When our dog started to have difficulty getting up from a seated position we figured her hip dysplasia was getting worse and we would have to make some accommodations. When she started to have difficulty walking and developed incontinence issues, we knew it was something more. It turns out she had degenerative myelopathy. Eventually, we had to buy a lift harness to help her up and go to the bathroom. To make her more independent, we decided to get her a dog wheelchair for hind legs.
Getting a wheelchair for your dog can be a daunting experience, especially when you don’t know what to look for or how to get your dog to use one. Unfortunately, we never ended up getting a wheelchair for our dog because she soon passed after we started looking for one.
This post will discuss what a dog wheelchair for hind legs is, how it works, what to look for when deciding to get one for your dog, and how to get your dog to use it.
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Related: Best Lift Harness For Large Dogs, Best Dog Leg Brace For Your Pup, The Best Dog Ramps For Large Dogs
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative and should not be taken as medical advice. Talk to your veterinarian regarding any health concerns you may have for your dog.
What Is A Dog Wheelchair For Hind Legs?
A dog wheelchair for hind legs is a wheelchair for your dog that offers support for your dog’s rear legs when they walk.
How Does A Dog Wheelchair Work?
A dog wheelchair for hind legs offers support to their rear legs when your pup walks. It takes the pressure off the hind legs, but still allows your dog to use them, so they can continue to build muscle.
If your dog has a neurological condition or is completely paralyzed where they can’t use their rear legs at all, a dog wheelchair can also lift their hind legs off the ground so they don’t drag them, causing physical damage.
Straps in the front of the wheelchair allow your dog to use their front legs to propel them forwards when they walk. For this reason, wheelchairs are great for dogs who have a decent amount of strength in their front legs.
There are adjustments that can be made to wheelchairs for dogs who lack strength in their front legs, so it is important to do your research before choosing a wheelchair for your dog.
Who Can Benefit From A Dog Wheelchair?
Dogs who can benefit from using a dog wheelchair for hind legs include:
- Dogs with hip dysplasia.
- Pups with degenerative myelopathy.
- Those with IVDD.
- Doggos with spinal fractures.
- Dogs with severe arthritis.
- Pups with paralyzed hind legs.
- Those recovering from surgery.
- Any pup with weakness in their hind legs.
What Should I Look For When Deciding On A Dog Wheelchair For Hind Legs For My Pup?
When trying to determine the right wheelchair for your dog, there are some things you will want to look for. These include:
Frame
Look for a frame that is strong, yet lightweight. Most dog wheelchairs are made of aluminum so they are not too heavy for your dog to use.
Adjustable
If you have a puppy that will need a wheelchair, choose one that can be adjusted. This will allow you to accommodate for your dog’s growth without having to buy a new one as they get older.
Rear Leg Support
The rear leg support should allow for your dog to still use their hind legs if they are able. Your dog’s legs should fit comfortably without their legs dragging or being too high off the ground and they should not cut into your dog’s skin when they use it.
Front Support
There should be support for your dog on their front, whether this is support for their front legs or their chest. This should allow your dog to use the wheelchair comfortably while taking some of the pressure off their hind legs.
Wheels
The type of wheels you have on your wheelchair depends on how active your dog is. There are two types of wheels you can get: air tires and foam tires.
Air tires
Air tires are good for very active dogs that like to hike and tend to walk over rough terrains. They have an inner tube that needs to be filled with air, like a bicycle tire. The treads on an air tire are also deeper than a foam tire to provide good traction over rough terrains. The inner tube on these tires will periodically need to be filled with air and the tube may also need to be replaced, as they can be punctured. Air tires are also known as pneumatic tires.
Foam tires
Foam tires are good for dogs that do not have a very active lifestyle and just like to play in the yard and go for walks. These tires do not have an inner tube and will not puncture. They are made of dense foam and covered in rubber. Foam tires are good to use on all terrains.
Storage
Look for a wheelchair that is able to be folded when not in use. This is helpful to save some space if you have a large dog.
Assembly
Check how much work you need to do to put the wheelchair together on your own. Some assembly may be required and you want to make sure you will be able to do it.
Ease Of Getting Your Dog Into The Wheelchair
The best way to determine if you will be able to get your dog into the wheelchair is to watch videos provided by the manufacturer or other users to see if you will be able to get your dog into it. You will most likely need to lift your dog’s hind legs to some extent to get them into it. Is this something you can do on your own or will you need assistance?
