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Dog Wheelchairs

Dog wheelchairs prolong the lives of many dogs!

If your dog has become paralyzed, you could have some tough decisions ahead of you.

Well-meaning family members or friends may think you're better off euthanizing this dog that now needs a greater level of care and expense.

You, on the other hand, may want to keep your dog alive as long as possible.

Fortunately, there is a solution!

Dog wheelchairs allow handicapped dogs to run around and stay as healthy as possible, and washable dog diapers can help with incontinence.

If money is an issue and you cannot afford a commercial dog wheel chair, make one yourself for a fraction of the cost with our plans.

You could also build an adapted treadmill using our blueprints.

OUR DOG PLANS

We now have several types of plans to mobilize your dog:

1. The adjustable, resalable PVC Dogge Chariot™ plans for medium size dogs under 50 lbs with rear leg issues.

2. The customizable wooden Dogge Buggy™ plans for medium, large and extra-large dogs who need four-wheel support

3. The multi-purpose Dogge Runner™ plans for an indoor wooden treadmill with a frame easily adaptable to support humans, different sized dogs or disabled dogs.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

Our plan prices currently range from $5.45 to $9.95. The building costs vary according to the project and the materials you have on hand.

If you have to buy all new parts, the PVC type dog wheel chair will run you around USD 65.

The quad cart will cost between USD 100 and 150, depending on wheel size and dog weight. (The wheels tend to be the most expensive part.)

The treadmill will run you around USD 100, with the carpet belt being your biggest expense.

Compare these prices with the item shown at right...

We provide very detailed instructions and photos so that anyone familiar with basic tools can build these.

We back up our plans with support - just contact us if you get stuck.

TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR DOG STARTED IN A WHEELCHAIR

Regardless of whether you purchase a commercial type or build your own, the right fit is very important. It will encourage your dog to be enthusiastic about using the wheel chair and thus keep your dog in shape.

It is therefore important to watch your dog carefully for signs of discomfort due to misalignment or chafing and make corrections.

Your dog will most likely be so happy to be moving that he/she will take off with the new wheels or the treadmill!

However, note that some dogs may need time, perhaps even a couple of weeks, to get used to these new contraptions. This may be especially true for an older dog with lower energy levels.

Also, note that dogs like Hope and Lucia (we used them for our wheelchair trials) who have not been able to get out and about much for a while may not know what to do when they encounter cracks, bumps, puddles or transitions between different terrains. Simply lead them gently forward and they will soon get the hang of things.

Another thing is to make sure your dogs nails (claws) are pared to the proper length. Lucia's nails were still a little too long during our final trials. (Neither the owner or ourselves had experience with clipping nails and could not afford professional services at the time.)

See Homemade Dog Wheel Chair Designs for more information and ideas on dog wheelchairs.

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