Not long ago, it seemed strange to think of a dog in a wheelchair. Now, it’s not uncommon to turn on your TV and see a dog in a wheelchair in an advertisement or children’s cartoon or even see it walking down the street. If you need a dog wheelchair, you are not alone. In 2022, almost 18,000 pet owners are purchasing an adjustable wheelchair for their best friend, and that’s just a drop in the bucket. Since 2001, Walkin’ Pets has helped more than 1.85 million pets improve their mobility.
Even today, there are still many misconceptions about dog wheelchairs, including how they work and what they do. Let’s break the stigma around dog wheelchairs and understand why your dog deserves one.
Loss of mobility does not have to be an end-of-life decision
![Yellow Labrador smiles during a wheelchair walk](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Labrador-wheelchair.jpg)
There is a common misconception that if a dog cannot walk, it must be unhappy and should be put down. The truth is that if a dog is not suffering and can still have a good quality of life, there is no reason to put it down. We encourage you to talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s health and ask if a wheelchair is the right option for your dog.
There are many benefits to having a dog wheelchair, one of which is that it allows your dog to stay active. A wheelchair provides support for your pets, allowing them to stand in a natural position and walk again.
“My 8 year old large Labrador Gunny has had surgeries on both hips, so I can say that just standing for long periods of time and walking is taking its toll on him these days. For about a year, he’s been looking at me, not at all excited when I offer him a walk, because it’s uncomfortable and hurts him. Most of his exercise now is in the pool, but I can tell he wants to do his walks but just can’t. So I had received information from my sister, saw the advertisements, did some research and ordered the Gunny’s Walkin Pets system. After the first day of familiarization, a short walk, and adjustments, Gunny went from standing there staring at me when I get his harness and leash, then trying to bribe him with treats to go out for a walk, to now he jumps up barking towards the door just showing her the new harness. My big boy has a new vision and his new quality of life leads him to visit neighbors in the neighborhood.
– Ben C.
Using a wheelchair will not prevent or discourage a dog from walking
![A German Shepherd uses a pink dog wheelchair](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Shepherd-wheelchair.jpg)
Believe it or not, dogs can walk and use their back legs while using a wheelchair. The term wheelchair connotes a person who is seated, unable to use their legs or who stands without assistance. Instead of thinking of a dog wheelchair as a wheelchair, think of it as a walker.
Just like a walker, the wheelchair frame support will help a dog stand ergonomically on all fours and give your pet the balance they need to move forward with ease. The wheels are directly in line with your dog’s hip to support your dog in the same way his back legs would if he had his full strength. There is no change in the way your dog moves or walks, only now he can do it without straining, wobbling or collapsing.
“We have ‘wheels’ for our German Shepherd, and he can actually run around the yard. He still has use of his back legs, but they are not very good. The wheels help him a lot when he wants to walk around and especially when we go camping.
– Sylvie S.
Dogs in recovery or detox can also use a wheelchair!
Not every dog will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of their life. Many dogs use a wheelchair temporarily while recovering from a knee injury or after surgery. After surgery or a traumatic injury, it can be painful and difficult for a dog to move around on its own. And if you have a very large dog, it’s not easy to carry or lift him every time he has to go outside. For this reason, many veterinarians or rehabilitation specialists will recommend the use of a wheelchair as part of their healing process.
A wheelchair can be used during rehabilitation or only during your daily walks. Everyone will use a wheelchair a little differently, but the benefits remain the same. The wheelchair reduces the weight the dog places on its back legs, which will allow it to walk more easily but will also limit the potential risk of injury to its other leg. For a dog undergoing rehab, the cart allows the dog to stand and move naturally without straining. The added support of the cart allows them to concentrate on their exercises without difficulty.
In some cases, a dog can use his wheelchair for a short time, and once he has gained enough strength and endurance, he can move around completely on his own after a lot of hard work.
“God answered my prayers, as well as the medication prescribed by my veterinarian and the physical therapy of walking long distances. 4 months later, she started walking on her own! Her walking has progressed over the last month, so the only time she is in the cart is when we go on our long walks. Thank you from the heart.
-JF
![dog wheelchair for retriever](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/11/Joyceengland1st.jpg)