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02-09-2016, 05:02 PM
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#1
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: .
Posts: 382
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Dog Wheelchair
My pug Mabel is almost 14 years old. Her hips are failing, despite two pain medications taken daily. I am assuming the vet will say there isn't much more to do. If that's the case, how about a doggie wheelchair?
Anyone ever use one for their dog, and have any tips to provide if they have?
I thank you (and so does Mabel)...
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02-09-2016, 05:17 PM
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#2
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 21,298
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Bless you. I don't have any first hand experience with dog wheelchairs, but we never spared any expense when it came to caring for our 5 furry friends over the years. Best of luck to you both...
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No one agrees with other people's opinions; they merely agree with their own opinions -- expressed by somebody else. Sydney Tremayne
Retired Jun 2011 at age 57
Target AA: 50% equity funds / 45% bonds / 5% cash
Target WR: Approx 1.5% Approx 20% SI (secure income, SS only)
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02-09-2016, 05:24 PM
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#3
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,770
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No experience but she looks like a cute. Good luck, Mabel.
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02-09-2016, 05:27 PM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,349
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No personal experience, but I've seen plenty of dogs using them in the park I frequent.
Basically a little chariot with two wheels that the dog's hindquarters sit in so it doesn't have to use it's rear legs. Except for that, their owners take them for a walk normally. The dogs seem fine with it.
I have to say I've only seen small dogs using them (maybe 15 pounds or so max), but I guess there's no reason a slightly larger dog couldn't benefit as well.
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02-09-2016, 05:36 PM
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#5
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,969
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This might be a useful tip. I have a dachshund. Dachshunds are highly subject to lower back problems that necessitate those wheelchairs. At one time there were 3 or 4 at the Dachshund owners group meetings I used to attend. Might ask some dachshund owners or check some dachshund related websites since these things are common among the breed.
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02-09-2016, 05:39 PM
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#6
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
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02-09-2016, 06:03 PM
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#7
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 540
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They are fairly expensive if you purchase online. But you could opt to make your own out of PVC pipe and wheels that you can purchase at Home Depot or Lowes. Will cost you less than $50. Search youtube for dog wheelchairs DIY and you can find different styles. Here are a couple links:
and
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02-09-2016, 06:12 PM
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#8
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,972
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First time I saw a Dog WheelChair. Looks neat.
__________________
No to consumerism, Living a simple life, enjoying the experience - not the material stuff
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02-09-2016, 07:56 PM
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#9
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Nashville
Posts: 519
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If your dear dog still has quality of life I would say go try one.
When one of my dachshunds was too old to enjoy walking input her in a kids size red wagon when I took my other dog for a walk. I would take her out a few times on the walk and let her sniff around.
I'm sure I looked like a crazy lady.
But if your vet says she is suffering that's a different decision.
Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum
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02-09-2016, 09:18 PM
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#10
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,929
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 Quote:
Originally Posted by Mo Money
My pug Mabel is almost 14 years old. Her hips are failing, despite two pain medications taken daily. I am assuming the vet will say there isn't much more to do. If that's the case, how about a doggie wheelchair?
Anyone ever use one for their dog, and have any tips to provide if they have?
I thank you (and so does Mabel)...
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Mabel looks like a real sweetie! Bless your heart for doing everything you can to help her.
I can't offer any tips on doggie wheel chairs, since I've had no experience with them.
That said, it sounds as though the pain meds are currently not working (?) Is your vet of the opinion that continuing the pain meds, and adding a wheelchair to the equation, will keep Mabel comfortable and improve her quality of life? It's always a balancing act between "doing everything we can" and still maintaining quality of life for our furry family members.
Best of luck to you and Mabel as you take on this challenge together. 
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02-10-2016, 07:19 AM
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#11
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Join Date: May 2008
Location: No fixed abode
Posts: 8,765
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We've got two black pugs, and Mabel looks like a sweetie. Great dogs!
Our's are 9 1/2 years old (sisters), and are still getting around well. We haven't looked into the wheelchairs at all. However, when our little Chihuahua was still around DW had/has a doggie baby stroller similar to this one that she used a lot. It wasn't that Lucy couldn't walk, but she didn't see or hear very well and this protected her from people and other dogs. She could also take her to places like malls, although I never really understood why she needed to. It's not bad, although a little embarrassing when someone comes up to you to see the baby. It's up in the attic waiting for the next one that needs it.
For day to day, around the house life the wheelchair looks useful, assuming you have a compatible house (easy to roll on floors, not to many stairs, etc.). If you go that way, keep us updated on how it works, and how she adapts to using it. Good luck.
__________________
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." - Anonymous (not Will Rogers or Sam Clemens)
DW and I - FIREd at 50 (7/06), living off assets
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