Dog and Cat Wheelchairs: An Alternative to Euthanizing Disabled Pets
One thing we just don’t see very often is handicapped dogs and cats using wheelchairs. If a dog or cat loses a leg, many times the owner will opt to have their pet put down. In actuality, animals seem to have an ability to adjust to a disability much better than people do. With some support, losing a leg or even two does not have to result in euthanasia. A disabled animal can still lead a happy life. Sometimes an animal may lose a leg and have no problem getting around unassisted. For some other disabled dogs or cats, a wheelchair may be necessary to help them get around. You can make your own cat or dog wheelchair at home or purchase a commercially made wheelchair.
One reason I feel so strongly about this is due to an experience I had working at a veterinary hospital. A customer brought in a dog that had been in a serious car accident. The veterinarian advised that two legs would have to be amputated. One leg in the front and one in the back would need to be amputated. Without hesitation the customer told the doctor to just put him down. The veterinarian didn’t feel comfortable doing this ethically because she was convinced that the dog could still live a happy life. After much debate the customer decided the veterinarian could adopt the dog. The customers main concern was just that she would not be financially responsible for anything. So the veterinarian adopted the dog and performed the surgery necessary. He was a muscular boxer named “Roscoe” who soon became our hospital mascot. Within months he was actually bouncing around the hospital on two legs as if nothing had ever happened. He was so full of life, energy and happiness. I don’t think animals are as vain as we humans are and are better able to adapt to disabilities. “Roscoe” never needed a wheelchair, but every animal is an individual and some dogs and cats will do better with a wheelchair.
If a dog or cat loses one leg, they will usually adjust to the situation quickly. If an animal loses a front and back leg it is more difficult, but they can learn to walk again. What if they lose both back legs or both front legs? That is very difficult to deal with but it is not an impossible situation. There are online companies that actually make custom carts or wheelchairs specifically for this situation. You simply send them information on your dog or cat including complete measurements. You can purchase one for anywhere from just under $300 all the way up to $500.
At DogKarts.com, you can find a wide variety of dog and cat wheelchairs. The type of wheelchair your dog or cat will need is based on what type of disability that they have. A rear support sling cart is designed for energetic dogs that have plenty of strength in the front legs. It has a metal brace, wheels only in the back and a padded cushion to secure dog in. They also have wheelchair carts that are called front limb carts. These are designed for dogs that have injuries on the front legs. The front limb carts have 4 wheels and padded cushion to secure and support your dog. The quad dog wheelchair carts have the most hardware and are used for dogs that have difficulties with all legs. It offers the most support and is used mainly in cases where dogs have very weak legs. They make wheelchairs for animals anywhere from 1 pound up to 250 pounds. Wheelchairs have been made mostly for dogs and cats, but they have also been made for rats, rabbits, and many other animals.
You can also make a custom dog or cat wheelchair yourself at home. At Handicappedpets.com they have a wide variety of plans to make cat and dog wheelchairs for free! Many of the plans are very similar to the commercial wheelchairs available.
Having a disability does not mean that your animal will not have a happy life. It may mean that they will need more assistance and perhaps even some creativity from you to make it work.
