Happy Tears as Dog Who Couldn’t Walk Lights Up with Joy After Getting a Wheelchair
Not many things are as satisfying as seeing a disabled dog’s face brighten with happiness and delight. A TikTok video captured the reaction of a paralyzed dog called Scooty on getting a dog wheelchair for the first time. When her mom brings it out, Scooty’s excitement is immediate. The pure joy on her face makes it seem like she’s just received the greatest treasure in the world. (See TikTok below)
Paralyzed Dog Gets To Run
Scooty seems to be paralyzed in the lower half of her body as she drags her hind legs to move. She may be handicapped but it’s clear that her spirits are sky-high as she still has a zest for life and a wish to walk. Her dream becomes a reality when her mom straps her into the dog wheelchair for her back legs.
@walkin_pets Scooty’s got that Friday wheelie-good feeling! Ready to roll into the weekend in 3, 2, 1, ZOOM! 🛞💨 #Friyay #WheelinPets #WalkinWheels #pawsinmotion #dogwheelchair #speciallyabled ♬ original sound – Walkin’ Pets
The moment Scooty was fastened to the wheelchair, she couldn’t stay calm. As her mom opens the door, she eagerly dashes outside to try her new wheels. Once she starts running, there’s no holding her back.
Scooty pays no mind to pedestrians in her path—they simply have to move aside as she joyfully races ahead with her fur sibling.
This transformation of Scooty will brighten up anyone’s day, which is why the video has more than 1.6K views on TikTok. Many people have also left appreciative comments on Instagram. A user, Shannon Moreton, wrote, “Gives me a happy face!!😍”
Additionally, another Instagrammer shared their experience with the dog wheelchair, saying, “They are the best invention ever, my girl loved her wheels and made her more confident even more than when she had all strength in her legs, it was as if she was so proud of them.”
Want to know more about wheelchairs for dogs? Let’s explore.
Wheelchair For Dogs – What Are They?
A dog wheelchair is a supportive device designed for canines with mobility limitations, empowering them to walk, play, run, and exercise freely.
“Most wheelchairs used with dogs are usually for conditions that cause permanent disabilities, though they could also be used for temporary conditions, as in humans,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian at the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Dog Mobility Issues Treated with Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs for dogs are designed to improve your dog’s mobility issues in the back legs. However, some manufacturers now produce dog wheelchairs for front legs as well.
Here are the conditions benefiting from canine wheelchair support:
- Degenerative Joint Conditions: Severe osteoarthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia.
- Neuromuscular Disorders: Progressive degenerative myelopathy, limb weakness.
- Neurological/Spinal Issues: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), paralysis.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Amputations, orthopedic surgeries.
- Accident-Related Injuries: Collisions, overexertion trauma.
Dog Wheelchair Benefits
Dr. Klein emphasizes the transformative impact of dog wheelchairs as he explains that they empower dogs to move freely, overcoming mobility limitations.
- Regained Independence: Enhanced mobility boosts overall well-being.
- Exercise and Weight Control: Combats obesity, reducing joint stress.
- Emotional Well-being: Provides stimulation, reducing boredom and stress.
- Comfort and Pain Relief: Reduces pressure, alleviating discomfort.
- Preventive Care: Mitigates secondary health issues.
A dog wheelchair can also be beneficial for rehabilitation. As per Walkin’ Pets, a dog wheelchair can “even assist in rehabilitation from an injury, surgery, or in some cases paralysis from a neurological condition or birth defect.”
Selecting The Right Dog Wheelchair
Dog wheelchairs vary greatly, so selecting the ideal one for your dog in a wheelchair depends on their unique needs, size, and activity level.
Below are the condition-specific wheelchair options:
- Wheelchair For Front Legs: Triangular design, single front wheel, and dual rear wheels. Suitable for front-leg support.
- Wheelchair For Dogs’ Back Legs: Rear support wheelchairs are ideal for conditions like severe hip dysplasia, alleviating back-leg issues.
- Quad-Support Wheelchairs: Designed for quadriplegia, providing comprehensive mobility support.
Walkin’ Pets offers customizable wheelchairs for hind legs as well as full support wheelchairs. Meanwhile, Eddie’s Wheels creates two-wheeled dog wheelchairs for dogs with missing, deformed, or non-functional front limbs.
