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Dog Drag Bag: Indoor Dog Wheelchair Alternative

Home » Blog » Dog Drag Bag: Indoor Dog Wheelchair Alternative
May 24, 2023 by Sharon Seltzer
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • How a drag bag works
  • The benefits of a dog drag bag+−
    • Here’s what pet owners like best:
  • Some of my favorite brands+−
    • Walkin’ Drag Bag
    • Barkertime Drag Bag
Pug lying on the floor

If you haven’t heard of a dog drag bag, you’ve been missing out on a nearly perfect indoor dog wheelchair alternative. The device allows pets who are paralyzed or have other mobility problems, to move freely around the house without the fear of scraping or injuring their hind legs.

Too many pups hurt their back legs when they scoot on the hard surfaces in your home.

In addition, a drag bag or scoot bag, as it’s also called, works wonders for incontinent, diaper wearing dogs. It keeps them clean and dry and prevents accidents from happening on your floors.

In my opinion, drag bags rank a close second to dog wheelchairs in improving a disabled dog or cat’s quality of life. Pet parents also like them because they’re cute, comfortable and inexpensive.

Note: Some of the links in this article are Amazon affiliate links where I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our policy.

How a drag bag works

A drag bag is easy to use. It looks a lot like a soft, waterproof pillowcase. Pet parents place their dog into the bag by sliding the back legs through the open end of the pillowcase. The drag bag covers a dog’s body from the tip of their paws and up to the chest.

The device stays in place with an elastic waist and a neck or chest harness, depending on the brand. Many drag bags also have a mesh vent for good air circulation to the skin.

When a dog is paralyzed, due to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), an amputation or a trauma, they lose the ability to feel or control their hind legs. Many of these dogs are young and otherwise healthy animals, that have lots of energy and want to be on the go.

When they’re given the opportunity, these pups scoot all over the house or yard dragging their hind legs behind them. They pull themselves over the hard floors in your home, the rough surfaces outside and up and down the stairs.

The constant activity causes the skin on the back legs and paws to develop cuts, abrasions, rug burns and scrapes. A drag bag acts as a protective barrier between the dog’s legs and the ground. It glides smoothly over your floors, the grass and even over ice and snow.

The benefits of a dog drag bag

Walkin' Pets dog drag bag
A drag bag from Walkin‘ Pets.

Here’s what pet owners like best:

  1. Maintains cleanliness: Dragging limbs can accumulate dirt, urine or fecal matter, which can increase the risk of infections. A drag bag prevents your dog’s legs from touching the the ground. This helps maintain good hygiene for your pet. Drag bags can also be worn at night to keep your pup’s bedding clean.
  2. Enables independence: By using a drag bag, a dog can move around independently. The bag makes it easy for your pet to explore their surroundings, participate in activities, and maintain a sense of freedom.
  3. Reduces the risk of pressure sores: Paralyzed dogs are prone to developing pressure sores due to their inactivity and lying in one position for a long period of time. By using a drag bag, the pressure is distributed more evenly. This can lower the risk of developing pressure sores.
  4. Allows for periods of rest: The design of a dog drag bag enables a paralyzed dog to lie down comfortably and rest when they get tired. This simple ability is a much-needed feature that isn’t provided in other types of mobility devices, such as a wheelchair.
  5. Easy to clean: Dog drag bags are machine washable and air dry quickly. They may be worn with a diaper or without.

Some of my favorite brands

You can find drag bags for dogs at online pet supply retailers and through dog wheelchair companies like Walkin’ Pets and K9Carts. One of my favorite dog diaper companies, Barkertime, also has a line of drag bags with fun prints, and you can find independent retailers on Etsy who handmake beautiful dog drag bags.

Walkin’ Drag Bag

Walkin' Drag Bag

Features

  • Protects your dog’s skin.
  • Chest and neck lined with soft fleece.
  • Allows paralyzed pets to easily move around the house.
  • Mesh panel for ventilation.
  • Machine washable, air dry.
  • Available in 7 sizes.

Barkertime Drag Bag

A dog drag bag from Barkertime

Features

  • Made with durable water-resistant nylon material.
  • The drag bag slides easily and smoothly on carpets and smooth surfaces like floors, grass and snow.
  • The zipper on top makes the drag bag easy to put on and take off.
  • Elastic allows for a secure fit around your dog’s body.
  • Made from breathable fabric.
  • Available in cute prints and lots of sizes.

Want to read more?

Dog Diapers: How to Choose the Right Product

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About Sharon Seltzer

I’m a blogger, professional writer and co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. I’m also a pet mom who’s raised 9 dogs, 6 cats and lots of other critters. When my dog Sophie became paralyzed in 2008, it was a lonely experience. It took months to find all of the resources to help her live a quality life. My mission is to share those services with other pet owners and to teach people how to care for a disabled dog.

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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

DogWheelchairLife.com is a blog that teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. As the owner, I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program. These are affiliate programs designed for sites to earn advertising fees (commissions) by linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate and Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page

We Are A Resource for Pet Owners

Dog Wheelchair LIFE teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. This is not a medical site and I am not a veterinarian. I am a blogger and pet mom who was the caretaker for Sophie, a paraplegic dog. I’m also a co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society in Las Vegas, NV and an animal writer who has contributed to websites and magazines.

The information shared on this site is based on my personal experience and the research I do for each story. Please do not use the content from this blog in place of professional veterinary care.

Articles from this site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from me, Sharon Seltzer.

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