When my veterinarian recommended, I buy a wheelchair for my dog Sophie, I spent hours researching which one would be the right fit. But when it arrived, it took me by surprise that I couldn’t figure out how to put a dog into a wheelchair.
It’s trickier than you think, especially if you have a large dog. You’re maneuvering an animal who can’t bear weight and is therefore unable to help as you lift half of their body into place while holding the cart steady.
That’s when I realized, learning how to place a paralyzed pet into a cart by yourself takes practice.
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We love dog wheelchairs
Please don’t think I don’t appreciate wheelchairs for dogs. They’re a wonderful invention that’s brought mobility back to millions of pets. And today they come in the sizes, shapes and prices to meet the needs of nearly every animal.
There are carts for dogs with paralyzed rear limbs and those who can’t use their front legs. Quad wheelchairs are available for dogs who need full support for all four limbs and there are even carts for pets with amputations.
But for all of the wonderful benefits they bring into our dogs’ lives, there’s one frustrating aspect. Each dog wheelchair brand requires a different set of skills to place a dog into them.
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Videos that show you how put a dog into a wheelchair
Thankfully each of the top 3 brands makes a video that demonstrates what you need to know. That translates to 3 easy ways to become a pro.
The first two videos feature a seasoned pet mom who has 6 dogs with mobility problems. Tracey was first introduced to Walkin’ Wheels carts when her dog Hayden, pictured in the video, became paralyzed. After Hayden passed away, Tracey has continued to save the lives of many unwanted paralyzed pups.
Walkin’ Wheels is a popular sturdy cart that’s fully adjustable. It’s sold by HandicappedPets.com.
Here’s a recap of what to do:
- Put on the dog’s front harness.
- Pull the wheelchair behind the dog and line up the hind legs with leg rings (saddle) on the cart.
- Grab the dog’s lower belly so you can pull the legs through each of the leg rings.
- Stand the dog upright.
- Pull one front bar forward so that it clicks into place on the harness. Repeat on the other side.
- Make any sizing adjustments needed for the height.
- Place each rear leg into a stirrup and go.
The next video is from Eddie’s Wheels for Pets. It features one of the owners, Leslie Grinnell, putting a dog into a wheelchair. Eddie’s Wheels is a popular custom-made cart that’s been helping disabled animals since 1999.
Instructions:
- Set the cart upright.
- Open the front neck yoke.
- Move the dog in front of the wheelchair.
- Lift the hind legs and place them through each ring of the saddle.
- Move the tail out of the way.
- Stand the dog up in the cart.
- Click the yoke back in place.
- Tighten support straps under the chest and buckle them.
- Begin walking.
The last video is from K9 carts. This is the first dog wheelchair brand made in the USA. The company’s been assisting paraplegic pets since 1961.
Getting the dog ready:
- Tip the cart forward so the leg rings are on top.
- Lift the dog’s hind legs and place them through each leg ring.
- Move the tail out of the way.
- Stand the dog upright in the cart.
- Fasten the chest strap.
- Take off.
One more video from my favorite European brand
Since we have readers from all over the world, I’ve included a video from Modullo Dog Wheelchairs. The company makes innovative custom wheelchairs for disabled dogs that provide comfort and safety.
Instructions:
- Place the dog’s hind legs onto the rear saddle.
- Secure the rear strap over the dog’s back.
- Place the front paws through the front straps and let the chest rest on the saddle.
- Secure the front yoke strap over the dog’s back.
- Run and play.
photo: Depositphotos
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My daughter’s dog which is French Bulldog chiwauwa mix broke his back and is paralyzed in the hindquarters. What would be a good harness or wheelchair for him? Also, is there any organizations that donate?
Hi Cathie, I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s dog. It sounds like he needs a rear wheel wheelchair. I just posted a complete guide on the website about wheelchair features and the top brands. I hope you’ll check it out. That said, the 3 leading companies are Walkin’ Wheels, Eddie’s Wheels and K9 Carts. A cart for a small dog shouldn’t be too expensive. And because dogs don’t stay in their wheelchairs 24 hours a day, you might want to look into a rear support harness as well. That’s if the dog has trouble scooting around the house. My favorite harness is from Walkabout Harnesses.
And if you need wheels here’s a post from the website with all of the groups that help. https://dogwheelchairlife.com/organizations-that-donate-dog-wheelchairs-to-pet-families/
Best, Sharon
Hi my name is Becky I have a American bully that has severe arthritis in his lower back I had exrays done today I also have him on cbd meds for pets and it is helping him with the pain I can’t afford the surgery so I just have to keep him comfortable until then me and my son made a home made doggy wheel chair for him but it hurts him so I haven’t put him back in it my dog’s name is Mr havket do you think a back support brace would help him along with the doggy wheel chair
Becky, A back brace might give Mr. havket more stability in his spine. Please talk with your vet about your dog’s individual case first. Then you might want to look at WiggleLess back braces. I know the owner has put a lot of research into how the brace is made.
Hello ..I live in New Jersey with my 11 1/2 years old German shepherd..his back legs are giving up..can you help me get him a wheelchair please..he is 100% mentally good..it too early to put him to sleep..he still have a lot of time to enjoy his life..please help him ..please
Hi Javier, There are lots of nonprofit groups who donate and loan dog wheelchairs. Here’s an article from my website with the list: https://dogwheelchairlife.com/organizations-that-donate-dog-wheelchairs-to-pet-families/
I’m sure one of these groups will be able to help.
-Sharon
Hi my name is Fernando jacobo o have disabled French bulldog his name is Gordo he is 5 years old an his back is broken and can’t walk anymore. I took Gordo to bet and the bet said he need a surgery but is to expensive and i can not pay for it. So i would like to know id your corporation can donate a wheel chair, at this time I’am unemployed and i can’t buy one.
I going to feel very happy if i see him walking again. Thank you so much
Hi Fernando,
I’m sorry to hear about your dog. There are lots of great organizations that help pay for surgeries for animals. I have a story that lists all of them and how to apply.
Here’s the link: https://dogwheelchairlife.com/help-when-you-cant-afford-your-dogs-vet-bill/ Please reach out to one of them as soon as possible.
Hi my name is heath and my little dorky jaxson as all of a sudden can’t walk I took him to the vet and they told me if he dint recover within the 4 days that it would be best to put him down that’s something I’m not willing to do I can’t afford the surgery so he suggested a doggie wheelchair but I’m not sure of what kind he needs I do know it’s his back legs the vet said a slipped disk so can anyone help me keep my baby from being put down
Heath, Sorry to hear about Jaxson. The dogwheelchairlife.com site has articles to help you find the right wheelchair and organizations that donate them.
You’ll find both in our search bar.
This is such important information Sharon. The links included are really helpful too, as many people don’t know where to get a dog wheelchair.