There is a lot of information available on dog wheelchairs, but there are also many misconceptions and myths about dog wheelchairs. Let’s separate fact from fiction and find out the benefits and real ways a dog wheelchair can help your pet.
The Truth About Dog Wheelchairs
1. Dogs don’t need to be paralyzed to use a wheelchair
![A dog wheelchair improves canine mobility](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/Ireland-29.jpg)
A common misconception is that only a completely paralyzed dog can benefit from using a dog wheelchair, which is simply not true. There are many different reasons a dog may need a wheelchair, including:
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Gets tired easily on long walks
- Back leg muscle loss
- Painful joints due to arthritis or hip dysplasia
- Back leg weakness
- Unsteady or rocking gait
- Reduce pressure on an injury to the ACL or CCL
- Recovery from trauma or injury
- Recovery after an operation
- Mobility issues
Yes, many paralyzed dogs use a wheelchair, but many animals can still walk and rely on a wheelchair to help them stay active. Your dog can still use a wheelchair and walk on all fours. Continued mobility will prevent muscle atrophy and allow the dog to retain leg strength.
2. Dog wheelchairs won’t make your dog “lazy”
Dogs want to be active and their wheelchair can help them do that. Dogs that cannot walk on their own become depressed and their wheelchair allows them to walk again. Canine mobility carts help pets enjoy life and extend their time with their families. Most rolling dogs immediately get into a wheelchair and become more active than they have been in years.
Just because your dog relies on a wheelchair doesn’t mean he’s no longer using his legs. Animals that retain the use of their hind legs can continue to walk on all fours and exercise their hind legs while using a wheelchair. A wheelchair encourages dogs to use their legs and makes it easier for them to develop strength. Dog wheelchairs are designed to help animals get the exercise they need. Many pet professionals recommend using a wheelchair to enhance an animal’s rehabilitation sessions. THE Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair is lightweight, provides optimum support in all the right places and allows animals to actively use and exercise their muscles. They help animals increase their strength and endurance.
3. Dogs of ALL ages and sizes use wheelchairs
![wheelchair for dogs of all sizes](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/Heaths-Haven-10.jpg)
Dog wheelchairs are also suitable for large dogs and small dogs! There are carts available to fit all dog breeds, from toy breeds all the way up to giant breeds. With four different wheelchair frame sizes, the Walkin’ Wheels Adjustable Wheelchair will accommodate dogs up to 2 lbs. up to 180 lbs.
Your dog’s age doesn’t matter either. Although many senior pets benefit from a wheelchair, pets of any age can have difficulty moving around. Older dogs are more likely to suffer from joint pain or a degenerative disease that affects their leg strength. A younger dog might need a wheelchair temporarily while he heals from an injury or if he was born unable to use his hind legs. No matter the size, weight or age of your pet, a dog wheelchair is a great way to help your dog walk.
4. Wheelchairs help dogs walk again
It is often mistakenly thought that once a dog is put in a wheelchair, he will never walk again, which is not true. Many animals use a wheelchair for short-term rehabilitation while recovering. A wheelchair is often an integral part of their rehabilitation. A dog’s wheels can be used during hydrotherapy sessions, structured exercises, and on their daily walks to help increase their hind leg strength. The support they receive from the wheelchair makes mobility more accessible and helps prevent muscle atrophy while the dog works to build muscle mass. With time, patience, exercise and the support of their Walkin’ Wheels, the dog can regain the use of their hind legs.
5. Wheelchairs are more than an “end of the road” option
A wheelchair is not a last resort option at the end of a dog’s life. Too often we hear “I wish I hadn’t waited so long” or “I didn’t realize how much this could help”. Many pet parents refrain from getting their dog a wheelchair because they think their dog doesn’t “yet” need it or they “just aren’t quite ready” for it. . The truth is that many dogs can benefit from a wheelchair, and early adoption of a cart can help improve a pet’s quality of life. Don’t wait, giving a dog the freedom to be active will allow him to enjoy every minute. Talk to your veterinarian about dog wheelchairs. If your pet is showing signs of mobility difficulties, it may be time to consider a cart.
6. Loss of mobility doesn’t have to be an end-of-life decision
When an animal suffers from paralysis or loss of mobility, you may feel like you have no options, but you don’t. The inability to walk or stand does not mean that their quality of life is diminished. Canine mobility assistance is available to allow your best friend to walk, run and live their best life!
![Boxer dog wheelchair buy now](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/Duke-17.jpg)
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