Table of Contents
- The Purpose of Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs
- When Should A Wheelchair Be Considered?
- Choosing the Right Wheelchair for Your Dog
- Top 7 Best Dog Wheelchair Choices
- 1. Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair
- 2. K9 Carts Rear Support Wheelchair for Dogs
- 3. Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair
- 4. Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair for Disabled Pets
- 5. Best Friend, Mobility SitGo Dog Wheelchair Revolution
- 6. HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs
- 7. Newlife Mobility Adjustable Dog Pet Wheelchair
- FAQs about the Best Dog Wheelchair
Some dogs are born paralyzed; others may become paralyzed due to an accident or old age.
Either way, if it happens to your pet, you'll need the best dog wheelchair.
Wheelchairs for dogs allow them to stay mobile, even without the use of hind legs.
Years ago, when a dog lost the use of his hind legs, he would be euthanized.
Now, by buying one of these vet-recommended dog wheelchairs, you can help your pet regain his quality of life after suffering such a traumatic loss.
Today, canine wheelchairs have had a very scientific approach, and it's a big part of the veterinary field.
Not only was this development a huge advancement in veterinary medicine, but it has also added years to the lives of countless elderly dogs.
Dog wheelchairs have been around for decades, but a lot of owners still don't know much about them.
In this article, we compare the pros and cons of the best dog wheelchair brands.
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Walkin' Wheels Small Dog Wheelchair, Lightweight... | 812 Reviews | Check Price |
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K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair Large - Made in The USA | 140 Reviews | Check Price |
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Best Friend Mobility Large Dog Wheelchair | 948 Reviews | Check Price |
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Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair - for Large Dogs... | 604 Reviews | Check Price |
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Best Friend Mobility SitGo Dog Pet Wheelchair... | 75 Reviews | Check Price |
The Purpose of Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs
Other than a sudden traumatic accident, dogs going through rehabilitation often have very tired, weak, or non-functioning back legs.
Other canines may have an extra bad case of dog arthritis or other joint problems such as hip dysplasia, or they may simply get really tired in general.
You don't always need to use a wheelchair for dogs in those cases, but oftentimes, it may help your dog recover quicker, according to studies.
Disabled dogs who are struggling to move require the limb support that their dog owners can provide through a variety of technology.
First is, of course, using the best dog wheelchair that fits your pet. Or some specially designed pet wheelchairs or a proprietary design of rear wheel dog wheelchairs, which are usually harder to find.
Dog wheelchairs are a relatively new invention.
These “machines” will let your canine receive the necessary exercise that they require in order to live very happy, active, fulfilling, healthy lives.
With some of the best dog wheelchairs we've listed below, your pet will be able to use its front legs in order to move around, run fast, explore areas, and play with you and even other pets.
When Should A Wheelchair Be Considered?
It may not always be the first or best option.
Before you spend money on a wheelchair, you should know whether or not it will benefit your pet.
Seeing your dog lose his mobility, whether due to old age or an accident, is nothing short of traumatic for a dog owner.
It's imperative to work closely with your veterinarian during this time.
If your dog is slowly losing his mobility with age, talk to your vet as soon as you notice any changes.
They'll be able to help you cope with the changes and get you set up with a plan that will help your canine companion stay mobile for as long as possible.
This may or may not involve the use of a wheelchair or other assistance measures.
You may have assumed that the best dog wheelchair would be helpful for any canine with paralysis in his hind end.
Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
Dog wheelchairs are usually helpful only in very specific cases, which your vet will tell you about.
In order for your dog to be able to use a wheelchair effectively, he'll need to be able to support himself with his front legs.
Sometimes, especially with older dogs, the front legs aren't strong enough to support the pet and pull the cart along.
Therefore, wheelchairs for older dogs and/or dogs suffering from arthritis may not be a good option.
Choosing the Right Wheelchair for Your Dog
So, how do you know if your dog is able to support himself in a wheelchair?
The best way to test your dog's front-end strength is to make a sling and gently lift his hind end off the ground.
You can make a simple DIY dog rear leg sling with a cloth grocery bag by following the steps in this quick video.
If your canine can support himself with his front legs, a wheelchair for dogs may be a good aid for him.
Consult with your veterinarian to get their opinion, and ask about any recommendations they may have for any wheelchairs to meet your pet's needs.
If you think any of the options on this list may be appropriate for your Fido, discuss them with your veterinarian as well before making a purchase.
Top 7 Best Dog Wheelchair Choices
1. Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair
Walkin' Wheels is the most popular company among disabled pets. They even have their own Certification Program.
The Walking Wheels Dog Wheelchair can be vital in improving the quality of life of dogs with mobility disabilities.
This particular model is designed for dachshunds and other small dogs suffering from weak hips or hind legs, amputated limbs, or degenerative diseases affecting their ability to walk or move.
The material used for the frame is aluminum, which makes this best dog wheelchair a very lightweight contraption.