How Do I Measure My Dog For A Wheelchair?
To measure your dog for a wheelchair, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Some require you to measure your dog’s rear legs from the base of the leg to the tip of the toes while lying down, others want you to measure the hind legs standing up.
You may also need to measure the width of your dog at the hips and shoulders. This will also need to be done in a standing position.
Assistance may be needed to obtain the measurements, so this may also need to be factored into the wheelchair you choose.
Can A Dog Still Live An Active Life Using A Wheelchair?
Yes! Dogs can live very fulfilling lives with a wheelchair. They are able to go for walks and hikes. Your pup can still play in the yard and with other dogs while in a wheelchair. Most importantly, they will still be able to relieve themselves when in a wheelchair.
Can A Dog Lay Down In A Wheelchair?
Dogs are not meant to lay down while using a wheelchair. Dog wheelchairs are only meant to be used when your dog is active, like going for a walk, playing, or relieving themselves.
How Long Can A Dog Stay In A Wheelchair?
A dog should not be in a wheelchair for extended periods of time due to the fact that they are unable to sit or lay down while in one.
Can Dogs In Wheelchairs Go Up Stairs?
If there is only one or two stairs, it is possible a dog can go up or down them with some help. If your dog needs to negotiate stairs for any reason, it is best to have a dog ramp to make it easier for them.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Dog Wheelchairs?
As helpful as a dog wheelchair for hind legs can be, there are a few disadvantages. Among them are:
- It may be difficult to get your dog into the wheelchair, especially if they are a large dog.
- They are unable to negotiate stairs in a wheelchair.
- Your dog may bump into things while in the wheelchair.
- Expensive.
Best Dog Wheelchair For Hind Legs
Here are 4 companies that specialize in dog wheelchairs for hind legs. Information is according to the manufacturer. If you have any questions about the wheelchair you are interested in, it is best to contact the company directly. If you have any questions about whether using a wheelchair would be good for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Walkin’ Wheels
- Aluminum frame.
- Snap buttons to allow you to adjust the wheelchair as your pup grows.
- Foldable frame for easy storage when not in use on the larger wheelchairs.
- Puncture resistant all-terrain wheels.
- Leg rings for rear leg support.
- Stirrups to keep hind legs from dragging on the ground.
- Front harness sleeves for comfort.
- Belly belt for mid body support if needed.
- Size is based on your dog’s weight.
- All parts are washable.
- Dogs can still use their rear legs in the wheelchair. This gives them support as they build up their muscles. Fully paralyzed dogs can use the stirrups to keep legs from dragging.
Eddie’s Wheels For Pets
- 4 types of wheelchairs available:
- Standard wheelchair, for dogs with normal strength in their front legs and shoulders.
- Neutral-Balanced wheel cart, for dogs with forelimb, shoulder pain or weakness, wobbler’s syndrome, degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia, or hyperextension of the carpus.
- Counterbalance Rear Wheel Cart, for dogs with serious forelimb deficits , advanced degenerative myelopathy, cervical IVDD, and osteoporosis arthritis.
- Variable Axle Rear Wheel Cart, which allows pet parents to adjust the wheelchair if their dog becomes weak in the forelimbs.
- Optional stirrups are available to prevent rear legs from dragging due to neurological conditions.
- Removable step in saddle available for help lifting your dog into a cart.
- Detachable front training wheels available for more support.
Best Friend Mobility Elite Wheelchair
- Aluminum frame.
- All-terrain pneumatic wheels.
- Waterproof Swiss bearings.
- Clip on rear harness.
- Adjustable shoulder harness for support.
- Folds flat when not in use.
- Fully adjustable in height, width, and length.
- Measure from top of the spine to the floor in a standing position.
- Some assembly required.
K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair
- Measure back length from base of neck to base of tail, height from top of hips to floor in standing, width of both shoulders and hips.
- Aluminum frame.
- Adjustable.
- Front support kit add on available.
- Foot slings for paralyzed dogs are included.
As pet parents we worry about our dogs and want them to live full and happy lives. When a disease is debilitating to your dog, it is important not to give up on them. A dog wheelchair for hind legs can help your dog walk and continue to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and playing. Just because they need a wheelchair does not mean they can’t live fulfilling lives full of love.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.