FAQ’s for clients who may be keen to improve the mobility of their pets with a wheelchair
IVDD, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, arthritis, amputation, or post-surgical recovery…
These are just some conditions that can make it difficult — even painful — for pets to walk. But as pets are often considered family members by your clients, they don’t want them to suffer or have a lesser quality of life.
And this is where Walkin’ Pets Wheelchairs can help!
A bit of history behind Walkin’ Pets
The founder of Walkin’ Pets, Mark C. Robinson knew there had to be a better way for pets with mobility issues to have happier and more fulfilling lives.
His idea? To develop a solution unlike any other — a lightweight, high-quality, and all-terrain pet wheelchair that allows aging and/or disabled dogs, cats, birds, and more, to walk, run, play, and do their “business” like before.
The first Walkin’ Wheels® wheelchairs were released in 2001. But since then they have continued to improve on that successful initial design.
What you see on the HandicappedPets Australia website is the latest, best version of the Walkin’ Wheels® pet wheelchairs.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about wheelchairs
Over the years that I have been advising, fitting, and supplying pets with wheelchairs, their owners have asked hundreds of questions. So I thought I’d compile the most commonly asked questions into an FAQ so you’ll have some information to offer your clients who may be keen to improve the quality of life of their pets with mobility issues.
Can my pet use his/her rear legs in the wheelchair?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage your dog to use his/her rear legs to maintain muscle mass and to get exercise. However, if your dog’s rear legs are paralysed, using the stirrups will keep their legs from dragging.
Can my pet pee and poop in the dog wheelchair?
We designed a wheelchair with the goal of allowing your pet to play, exercise, and do their business mess-free.
Can my dog use their Walkin’ Wheels inside the house?
Our pet wheelchairs are designed to be used both indoors and outside, although pets using the larger wheelchairs may have difficulties in smaller houses without an open-plan living area.
However, if a paralysed pet needs an indoor mobility solution that can be worn for extended periods of time, we recommend the Walkin’ Scooter.
Which Conditions Does Walkin’® Wheels Help?
- General difficulty Walking
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Paralysis
- Hip Dysplasia
- IVDD
- Arthritis
- Neurological Issues
- Injuries
- Surgical Recovery
Can my dog lie down in the wheelchair?
For many small animals and toy dogs such as Corgis, or Dachshunds using a mini or small wheelchair, it is okay for them to rest up against a pillow or bed, because their legs are so short. Otherwise, it is not recommended due to back or disc issues that could worsen by laying down in the wheelchair.
Can my dog sit in a wheelchair?
No. Our chair is designed to NEVER collapse on the dog’s leg or spine. We’ve gone to great lengths to be sure of it. The chairs are designed with the help of veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists to hold the dog up, keeping the spine and legs in the optimal position for safety and healing.
What’s more, the purpose of the chair is to give the dog exercise and the freedom to go outside and do their business. When the dog is tired, it should be removed from the chair.
The reviews we have seen of the experimental sit-down spring-loaded style of wheelchairs have not been positive. Although we have done a great deal of research, we have not found a safe way for a chair to collapse on a dog.
Is the wheelchair easy to transport?
Yes, the Mini and small Walkin’ Wheels are very easy to transport. The wheelchair’s small frame size makes it easy to carry and travel with. With the larger wheelchairs, you can simply turn the dial on the knuckle wheelchair to fold in the wheels and struts, making it easy to carry and travel with.
Walkin’ Wheels® Front Wheel Attachment
As our pets grow older or their medical condition becomes a bit tougher to manage, some extra support can sometimes be needed. That’s where our Front Wheel Attachment comes in!
If you already own a Walkin’ Wheels® Rear Dog Wheelchair, but your pet now needs some extra support, then you can attach our Front Wheel Attachment and convert it into a Quad/4-Wheel Wheelchair which then:
- Provides full support for your pet’s weakened front and hind limbs.
- Is adjustable to allow the wheelchair to continue to fit as the dog’s health changes.
- Is easy to attach
- Is durable as it is made of top-quality, lightweight aluminium.
Love to watch animals living their best life?
If you enjoy seeing a range of animals enjoying their new leases on life, click on the links below to watch some videos on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=301439088860897 – Diesel the Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Blue Heeler) – the wheelchair goes in many terrains
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1056706144931403 – Hector the Dachy enjoying his first runaround in the wheelchair – this was just minutes after fitting
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=525593548963499 – 15-year-old Chloe who had not been able to even hold herself up for 6 months prior to the wheelchair
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=479414560484507 – Bently the Frenchie who became a TV star as his videos were featured on the local news
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=951221162093813 – rehabbing a lamb – this wheelchair was originally in use with a Shetland Sheepdog
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4498490036860706 – my own dog Ash – hated walks because of pain but once I put her in the wheelchair, you can see her joy
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=288535032110091 – another Diesel. He had FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy) and was paralyzed – look at him go. I have always loved this video.
Have any further questions?
If you have any further questions about wheelchairs for dogs, cats, lambs or any other animals who may have mobility issues, please ask me in the Comments section below, or email me gillian@handicappedpets.com.au
