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Is it possible to be bonding with animals in a wheelchair? Animals in wheelchairs are becoming an increasingly familiar concept. There are now instances of goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, a mini horse, and even a wolf and fawn on wheels.
Disabled animals that need wheelchairs or some sort of mobility devices to enable them to walk is becoming a new norm.
Furthermore, the animal can be subjected to injury or disease that will lead them to a wheelchair.
A wheelchair would allow the animal to enjoy life and to have a life with independent mobility.
Looking for Wheelchairs for your Pet
A notable name that comes to mind when discussing animals in wheelchairs is Walkin' Wheels.
An American brand of dog wheelchairs worth noting was developed by Mark C. Robinson from Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com based in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Walkin Pets also specializes in mobility devices for all kinds of injured, disabled, and aging pets.
The Walkin’Pets wheelchairs are helps older dogs. This is to ensure that your pet gets the exercise they require and can enjoy life with freedom and no holdbacks.
Should You Consider Getting Your Animal a Wheelchair?
It is advised to get your dog or cat in a wheelchair if they are tumbling, losing their balance, or tiring easily.
Moreover, it’s true that many wheelchair pets are paralyzed or have suffered a traumatic injury. But, that’s not the case with every animal.
Furthermore, many animals in a wheel chair are still able to walk on some its the limbs. They can even able to stand on their own. The Walkin’ Wheels can provide the support that allows your animal to stand upright with a proper posture.
They can benefit from a wheelchair, regardless if they are enabled without it or not.
Aging can cause dogs and other pets to tire easily on long walks. Diseases like arthritis or hip dysplasia can cause aching joints that will make wheelchairs very beneficial. The wheelchair supports their limbs that relieves the stress on their joints. It will make movement easier for the animal. You might want to consider a lightweight wheelchair.
For pets recovering from injury or surgery, the Walkin’ Wheels can help them get back on their feet faster. A wheelchair can be a great addition to your dog’s rehabilitation program! Similar to many things in life, the sooner the better. Getting it done now and fast is good.
Benefits of Animals In Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs help animals deal with:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Arthritis
- Paralysis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Neurological Issues
- Surgical Recovery
- Injuries
- Improve Balance and Stability
One of the most valuable benefits of the wheelchair is the development of an animal’s mental health. Owners have cried with glee after they see the difference in their pet's demeanor after they realize they can walk, run, and play on their own again.
How to Choose the Right Wheelchair
Make sure you choose the correct cart and wheelchair size for your dog. Making that sort of decision can be overwhelming.
The first step is to determine if your animal is a good candidate for a wheelchair.
Determine the level of supporting your pet needs
Depending on your pet’s condition and mobility needs, they may require different levels of support.
Rear Support vs. Full Support Wheelchair
- Rear support wheelchairs
Rear support wheelchairs are ideal for pets that have some hind leg weakness, injury, or paralysis. They support your pet from underneath and provide balance and stability. This allows your animal to be able to stand, walk, run, and play again.
Pets that are completely paralyzed in their rear legs can use the stirrups in the wheelchairs to elevate their rear paws safely off the ground. This prevents injury caused by scraping or dragging feet.
- Full Support Wheelchair
A full support wheelchair is the standard four-wheel or quad wheelchair.
It is perfect for pets who are experiencing weakened limbs in both the front and back legs. Your pet’s front legs must be strong enough to drive and steer their full support wheelchair.
The Full Support wheelchair is a great option for pets with progressing diseases like Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) that will cause the symptoms to worsen over time.
How to Adjust to Life on Wheels
The transition into a wheelchair can be easy for most pets. Dogs and most animals prefer to be moving, and they learn quickly that their wheelchair is going to help them with that. Even animals who haven’t run or walked in ages are ecstatic to be back on their feet with the wheelchairs. They adapt super quickly. The transformation is incredible. And they look adorable and overjoyed to be able to run again.
If your pet doesn’t start running right away, the wheelchair may require a few minor adjustments to make it more comfortable. With a few tweaks and some motivation from you, your pet will be running around in no time!
Animals in wheelchairs can come with many benefits. These includes the ability to move again on their own steam, which would deliver a huge emotional boost for that animal. In the end, it will greatly improve the quality of both their & their owner's lives.