance it needs to stay active, keep up with its siblings, and reduce the potential for straining its remaining healthy limbs.
A full-support wheelchair is the best option for puppies with front leg deformities. The two front wheels of the cart support the front legs, while the back wheels offer additional stability in the rear.
3. Neurological Condition
Puppies born with a neurological disorder can have difficulty standing, fall over, shake, or even be born paralyzed. However, a wheelchair gives them the support they need to stand despite their struggles. Common neurological issues in puppies include Cerebellar Hypoplasia, Hydrocephalus, and wobbler syndrome. Symptoms may appear at birth or once the puppy starts walking.
4. Injury or Trauma
A traumatic injury can happen at any age, even with a young puppy. And depending on the nature of the injury, if surgery was needed, or just a long recovery time – chances are your puppy will require aid as they heal. A puppy wheelchair can be an excellent way to support your puppy during recovery. For hind leg injuries impacting the hip, knee, or lower leg, the wheelchair will reduce the pressure your dog places on the injured leg to make it easier to walk. Many growing dogs will use a wheelchair for support during their rehabilitation and therapy sessions to help them walk.
5. Amputations in Young Dogs
Although young dogs will adapt to a missing limb very quickly, a wheelchair is sometimes used for amputee pups to help them rebalance themselves and help ease the transition as they adjust to their missing limb. However, this will likely only be temporary as amputee dogs can live full and active lives.
Jennifer Pratt
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