Helping an injured dog get upright is a vital part of the recovery process. Dog wheelchairs play an essential role in your dog’s rehabilitation. The cart allows your dog to stand upright instead of lying down, which also speeds up recovery time. Adding 5-10 minute cart walks several times a day to your dog’s treatment plan will improve his physical health and lift his mood.
Many dogs who are in wheelchairs do so because of old age, infirmity, or paralysis, and are destined to use a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Some dogs may only need to use a wheelchair for a few months or weeks. Many veterinarians and rehabilitation centers recommend wheelchair use for pets recovering from surgery or injury.
Many dogs with ACL or knee injuries use dog wheelchairs while they recover. Having a wheelchair can make treatment easier for both your dog and your family. In this article, we’ll talk about some common illnesses and injuries that wheelchairs can help with and why they’re a valuable part of your dog’s rehabilitation.
Hind leg rehabilitation using a dog wheelchair
There are many reasons why a dog may need a wheelchair, but the most common causes are injury, paralysis, recovery from surgery or illness. While not all of these are reversible, a dog wheelchair can help alleviate all of these conditions and in some cases even help rehabilitate from injury, surgery, paralysis due to neurological disease or birth defects.
Dog wheelchairs are important rehabilitation tools for dogs who have injured or are recovering from hind leg injuries. Here are some of the most common cases where dogs use wheelchairs for rehabilitation:
Dog wheelchairs and therapy: how do they work?
Dog wheelchairs are considered mobility aids. The primary function of a wheelchair is to make walking easier for your dog. Dogs may need a wheelchair due to injuries, weak hind legs, or medical conditions that affect their ability to walk (such as DM or IVDD). Wheelchair use is not limited to paralyzed pets. Dogs with knee injuries, recovering from surgery, or painful joints can greatly benefit from a wheelchair.
The two most common wheelchair styles used in therapy are:
- A rear wheelchair that supports your pet’s hind legs
- Full support wheelchairs support all four limbs
The cart encourages walking by taking the weight off your pet’s weak legs. In addition, the rear wheelchair support system supports your pet’s pelvis so that the cart wheels are aligned with your dog’s hips, allowing your dog to use his back legs without strain. When used correctly, the wheelchair allows your dog to rebuild leg muscles and regain strength through continued exercise.
Dogs using a 4-wheel cart receive the same support for their hind legs, while also having their front legs supported. The front leg support is directly under the dog’s chest, and the front wheels are in line with the dog’s shoulders. By supporting both the front and back legs simultaneously, your dog receives balanced support that makes it easier to stand and walk. In addition, a 4-wheel cart encourages movement and weight bearing early in your pet’s recovery. Full support wheelchairs are especially effective for dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
Benefits of using a wheelchair during rehabilitation
For dogs undergoing physical therapy, a wheelchair will assist your dog during training, help them stand up, and support them as they move. The goal for many pets in rehabilitation is to strengthen their legs and increase the dog’s stamina. A dog cart can help your pet achieve both of these goals.
When your dog first rides in a cart, he will tire quickly since he hasn’t been walking for a while. It takes time for your dog to regain his strength, but we recommend starting with short walks and gradually increasing the time. For example, most dogs start off with 6-10 minute walks in a cart on their first walk in a cart. After that, as a general guide, leave at least 2 hours between walks. This will give your pet the rest and recovery time he needs.
The physical benefits of using a dog wheelchair during rehabilitation include:
- Increased stamina
- Recover muscle strength
- Improved balance and support
- Minimize muscle loss
- Regaining independence
- Encourage physical activity
- Get your dog upright and moving quickly
- Allows you to put weight on your injured or weak leg
- Makes it easier to take your dog to the toilet
Neurological Disease and Stroke Recovery
Although the recovery process varies depending on many external factors, the Walkin’ Leah and Quad Wheelchair can aid in recovery from stroke and other neurological disorders. Rehabilitation It addresses the following issues and conditions:
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Loss of movement or paralysis of one limb
- Paralysis of both front or back legs
- Weakened hind legs
- Loss of coordination
- Herniated disc
- stroke
Some dogs with paralysis on one side of their body tend to walk around in circles at first, but over time the leg regains strength and no longer needs to bear weight, so they will eventually be able to use the weakened leg on their own. Consult your veterinarian or rehabilitation specialist for specific instructions and a detailed rehabilitation plan, so you can know what is best for you and your pet and if rehabilitation is a viable option for your pet.
Recovering from injury or surgery
Assisting with recovery after a physical injury or surgery is a very common reason for using a dog or pet wheelchair. Removing excess weight and pressure from an injury or recent surgery is a big part of the recovery process. Allowing your dog to heal properly and safely while still maintaining some independence when walking around and going to the bathroom is an important part of your dog’s recovery, both physically and mentally.
Healing after an injury Surgery These are some of the most common reasons why dogs need a dog wheelchair. Common injuries and surgeries that benefit from wheelchair rehabilitation include:
- ACL (knee) tear
- After ACL repair or knee surgery
- Rear-end collision injuries
- Broken leg
- IVDD (spine) related surgery
- Hip dysplasia
- THP – Total Hip Replacement
- Amputation of one or more limbs
If your dog has just had ACL repair surgery on his knee or total hip replacement surgery, it can be a challenge to get him the exercise he needs while he recovers. As your dog recovers, it’s important to make sure he doesn’t put extra weight or pressure on his injured leg. This can be especially difficult for large dogs with injuries. Many large dogs benefit from using a wheelchair while they recover. A dog wheelchair allows your dog to continue to move around and gives your family peace of mind that your dog can stay active while staying safe. Plus, a wheelchair eliminates the risk of injury to the owner or straining their back from lifting a heavy dog.
Home physical therapy with a dog wheelchair
Your dog’s treatment plan is unique and will be designed to fit your dog’s individual exercise needs, based on their health needs. Always work closely with a rehabilitation professional to develop the right rehabilitation plan for your dog. There are many home treatments, therapies and exercises that can help your dog recover. Always consult with your dog’s medical professional before trying any at-home treatments. Physical therapy Here are some things you can do with your dog in a wheelchair:
- strength training
- Passive range of motion (PROM)
- Stand up and count
- Stand up and shift your weight
Conclusion
Some dogs need to use wheelchairs for the rest of their lives, but many use wheelchairs to rehabilitate illnesses. Dogs in wheelchairs can be just as happy as dogs who don’t use wheelchairs, and it can also be a form of rehabilitation. A temporary wheelchair can help your pet get mobile again. This is the main reason why dog wheelchairs are so important.
Whether recovering from surgery or a neurological condition, using a dog wheelchair as part of your dog’s rehabilitation plan in collaboration with your vet and rehabilitation specialist is a great way to ensure your dog is safe and supported through their rehabilitation. Walkin’ Wheels are easy to use, making guided rehabilitation for challenging conditions much easier to carry out at home.
