The complete guide to wheelchairs for dogs

Updated 07/11/2023

Just because your furry friend has lost the use of their legs doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the fun! Wheelchairs for dogs allow pooch pals to run, play, and explore just as they did before, restoring your pup’s freedom and ensuring they can carry on doing everything they love! From the basics of doggy wheelchairs to tips on choosing the perfect one for your pup, this guide to wheelchairs for dogs has got everything you need to know about getting your furry friend back on their paws. These wheels were made for walkin’ after all! 

Reasons for getting a dog wheelchair   

Your four-pawed pal may need a wheelchair for the duration of their life, or for a shorter period of rehabilitation. Wheelchairs for pets get dogs back on their feet and enable them to regain strength and build muscle, and eventually, there’s a chance they could move around without the use of a wheelchair. Here are some of the reasons why your furry friend might need a doggy wheelchair: 

• Hip Dysplasia 
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Severe Arthritis
• Paralysis
• Amputation of more than 1 limb
• Neurological problems
• Severe injury
• Recovery from surgery 
• Old age
• General difficulty walking

If you suspect your furry friend is suffering from one of the above conditions, speak to your vet. They may recommend a dog wheelchair, but your fur baby might also need medication and even surgery. 

Choosing the right wheelchair for your dog

If your vet has recommended a wheelchair for your dog, they should be able to guide you toward the best option for your pup. If you want to do your own research, note that doggie wheelchairs can be pricey, so it’s important to get one that ticks all the boxes for your pooch. From the size of the wheelchair to the type of mobility support required, let’s take a look at your options. 

Size

When choosing a dog wheelchair, most manufacturers will provide recommendations based on your pup’s weight. To ensure the wheelchair is the correct fit, some may also need to know your furry friend’s measurements, including the height of their rear legs and the length of their body. Dog wheelchairs are available in a range of sizes, from Chihuahuas weighing as little as 2 lbs to larger breeds up to 180 lbs. The wheelchair can then be adjusted depending on your furry friend’s height, length, and width to ensure a comfortable fit. 

Style

There are three common types of dog wheelchairs: a rear-wheel wheelchair, a full-support or quad wheelchair, and a front-wheel wheelchair. Choose the correct style based on where your pooch pal needs the most support.

The Walkin’ Wheels Rear Dog Wheelchair is a sturdy choice with sizes available for pups from 2-180 lbs. Rear-wheel dog wheelchairs like this one are the most common style as the wheels sit directly under the pup’s hips to help mobilize pups that have problems moving their hind legs. Walkin’ Wheels also makes wheelchairs for small dogs and certain breeds like Corgis and Dachshunds.  

Pet mobility experts K9 Carts offers a Full Support Dog Wheelchair which is designed, tested, and approved by veterinarians. The custom-made wheelchair relieves stress on the legs and shoulders allowing pooch pals to get around whether they struggle to walk on two legs or all four. 

If you’re a parent of a pup with injured front legs or amputations, you might opt for a full-support doggie wheelchair. However, a dog wheelchair for front legs might be more suitable for your pup as the weight is shifted from the front legs to the back, meaning furry friends can continue to use their back legs to climb hills, sit down, and most importantly, get their noses to the floor. The custom-built front wheelers by Eddie’s Wheels are made to match your pooch pal’s measurements, disabilities, and the terrain they exercise on.

Wheels

A trusty set of wheels is the key to a well-made pet wheelchair, and some manufacturers offer different options depending on your pooch pal’s lifestyle. Foam wheels are the most popular choice as they are durable and won’t get punctured, whereas air-filled tires provide natural suspension so can be more comfortable for pups adventuring across rugged terrain. 

Introducing your dog to the wheelchair 

Our furry friends are naturally active animals, but it’s important to remember that adjusting to a wheelchair can take time. While some pups might instantly get the hang of zoomies on their dog wheels, others might require a bit of patience and support. If your pup’s having difficulty getting to grips with their wheelchair, check the frame is fitted correctly and positioned for maximum comfort. Additionally, if your fur baby’s had difficulty getting around for a little while, it may take them a little while to regain strength in their muscles. This is why it’s crucial not to delay the decision to get a wheelchair for your dog, if your vet has recommended one. The longer your furry friend has been dealing with mobility issues, the longer it will take for them to bounce back and rebuild the muscles needed to strut their stuff. 

In an ideal world, you’ll introduce your fur baby to their wheelchair before they need it on a daily basis. For example, dogs suffering from hip dysplasia or arthritis may benefit from using a wheelchair on “bad days” when joint pain makes it hard for them to get around. By introducing them to a wheelchair at an early stage, your furry friend will be able to gradually adjust to this new way of getting around, giving their muscles a chance to strengthen and their body time to get the hang of moving around without the use of all four legs. Always check with your vet before you start using a wheelchair, to ensure that it’s the right choice for your doggie pal. 

Whether your furry friend needs front support or their back legs are paralyzed, getting a wheelchair for your dog will greatly improve their quality of life. Wheelchairs for pets enable our fur babies to continue doing the things they love, like long walkies, games of fetch, and zoomies around the garden. A wheelchair could restore your pup’s freedom and zest for life, keeping them fit and healthy and potentially even lengthening their life.

Meet our veterinary expert, Aisling

This article has been checked by veterinarian Aisling O’Keeffe MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB. Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.