Wheelchairs for Dogs ?

           

Photograph by Dewey's Wheelchairs at   https://www.wheelchairsfordogs.com/

      Sometimes an older dog has a stroke or has a serious illness which causes his back legs to become weak.  Often, people have their pet euthanized at this point.  There are certainly times when euthanization is the best course of action for both your pet, and also for you, his family, but this is not always true. Since dogs don't function on the same level as human beings, they don't drive or balance a checkbook, many dogs can recover from the effects of a stroke, if they can get past the immediate difficulties of eating and drinking.  Many of them regain their ability to use their back legs.  For those who cannot, following an organic problem or an injury, there is another alternative. Some larger breeds who suffer from hip dysplasia can also benefit from a custom chair.

      For those of you who have an interest in this, these are some of the companies who can provide a custom wheelchair for your canine family member:

Dewey’s Wheelchairs for Dogs

P. O. Box 1439
Prineville, OR 97754

• Phone: Toll free 1-877-312-2122 (8am-3pm PST Mon-Thur) ; 1-541-416-2651 (Outside USA & Canada)
• Fax: Toll free 1-877-312-2123 (24 hour) ; 1-541-416-2617 (Outside USA & Canada)
• E-mail: dewey@wheelchairsfordogs.com

 Most custom chairs are two hundred to four hundred US dollars.

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www.petswithdisabilities.org

           

Another provider:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/adjustable-dog-wheelchairs.html  

HandicappedPets.Com
105 Route 101A, Suite 18
Amherst, NH 03031
Toll Free US & Canada
(888) 811-7387
West Coast
(818) 698-7387
Phone Outside the US
(603) 577-8854
Fax (603) 589-7107
Hours:
Mon-Fri:  9AM - 6PM EST

What's In the Box?

1 Walkin' Wheels 1 Set (2) Foam Wheels or for Pneumatic Air-Filled Tires (add $40) 1 Front Harness with Sleeves (S,L) 1 Set Leg Rings Rear Support Saddle 1 Belly Belt 2 Stirrups 1 Instruction Manual 1 Tote Bag Free (regular size wheelchair) 1 Set Handles that Clip onto Leg Rings and wheelchair

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Another supplier has an all inclusive fee starting at $100. He can be reached at: facebook.com/wheelchairsfordogs

Photo:  facebook.com/wheelchairsfordogs

             A proper wheelchair for a disabled pet can allow him to walk with you on a leash, to urinate and defecate outside, and allow him to retain a decent quality of life.    Sometimes, euthanization is the best course, but sometimes families are astounded at how well their pet does with a dog wheelchair.   (Small horses and other animals have also used such a device successfully.)   Each pet and each situation is different, and so you should research providers and discuss the possibilities with your veterinarian.  I do know pets for whom the alternative of a pet wheelchair has been a godsend.

             Since a devoted pet can be our eyes, our ears and part of a strategy for layered home defense, keeping a loyal friend comfortable and happy can be in our families best interests also.