Is your furry friend struggling to get around? Setting them up with their own DIY dog wheelchair will help improve your pup's quality of life.
Maybe your dog was born without legs, or they have a de-habilitating condition that has caused them to become a disabled dog. Dogs are meant to run around and play, and many handicapped pets do not have the opportunity to play as other able-bodied pups do. However, a dog wheelchair, either DIY or purchased from a retailer like Amazon, can give your doggie some of the freedom they have been missing.
Why Would Dogs Need A DIY Wheelchair?
Some dog's back legs stop working, leaving them unable to use them. Many diseases cause dogs to lose the use of their limbs. Wheelchairs can help your pooch walk if they have:
- Arthritis.
- Paralysis.
- Hip Dysplasia
- IVDD.
- DM.
- Neurological problems.
- Recovery from surgery.
- Temporary injuries.
Doggie wheelchair maker Walkin' Wheels points out that wheelchairs also help dogs who need assistance with stability and balance, which is prevalent in older dogs or those who suffer from seizures.
What to Look For In a Doggie Wheelchair
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Dog owners should look for wheelchairs that offer support for their animals with comfortable straps. The dog harness should fit comfortably around your dog, giving them support and keeping the dog cart in position. Look for high-quality materials that will not break easily nor cause any discomfort for your pup — The last thing you want is your pooch getting injured while you are trying to help them be more comfortable.
Handicapped dogs can need support in the front, in place of their two front legs, or they may need their rear legs propped up.
Doggie wheelchairs are not one size fits all. Mini-sized wheelchairs will fit small dogs like chihuahuas, while the small size will fit pups like dachshunds, pugs, and corgis. Depending on the size of your bulldog, they may need a small or a medium-size chair. Large dogs like German Shepherds can be outfitted with the biggest size wheelchair.
If you are buying one from a manufacturer like Dogsaholic or the Walkin' Wheels dog wheelchair, you will want to consult their websites to ensure you follow the correct measurements for your pup to make sure the pet wheelchair you pick will fit them.
However, for those of us more into hands-on DIY projects, you can make your own homemade dog wheelchair to assist with your dog's mobility issues.
How to Make a PVC-Based DIY Dog Wheelchair
Making your own pet products may not come naturally, but there are plenty of instructional materials to help you make a strong, usable chair for your best friend. If you are more of a visual person and want to see how to build a dog wheelchair, take a look at the DIY tutorial above.
A dog wheelchair design is relatively straightforward. If you are making yours out of PVC pipe like in the video, make sure you measure the length of the pipe that it will fit your dog and support their hind legs.
Step 1
Take measurements of your dog's length and between their legs. Collect all your supplies and cut your PVC.
Step 2
Preassmble the PVC pipe dog wheelchair to make sure that it all goes together correctly before you glue it. If all the pieces fit then, you are ready to put it together with glue! Attach the wheels to the arms
Step 3
Take your velcro straps and secure the doggie wheelchair to your pup by wrapping one strap around their abdomen and the other strap around your pup's shoulders. Make sure they have a comfortable but snug fit.
The new wheels may take some getting used to, but with a bit of dog training and practice, your pup will get the hang of it in no time. Once you complete this project, you can test out your homemade skills and make a DIY dog bed to accommodate your pup and their newest accessory!
Would you attempt this DIY Dog Wheelchair? Tell us over on our Wide Open Pets Facebook page.
