Homemade Dog Wheel Chair

Build a homemade dog wheel chair for your handicapped dog.

The type of wheelchair you choose to build will depend on the size of your dog, the terrain where you take your dog for walks, and which parts of the dog need support (front legs, back legs, three legs or four legs).

If your dog has a progressive condition that will ultimately involve all the legs, you may wish to start with a modified quad design.

Small dogs can often be supported in a PVC frame. Larger dogs are usually provided with a sturdy wood or metal frame.

We have not not tried to make a homemade dog wheel chair as yet. To get an idea of different designs that others have made, please see Wheelchair Designs

THINGS REQUIRED TO BUILD A DOG WHEELCHAIR:

FOR THE FRAME
You will need access to a saw and a power drill. Since adjustments may be needed once the dog tries out the wheel chair, extra holes are recommended.

If you’re on a severe budget, look for scrap lumber or metal. It doesn’t matter what these items look like, as long as they do not have structural defects. Rust can be removed and paint will cover up blemishes.

Bolts, nuts and screws may be obtained from unused structures that you can take apart.

FOR THE SUPPORT
For large dogs, this usually consists of webbing straps covered with a padding material such as rubber tubing and/or foam padding. Nylon webbing is stronger than polypropylene webbing. Buckles and sliders can be of plastic, but metal is recommended for larger dogs. It is best if this saddle can be made adjustable.

Some homemade dog wheel chair designs use a wider piece of strong fabric such as canvas or another suitable material for the support. Yet others use a part of the frame or some brake wiring that is thoroughly padded and offers rigid support in a particular area.

Ideally, the fabric and padded areas will be designed so the dog can go to the bathroom without soiling them.

FOR THE WHEELS AND AXLES
A dog wheelchair needs to be able to roll and turn easily. For dogs up to 65 lbs, smaller wheels up to 12 inches in diameter can be used. For the PVC designs, threaded plastic or rubber caster wheels work well.

For larger dogs, consider using 16- or 20-inch bicycle wheels, jogging stroller wheels, or wheels off a human wheelchair. For extra stability, the axles can be set at an angle with the wheels slanting slightly inward.

To avoid having to fix flat tires if your dog will be going over rougher terrain, we suggest you use tough bicycle inner tubes and wide, knobby outer tires.

Return from Homemade Dog Wheel Chair to Dog Wheelchairs

Return from Homemade Dog Wheel Chair to Home