The ideal wheelchair size depends on your dog’s breed and weight. Walkin’ Pets recommends choosing from the following frames that best accommodate their size:
- Mini Dog Wheelchair (2-10 lbs): Suitable for toy and teacup breeds like Chihuahuas, Mini Dachshunds, and Pomeranians. Features a unique harness and leg rings for optimal support.
- Small Dog Wheelchair (11-25 lbs): Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum frame with four color options. Includes a Corgi-specific version with an elongated frame.
- Medium Dog Wheelchair (26-49 lbs): Features 8″ wheels and is ideal for breeds like Bassett Hounds, Beagles, and Bulldogs.
- Medium/Large Dog Wheelchair (50-69 lbs): Larger wheels (12″ or 16″) for taller breeds like Boxers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Huskies.
- Large Dog Wheelchair (70-180 lbs): Designed for large and giant breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes.
Finding The Right Fit
Dr. Clein asserts, “Proper size and fit are important to prevent pain or sores developing on the dog.” For the correct fit, follow these steps:
- Measure Your Dog
Use a soft measuring tape to record three key measurements:
- Hip width
- Body length
- Shoulder (withers) height
You can also follow the measuring guide given by the wheelchair manufacturer.
- Weigh Your Dog
Use a dog scale or calculate weight by:
- Weighing yourself
- Weighing yourself holding your dog
- Subtracting the two numbers
- Check Strap Fit
Tight straps risk constriction while looser straps may cause skin irritation and pressure sores. So follow these tips:
- Ensure straps are adjustable.
- Test how tight the straps are. Two fingers should fit snugly under the straps.
To ensure the perfect fit, consider testing different wheelchair options at veterinary clinics or specialized medical supply stores. This hands-on experience allows you to assess comfort, mobility and overall fit. Consult with veterinarians for personalized advice tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
Bonus Tips
For optimal comfort and support, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Opt for adjustable wheelchairs to accommodate growth or weight fluctuations.
- Prioritize breathable materials and cushioning for enhanced comfort.
- Carefully evaluate your dog’s specific mobility requirements and health conditions.
Additional Mobility Support For Your Dog
Finding the ideal wheelchair for your dog is a significant milestone. However, their journey to optimal mobility and comfort may require further enhancements.
Belly Support
For long-bodied breeds like Corgis and Dachshunds, or pets struggling with back issues, extra mid-body support is crucial. Fortunately, Walkin’ Pets offers a tailored solution – a neoprene belly support designed specifically for their Corgi or Dachshund dog wheelchair. This innovative attachment seamlessly integrates with the wheelchair frame, gently cradling the body’s center to alleviate spinal strain.
Rear Lifting Support Harness
A rear lifting support harness is a vital accessory for large dogs requiring back leg support. When your dog needs swift outdoor access outside of their wheelchair, this harness provides indispensable assistance. It facilitates navigation on stairs and entry into vehicles, ensuring effortless mobility.
Front Harness
Front harnesses offer extra comfort and mobility for dogs in wheelchairs. Specifically designed for breeds with unique body types, such as Corgis, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, these harnesses cater to their broader chests.
Full Body Support
For larger dogs or those requiring simultaneous front and hind leg support, a full support harness is the best choice. This versatile solution is specifically designed for pets experiencing progressive mobility loss and elderly dogs needing assistance.
How To Make a Dog Wheelchair?
Crafty Amigo’s DIY dog wheelchair is simple to assemble and highly affordable for pet parents. Made with durable PVC pipes and all-terrain wheels, it offers a cost-effective, space-saving solution for pets in need of mobility assistance.
Requirements:
- PVC pipe and fittings (sizes and quantities specified in the original post)
- 10″ wheels with 3/4″ tee black steel connections
- Measuring tape
- PVC cutting and drilling tools
- PVC glue or cement
Steps:
- Build the Wheels: Assemble two wheelbases using the specified components.
- Construct the Front Frame: Create two identical front frame halves using the provided diagram.
- Assemble the Side Frames: Build two side frames, mirroring the diagram.
- Create the Back Frame: Assemble the back frame using the specified components.
- Connect the Frames: Attach the side frames, back frame, and wheels to the PVC tubes.
- Customize: Consider adding padding, adjustments, or accessories to personalize your wheelchair.
With these steps, you can easily create a wheelchair for your dog.
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