There are push-button adjustments for the height, length, and width.
- BUILT TO SUPPORT YOUR SMALL...
- DURABLE WHEELCHAIR FOR DOGS -...
- EASY TO STORE AND TRANSPORT -...
- ADJUSTABLE DESIGN FOR THE...
- CARE FOR YOUR PETS - Walkin’...
Though generally designed for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, the sizes vary by leg measurement and actual weight of the dog.
Sizes range from 1 through 6. Three colors are available for this wheelchair.
What Pet Owners Think
What pet owners find remarkable about the Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair is the utmost flexibility that it offers.
It doesn't require the buyer to make complicated measurements just so the wheelchair would fit perfectly.
The click-on harness and aluminum frame are adjusted to get the height, width, length, and fit that will be most comfortable for the user.
The wheels are designed to traverse any kind of terrain, and this makes it a very useful support for weak- to non-functioning hips or legs.
This wheelchair has made it possible for paralyzed pets to be able to walk and run again.
Some of them had been immobile for so long, and it became a major life changer.
They took to it quite easily, and now they're raring to tackle more mileage and explore their surroundings like never before.
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2. K9 Carts Rear Support Wheelchair for Dogs
Similar to Walkin' Wheels, K9 Carts is also a very popular canine wheelchair company among disabled dogs, with its own Scholarship Program.
The second best wheelchair for dogs option on our list, this is a great and cost-effective construction.
This pet wheelchair for dogs that is designed for small, medium, large, and extra-large breeds works almost as well as the one mentioned above, but it's not as popular among dog owners.
K9 Carts Rear Support wheelchair for dogs is surprisingly very lightweight and has a sturdy, no-rust metal frame which will make you feel confident about the leg support your dog will receive.
The comfort level is decent as well, with a high-quality neoprene dog harness attached to both the front and rear.
The K9 Carts is veterinarian-designed, built, and tested, so you know it will definitely help your dog who's going through rehabilitation or has a serious case of canine arthritis.
You can use the harness for running and having an active day out with your pet.
What Pet Owners Think
Pet owners think it's very easy to use; put on your dog, adjust, and then take off. This is a quality construction made in the USA.
While this dog cart is extremely high quality, it's also very expensive (the most expensive on the list).
Moreover, some owners have also reported their dogs not taking a liking to this specific wheelchair.
So, if you're considering this pricey option, make sure your dog likes it (go test it at the store if you can).
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3. Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair
This wheelchair from Best Friend Mobility is truly the best mobility companion for dogs that have difficulty walking or moving their hips and hind legs.
The whole cart assembly is non-rust.
It has an aluminum frame, galvanized bolts and hardware, padded neoprene shoulder support, an EVO neoprene leg harness, a fixed padded seat, and durable rubber all-terrain wheels.
- Lightweight adjustable...
- Non-rust galvanized hardware...
- Deluxe neoprene front and rear...
- Designed and tested by K9...
- Easy to adjust height and...
The cart's length can be adjusted using a hex wrench to 32.25” maximum.
The height with wheels is 21.5”, adjustable to + /-5”.
The width of the cart is constant at 10.5”, but with the wheels, the Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair will occupy a width of 21”.
The wheel is 14” in diameter – big enough to go over rocks, hills, and creeks.
What Pet Owners Think
Pet owners appreciate the adjustability in the height of this option.
Aside from the fact that it makes the fit more customized to the dog's height, it also makes it possible to choose whether to allow some use of the hind limbs or let the wheels do all the work.
Also, the harness can partly support the weight while letting the hind limbs still do some work to prevent atrophy.
This is something owners prefer as they still want their dogs to feel like they're using their hind legs without actually putting much weight down.
But there's also an option to allow the dog's rear to be fully hoisted so that the paws don't touch the ground at all.
In either case, it must be noted that this wheelchair is designed for dogs with front legs that are fully functioning.
There are also comments from pet owners about the durability and sizing of this unit.
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4. Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair for Disabled Pets
Walkin' Wheels for small dogs, which appears on top of this list, has a counterpart for German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Great Danes, and other large dogs up to 180 pounds.
There are seven sizes and two colors available.
Sizes vary with the dog's leg length measured from the fold of the flank of the upper rear leg to the toe pad.
Like its small version, this is made of a lightweight aluminum structure and fitted out with a durable and fully adjustable harness and stirrup supports.
- CREATES A HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE...
- KEEPS YOUR DOG MOBILE &...
- EASY TO STORE, TRANSPORT, AND...
- PATENTED ADJUSTABLE DESIGN FOR...
- VETERINARIAN APPROVED - Many...
What Pet Owners Think
Pet owners were happy that their dogs regained their independence with this brand. They are now able to move around by themselves, chase critters, and pee or poop on their own.
While there were many comments about its expensive price, most are saying that the quality and help it gave their pooch is worth every penny.
