Dog Wheelchair

[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)...

 

[Midpack]

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...

 

[splitwdw]

No experience but she looks like a cute. Good luck, Mabel.

 

[braumeister]

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.

 

[razztazz]

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.

 

[travelover]

They sell 'em. Rear Support - Best Friend Mobility

 

[Earl E Retyre]

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

 

[cyber888]

First time I saw a Dog WheelChair. Looks neat.

 

[irishgal]

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

 

[Calico]

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)...

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.

 

[harley]

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.