Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
The Benefits of a Small Dog Wheelchair
Mobility issues and difficulty walking can impact any sized pet, even our smallest fur babies. Nothing is harder than watching your dog struggle to stand and walk on their own. An adjustable dog wheelchair is built to support your dog’s legs and give them the freedom to move and regain their independence.
Pet mobility problems impact all breeds, ages, as well as different sized pets. Small dogs and cats are no exception. Your pet may be small, but even the tiniest pets are at risk for weakening back legs, joint pain, and paralysis. Helping your small dog to walk again can be as simple as getting them the right set of wheels!
Benefits of a Small Dog Wheelchair
Every pet owner with a toy dog knows that they love nothing more than playing and running around, which means they need a wheelchair that can keep up with them both outside and in the house. When a pet is unable to get around they can become depressed, gain weight, can lose strength and may experience muscle atrophy. Getting them a wheelchair changes your dog’s life and improves their overall quality of life.
If you injured your leg you would use crutches to help you get around, a dog wheelchair does the same thing. Your dog’s wheelchair gives your pet the leg support they need to maintain their balance and get around easily. A dog wheelchair won’t make your dog lazy, it’s there to help your dog stay active and help them to walk better. Many wheelchair dogs continue to walk on all four legs, the wheelchair just offers them the stability and support they need to keep on moving.
Why Would a Small Dog Need a Wheelchair?
There are many reasons why a small dog or cat may need a wheelchair. In most cases a wheelchair is needed when a pet is losing leg strength or is unable to walk or support their own weight due to a change in their mobility. Here are just a few of the causes of mobility problems in small pets:
- Traumatic injury
- Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD - very common in dachshund and corgi breeds
- Hip Dysplasia or arthritis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Cerebellar Hypoplasia
- Neurological condition
- Back problems or herniated discs
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury and only needs a wheelchair as they heal or they are permanently paralyzed, a small dog wheelchair will allow them to continue to get the exercise they need.
Finding the Right Wheelchair for Your Small Pet
Mobility loss can happen to any pet, but there are some breeds that are at higher risk for certain mobility issues. Understanding your pet’s mobility needs will help you find the right small dog wheelchair for your pet.
Dachshund Wheelchair
Dachshunds are a small dog with a giant personality! But, did you know that a dachshund’s long body can actually lead to back problems? A dachshund’s long body and short legs puts them at high risk for spinal injury, ruptured discs, and a condition called IVDD. Most of the spinal conditions impacting dachshunds also impact their hind legs and lead to weak rear legs or paralysis.
A dachshund wheelchair needs to comfortably fit their unique body shape, short height, and properly support their spine. The Walkin’ Wheels dachshund wheelchair adjusts in length, width and height to perfectly fit your doxie’s needs. The dachshund mobility cart is available in two frame sizes: Mini and Small. The Mini dachshund wheelchair is perfect for miniature dachshunds. The small dachshund wheelchair fits standard sized doxies.
Each wheelchair includes a belly belt to provide additional spinal support directly under the abdomen. Giving your disabled dachshund the support they need to run and play!
Cat Wheelchair
Dogs aren’t the only pets who struggle with mobility, sometimes cats need a wheelchair too! Conditions such as cerebellar hypoplasia, neural issues, and spinal cord trauma can all impact a cat’s mobility. It can be hard to diagnose a cat with arthritis or similar conditions since cats are masters at masking pain and hiding their symptoms. Most cats who need a wheelchair suffer from more severe and noticeable mobility loss with either complete inability to maintain their balance, support their weight, or rear paralysis.
Since cats are agile and quick on their feet they need a wheelchair that can keep up with them and maneuver around tight spaces. The Walkin’ Wheels cat wheelchair is available in a range of sizes to accommodate any sized cat from a kitten up to a full grown Maine Coon Cat. Although plenty of cats rely on rear wheelchairs, some cats actually prefer a four-wheel or quad wheelchair (even those with strong front legs).
The Walkin’ Wheels rear cat wheelchair can easily be converted into a full support wheelchair at any time.
Corgi Wheelchair
Both the Pembroke Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi have a distinctive build, with an elongated back with short legs. The corgi body is part of what makes them so irresistibly cute, but it can also mean mobility problems. Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD can leave your corgi struggling to stand and walk without the aid of a corgi wheelchair.
The Walkin’ Wheels corgi wheelchair is built specifically to fit a corgi’s long body. The corgi cart features a longer wheelchair frame than the standard small wheelchair which allows for the perfect fit every time. Giving your corgi comfortable support. The corgi mobility cart helps keep your corgi active, so that they can get the exercise they need.
French Bulldog Wheelchair
Small but mighty, the French Bulldog has a strong little body. Frenchies are at risk for herniated discs, IVDD, and a mobility condition called Degenerative Myelopathy which can leave them needing a rear dog wheelchair.
A French Bulldog wheelchair needs to accommodate their stocky build and the Walkin’ Wheels small dog wheelchair can adjust to accommodate their wider body comfortably. Because Frenchie’s tend to be a bit heavier than other small dogs, most French Bulldog’s will get a larger 8” wheel to help them easily maneuver their cart. The wheelchair harness fits comfortably across a Frenchie’s wide chest, although many French Bulldogs will upgrade their standard harness to a Small Front Vest for an even better fit.
Small dog breeds prone to mobility problems:
There are several small dog breeds that are considered higher risk for mobility issues. These mobility problems can range from difficulty walking, weak hind legs, to full paralysis. Here are a few of the most common small breeds that benefit from a dog wheelchairs:
- Dachshund
- Boston Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Chihuahua
- Miniature Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Basset Hound*
- Corgi*
* Due to their long bodies, both the Corgi and Bassett Hound may do better in a Walkin' Wheels Corgi cart. This wheelchair features a longer frame designed to better fit their long backs and torso.
How to put a dog into a Small Wheelchair
Conclusion
A small dog wheelchair not only improves your dog's mobility, but it will change your best friend's life. With the help and support of a rear dog wheelchair your pet can stay active, healthy, and enjoy every minute with their family.