Our pets need some freedom and privacy, not to mention that their humans now have one less chore to do, namely the unpleasant task of cleaning up poop.
This gave hope to dogs that had weak hips or hind legs but were not totally paralyzed.
Walking with their weight supported by the wheelchair provides their legs the much-needed exercise to strengthen muscles.
Aside from that, tasting how it is to be back on the road and be playful again motivates them each day to continue moving.
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5. Best Friend, Mobility SitGo Dog Wheelchair Revolution
If your dog seems like one that needs to sit or rest every once in a while during a walk, then skip over the first three items from the top of our list and check out this one.
As the name suggests, this design is revolutionary since it allows your dog to sit or go while still attached to the device.
The rear of this wheelchair can be lowered to allow your dog to step in or out of it, so there's no lifting required whatsoever.
It is made of a non-rust aluminum assembly, stainless steel hardware, clip-on neoprene front and rear harness, and PU all-terrain wheels.
- It’s finally here! The...
- Still made of the same...
- And, because the rear can be...
- See sizing chart for size...
The SitGo is available in Small and Large sizes. Finding the right size for your dog can't be more straightforward.
With your dog standing, assisted by another person naturally, measure the height along your pet's hindquarters from the floor to the dog's back.
What Pet Owners Think
It's so simple, and it's one thing that pet owners like about it. Simplicity in sizing often indicates how flexible an item is.
The most important thing to pet owners is, of course, how this walking support has given joy to their dogs.
One owner said it was well-loved by his Fido, although the build is a little flimsy.
It might also be better for a younger, much more energetic dog, as reviewed by another owner who owns a senior dog.
All in all, it's more than enough for dog owners just to see their pets walking, leaping like they had no issues, resting when they need to, and going off on their own again.
They all agree that this is beyond amazing and definitely worth its price.
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6. HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs
This particular model and make of the HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Wheelchair is for small dogs weighing 22 lbs to 44 lbs pounds with functional front legs.
This wheelchair is also available in two sizes, Extra Small and Small, and only comes in the color Purple.
The frame is made of heavy-duty aluminum and has a buckle design where you can hang the tow rope to avoid losing pets.
- [Heart-warming design]: Pets...
- [Features of the product]: The...
- [Materials and characteristics...
- [Note]: Two-wheel FOLDING...
- [Friendly Tips]: Please...
What Pet Owners Think
The HobeyHove wheelchair is easy to assemble.
Pet owners observed that after assembling this wheelchair, it could be further adjusted in length, width, and height to perfectly fit their dog's build.
Most pet owners say their dogs love this unit but have difficulty strapping them on in the beginning.
Adjusting the height lower allows the legs to touch the ground and do some movement.
Therapists often recommend the latter to prevent atrophy of the muscles.
Significant improvements in their physical condition were noted, yet the biggest impact has been behavioral.
Aging and ailing dogs are once again young and eager for life.
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7. Newlife Mobility Adjustable Dog Pet Wheelchair
Last but certainly not least, on our list of the best dog wheelchairs is the one from Newlife.
It is available in five sizes for dogs weighing not more than 100 pounds.
It is also constructed of durable and lightweight aluminum with notches and screws for adjusting the height, width, and length.
It's worth noting that the smallest size is made for dogs weighing less than 5 pounds. That's the smallest wheelchair on our list!
The dog's weight and the distance from the floor to the dog's back are the bases for determining the size needed.
What Pet Owners Think
Dog owners found it easy to place an order with only the weight and hip height to consider.
Minute adjustments can be made later for a tailored fit for the dog.
All that's needed is a hex screwdriver for loosening and tightening the screws and a little patience when adjusting the height, width, and length.
The frame of the wheelchair is sturdy and well-constructed, and pet owners are confident that it would serve as a very reliable support for their pet's weight and movement.
The harnesses and stirrups are made of soft yet durable materials that are adjustable to ensure that the dog is not unnecessarily strained.
Dogs quickly took to this cart and easily figured out the best way to maneuver it over different terrains.
This is both very functional and inexpensive, and for these qualities, it continues to be a hit to people who own dogs with rear-leg or hip disabilities.
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FAQs about the Best Dog Wheelchair
Can My Dog Go to the Bathroom in a Wheelchair?
Yes, in fact, dog wheelchairs were designed for dogs to go poop and pee without any complications.
This works for both male and female dogs too. Typically a dog would just spread its legs to allow this to happen, and the urine and stool just fall to the ground.
Do vets recommend dog wheelchairs?
Yes. Since euthanasia is no longer the best practice for pets that have partially to fully disabled limbs, many vets recommend a wheelchair.
They are even recommended for mild mobility issues. Some dogs even walk on all fours WITH wheelchairs.
Can a dog stay in a wheelchair all day?
No, nor is it recommended. Your dog should only be in their wheelchair for an hour at the most at one time.
They can be put into their wheelchair multiple times throughout the day for 15-60 minutes at a time.
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