Buying guide for best dog wheelchairs
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An injury or disability that affects your dog’s mobility is heartbreaking to watch, not to mention extremely frustrating for your canine companion who can’t run and play like he used to. By using a dog wheelchair, you’re giving your pooch back his freedom to move around. He might not be able to do everything he once did, but dogs are extremely adaptable, and he’ll soon be zooming around, running over your toes.
Understandably, the majority of people have never purchased a dog wheelchair, so selecting one for your furry friend can seem baffling. What features should you opt for? Does your dog need full support, front support, or rear support?
Key considerations
The key thing to determine before you start shopping for dog wheelchairs is what type of support your dog needs.
Rear support
The majority of people in the market for canine wheelchairs are buying for dogs with injured or amputated rear legs. If this is your situation, what you need is a rear-support dog wheelchair. These consist of two wheels at the back with a harness to attach the wheelchair to your dog. They’re suitable for dogs with strong front legs but no or limited use of their hind legs.
Front support
If your canine companion is the other way around and has strong rear legs but weak or amputated front legs, she’ll need a front-support wheelchair. These models are harder to find, as injuries, ailments, and amputations of both front legs are rarer than those of both hind legs.
Full support
Full-support canine wheelchairs are designed for dogs who have limited use of all four legs. They’ll still need to have some use of their front legs to move themselves around, but these models can be set to take varying amounts of weight off the front legs (in addition to completely supporting the rear legs), making it much easier for injured or infirm dogs to move around.
If your dog requires spine support, look for a model with straps that secure around the belly. This feature is one of the details we address in our product search.
A dog wheelchair gives your pup the freedom to engage in activities that might be off limits to them otherwise. We review the capabilities of each wheelchair we research to make sure it meets common needs.
Dog wheelchairs are wonderful tools for giving your pup more mobility, but you should never leave them in the wheelchair all day. This and other considerations inform our research efforts.
You should use your dog’s weight and height when determining the correct dog wheelchair size. Our research includes a wide range of sizes to accommodate your pup.
Even if a dog wheelchair is nearly a perfect fit for your pup, you might need to fine-tune the size by adjusting the frame. We keep an eye out for this functionality in our research.
Wheels made from foam rubber or solid rubber are puncture-proof, whereas wheels filled with air are vulnerable to punctures. Wheel material is one of the details we verify in our research process.
A durable dog wheelchair is imperative if your dog will be using it permanently. If this is the case, opt for a mid-range or high-end model. Our research includes these price points.
Large wheels are superior when it comes to navigating rough terrain, making them the best choice if your dog takes outdoor excursions. We cover large and small wheels in our research.
A rear-support dog wheelchair is designed with a harness to secure your dog and two wheels in the back. We note the specifications of rear-support wheelchairs as part of our review process.
Since your pup spends a lot of time in their wheelchair, you should clean it regularly. Ease of cleaning is one of our criteria when shortlisting dog wheelchairs.
Features
Frame size
Dog wheelchairs aren’t available in just one size – you can find them in a wide range of sizes to support the tiniest to the hugest pooches. The bulk of dog wheelchairs on the market list a weight range, but you should also check if the height is adjustable, especially if your dog is taller or shorter than average for his weight.
Wheels
You need to consider a couple of factors regarding the wheels of a dog wheelchair. First off is the size. Smaller wheels have a slight upper hand when it comes to maneuverability, especially in tight spaces. However, larger wheels are better for navigating rough terrain, so they’ll make life easier if you want to hike with your pooch.
The other factor to consider is the material the wheels are made from. Although air-filled wheels provide more natural suspension, those made from solid rubber or foam rubber can’t be punctured.
Weight
Consider the overall weight of your chosen dog wheelchair and be sure it’s not too heavy for your canine companion to lug around. Canine wheelchairs tend to be made from lightweight aluminum, though some add stainless steel into the mix for increased strength. While you don’t want a dog wheelchair that’s so lightweight it’s flimsy, you also don’t want one that’s prohibitively heavy.
Adjustability
If you choose the correct size, your dog wheelchair should be roughly the right fit for your furry friend straight out of the box. But you should also be able to fine-tune the size so that it fits perfectly. Ideally, not only the height should be adjustable but also the length and the width to accommodate dogs with all kinds of body types, from long, slender Dachshunds to tall, stocky Mastiffs.
For your safety
If your dog is suffering from an injury that requires the use of a wheelchair, always consult your vet first.
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Price
Dog wheelchairs range quite widely in price, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
Budget dog wheelchairs start at around $60 to $100, but these aren’t of the highest quality. They’re fine for temporary use, but you should increase your budget if your dog needs a wheelchair permanently.
Mid-range canine wheelchairs generally fall between $100 and $250. They might not have all the bells and whistles of the most expensive models, but they’ll help your dog move from point A to point B.
High-end dog wheelchairs cost between $250 and $600. These wheelchairs tend to be highly durable, easy to maneuver, and suited for all-terrain use.
Tips
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Consider the durability of your chosen dog wheelchair. Durability isn’t as important if your dog will only need the wheelchair for a few months while getting over an injury, but if your dog will be using it daily for the rest of her life, pick a model that will last.
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Think about how your dog will relieve himself. A well-designed dog wheelchair should allow your dog to freely eliminate without dirtying the chair.
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Choose a wheelchair that’s easy to clean. The frame and wheels of a canine wheelchair can obviously be wiped clean, but harnesses can be trickier. Any fabric parts should be removable and machine-washable.
- Know whether your dog requires spine support. Some dog wheelchairs have special straps that go under the belly to support the user’s spine.
FAQ
Q. How do I find the right fit for a dog wheelchair?
A. Although you can buy a dog wheelchair based on your canine companion’s weight, it’s more accurate to take measurements. The exact points you need to measure will vary depending on the model you choose, but you’ll usually only need to measure your pooch from the floor to the top of the shoulders or hindquarters.
Q. Should my dog remain in the wheelchair all day?
A. While dog wheelchairs are great for when your furry friend wants to go on a walk, play in the yard, or simply potter around the house for a while, they’re not suitable for all-day use, as your dog can’t lie down while using one. You should unhitch your dog from the wheelchair and settling her down in her favorite spot when she’s finished her chosen activity.
Q. How long will it take my dog to get used to the dog wheelchair?
A. That really depends on the dog in question – some instantly take to their canine wheelchairs, whereas others are nervous at first. Consider consulting your vet or an expert in the field before you start using your dog wheelchair to find out the best way to introduce it to your canine companion.
