CARTS
If your dog has finished crate rest, done a couple of months of physical therapy and still can't walk or has mobility issues, you might want to discuss with your vet and canine physical therapist the option of a cart.
Some of the most important features you need to consider when shopping for a cart are:
- The cart has to be sturdy and the wheels positioned in a way that will help avoid tipping over.
- The yolk of the cart should go over the shoulders. If the support of the cart goes over the spine, it could add pressure to other discs, triggering another disc problem in the future.
- The cart should keep the dog's spine aligned. If the cart causes the dog's butt to be lifted upwards to keep the dog's feet from touching the ground, the design is not good. The cart should have stirrups to support the feet while keeping the dog's spine aligned and in the position the dog would normally have it if walking.
- The cart's materials should allow the dog to move without too much effort. If the dog is small the cart should not be too heavy to cause the dog to walk with too much effort.
- The areas that make contact with the dog should be padded to avoid pressure sores.
It is ideal to have a cart made for your dog so the fitting is personalized and perfect.
Some of the options you may want to consider are:
Eddie's wheels: http://eddieswheels.com/
K9 carts: http://www.k9carts.com/
Handicapped pets: http://www.handicappedpets.com/
Dogs to go: http://www.dogstogo.net/
Walkin' wheels: http://walkinwheels.com/
Doggon wheels: https://www.doggon.com/
Best Friend Mobility carts: http://bestfriendmobility.net/
We understand sometimes you just can't afford a new cart. There are some other options too:
Refurbished, second-hand and free carts:
Eddie's wheels and Doggon wheels have a refurbished cart program.
Red Flyer has refurbished carts that may be borrowed for extended periods:
https://www.facebook.com/RedFlyers?fref=ts
Assistance to make your own PVC carts:
https://www.facebook.com/therollingdogprojectII?fref=ts
Used dog wheelchairs: