When dogs age or due to injury, sometimes their joints become weak, which is sad because they are still the happy dog you once knew. But there are some really cool aids you can get to help with your pooch as he ages or recovers from injuries that will still give him the mobility he craves. He doesn't understand why his back legs will not hold him anymore, so he just lays their and becomes depressed.
Enter the latest in doggy wheelchairs and you can see how this will help a senior dog or any dog with mobility issues to get around. Make sure to purchase one that is designed for the weight of your dog, and once he gets used to it, he will be zipping around everywhere without you having to carry him. Give him that few extra years of a happy days. The one pictured above is lightweight aluminum frame and easy to carry with you on trips.
Once you have adjusted it to the right height (super important) it doesn't take long for your dog to get used to it especially once they realize they can zip around. You can have the legs still touching the floor if he can still use them and the wheelchair is more of an aid, but which ever way you need to use it, this one is lightweight and portable and designed for dogs 0 - 5 pounds, so quite tiny. But this will also save on you carrying him everywhere, and gives him some confidence and independence.
Without that independence you dog can become seriously depressed quickly, and none of us want to see our doggies unhappy. So if you have a tiny doggy as above, and his back legs are just giving out, then consider this type of dog wheelchair to put that zip in his step.
For a leg measurement between 16-18 inches, totally adjustable and lightweight and designed a little more robust for the medium sized dog. There are different aids on the market now depending on where you dogs mobility is at the moment. There are mobility slings and harnesses that can help them walk with support for their rear end or hind quarters that don't give your back any grief, but sometimes the back legs need more support than a sling, this is when a dog wheelchair can make a huge difference in the life of your aging pet or recuperating pet.
If you dog is senior and showing signs of weakness in the hind quarter, he may decide not to go out with you anymore, or simply not move much which can cause depression in an otherwise happy dog. Watch for the signs, and if you get the right mobility aid at the right time he can enjoy a wonderful life right into his senior years. If you have a medium sized dogs, he is much too heavy for you to carry, so make the retirement years happy for both of you.
If you have a very large dog with mobility issues, this robust and strong doggy wheelchair will work. For leg measurements between 17-20 inches, this is totally adjustable and takes the weight off their back legs so the wheels replace the movement. Once they are used to this mobility aid they will get around just fine. This way your dog is happy once again and can have some more time in his senior years.
Many larger dogs (including mine) show signs of aging in their hind quarters, by having a hard time getting up from a laying down position or walking too far, it can get to the point that they lose confidence after any falls and your normally excited for walks dog doesn't want to go anymore. These wheelchairs give them that confidence back and you are not faced with trying to carry him, which can be difficult in your dog is large and heavy. This way he can still get exercise and fresh air and the most important thing, hang out with you!
Make Your Own Doggy Wheelchair If you are Handy!
Another option is to try and create your own from wheels and piping, check out the video below.
Make sure you take good measurements of your dog, in this homemade model the dog sits on a sling rather than using his legs at all.
Mobility aids are super helpful at all stage of a pets life, but senior years can be especially trying if you are not aware that they are having problems. Sometimes it is a gradual noticing that he is not walking as far, or laying down half way through your usual walk, this is what my Sasha did. Take a look at some of the other pages on this site for ideas that might put the life back into your pet.
We sometimes forget they age quicker than us, and it is hard to see them hurting or not doing activities they used to love. Sometimes all it takes is a heated bed to help with their stiffness or a ramp for getting in the car or a mobility harness for help getting up and down the stairs, or a doggy wheelchair for when the back legs simply cannot hold them anymore.
Nobody wants to see their pooch unhappy or in pain, so with a few creative aids you can help him lead a happy life right through to the golden years. Enjoy every minute of time you have with your pooch!