Paralyzed dog wears drag bag to protect legs

Keep a Handicapped Dog Active When They're Not in a Wheelchair

Keeping dogs active and well exercised promotes a healthy life. Proper exercise is important for handicapped and special needs dogs as well. An active lifestyle keeps dogs limber, help keep joints lubricated, increase strength, help reduce anxiety or behavior problems, and improve a dog’s mental health. But how do you keep a handicapped dog active? Promote an active lifestyle in and out of their dog wheelchair.

Using a Dog Wheelchair for Exercise

dog wheelchairs keep handicapped dogs active and help them exercise

Exercise keeps dogs in good physical condition, using a dog wheelchair keeps special needs dogs living an active and healthy life.

A canine mobility cart helps senior or disabled dogs keep up with their family. They can enjoy going for walks, running, playing, and lead an active lifestyle.

With the aid of a cart and regular physical activity sluggish bowels can become more normal and help a dog to have normal “scheduled” bowel movements. Other benefits a special needs dog can gain from use of a dog wheelchair include:

Canine mobility cart for exercise and keep handicapped dogs active

Improved circulation
Maintain strength and muscle tone
Muscle atrophy may slow
Improved mental health
Keep a dog’s weight down
Provide balance and stability

Dogs who can still use their back legs can benefit from using a dog wheelchair because it enables them to exercise more intensely and for a longer duration of time. They can still use all four legs and continue to strengthen all of their limbs. Using a wheelchair will not discourage your dog from walking, the cart will make it easier for your dog to exercise.

How to Help Your Dog Exercise When Not Using Their Wheelchair

Dog wheelchairs are great for getting your dog outside to play and go to the bathroom, but inside a special needs dog may require other tools to promote indoor mobility. Here are a few simple ways to keep your handicapped dog active:

Indoor Mobility for Paralyzed Pets

Keeping a paralyzed dog active indoors can be a challenge, especially if you’re living in tight quarters. Having an indoor dog mobility aid, like a scooter can help keep your dog active all day long.

Dogs dealing with rear leg paralysis may drag themselves across the floor when not in their cart. Dragging across carpet and other indoor surfaces can cause painful burns or sores, a drag bag protects them.

Wearing a drag bag helps to keep your dog’s legs, chest, and underbelly protected from rug burns. Paralyzed dog’s dealing with incontinence can wear a diaper or male wrap while using the drag bag. Water resistant material acts as an additional barrier to protect your carpet and furniture from unwanted leaks or accidents.

Lifting Support for Handicapped Dogs

For quick bathroom breaks late at night or help lift your dog sometimes you need a different type of support. A dog lifting harness can often be worn by your dog at all times, giving you easy access to a handle to stabilize, support, or lift your pup.

Whether going up the stairs or helping your dog in or out of the car a mobility harness might be the perfect solution. Have a larger dog who struggles to stand and can’t support themselves? Look for a wheelchair compatible harness that can also simplify getting your dog in and out of their cart. Not only will your dog’s harness keep them mobile - it can help save your back from strain!