Photo Credit: Walkin' Wheels
It is certainly upsetting to see your four-legged friend struggling to walk.
Whether it is due to age or health problems, there are products that can help them to enjoy their life again.
Yes, you are right!
They don’t need to be euthanized.
Let’s take a look at 5 of the best dog wheelchairs in 2023.
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1. Editor’s Choice - Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchair
Walkin’ Wheels is an American brand developed by the founder of Walkin’ Pets, who pride themselves as the leader in pet mobility products.
This veterinarian approved dog wheelchair features the patented adjustable design that can be customized to your dog’s size such as height, length, and width for maximum comfort. It has a durable aluminium frame to ensure it is stable while your dog walks, yet lightweight enough to carry. Additionally, it has dense foam wheels with rubber treads that won’t puncture and allows your dog to explore all types of terrain.
Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair can be folded flat which makes it easy for you to store or load it into the car. It is also washable including the foam and the rubber wheels. This great wheelchair comes in 5 different sizes and is one of the best on the market.
2. Best Overall Performance - K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair
K9 Carts was established by a veterinarian in 1961 and is hard to go wrong with this brand when it comes to dog wheelchairs.
K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair is made in the U.S.A. and has been tested for over 55 years in their orthopedic veterinary hospital. So, you can rest assured with the quality. It is very lightweight and rugged enough thanks to the aircraft grade aluminium used for construction. It also features the dense foam padded cable rings to avoid pressure sores and provide support to the pelvic.
Similar to Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair, it has 5 different sizes available. This is a custom made wheelchair tailored to fit your pooch. All they will need is your dog’s breed and age, cause of immobility and a few measurements.
3. Best Value - Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair
The company, Best Friend Mobility is dedicated to providing high quality products to pets who have special needs.
This dog wheelchair is made of lightweight and non-rust aluminium. It is equipped with padded shoulder support, as well as high quality neoprene front and rear harness for maximum comfort. It also has all-terrain polyurethane wheels with sealed bearings so that your dog can easily maneuver on unparalleled surfaces. Not to mention the height, length, and width can be adjusted to fit your dog with just a hex wrench.
What we also like about Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair is that it won’t restrict your dog from using the bathroom while in the cart. It has 6 sizes available designed to accommodate dogs with leg length of 8 to 29 inches.
4. Runner-Up Overall Performance - HiHydro Dog Wheelchair
This wheelchair has a strong and durable aluminum alloy frame. It comes with an adjustable strap made of soft and breathable mesh, along with hind-limb suspension for optimal comfort. It is also adjustable to ensure it fits your dog, coupled with the wear-resistant wheels so that it can last longer.
HiHydro Dog Wheelchair is budget friendly and is easy to put together. It has several sizes available ranging from XXS to L. This is a great option that you may want to consider to give your dog the opportunity to walk and run again.
5. Best for Budget - Anmas Sport Adjustable Dog Pet Wheelchair
Similar to most of the well-constructed dog wheelchairs, it allows you to adjust the height, length, and width if needed. It is made of a durable and lightweight frame, and has all-terrain pneumatic wheels to make it easy for your dog to maneuver on different terrains while keeping it stable. Not only that, the harness can also be adjusted for your dog’s comfort.
Unfortunately, Anmas Sport Adjustable Dog Pet Wheelchair is specifically designed for small dogs only. It comes in 3 sizes and suitable for dogs who weigh between 3 to 60 pounds. This wheelchair is available at an affordable price, ideal for you if you are on a tight budget.
When Should I Consider a Dog Wheelchair?
It is undoubtedly heartbreaking to watch your furry friend dragging their hind legs when they walk. And you may need to look into a dog wheelchair when your pooch loses their mobility, which is mainly caused by the one of the following:
- Arthritis
- Amputations
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Injuries
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Ligament Injuries
- Paralysis
- Slipped Disc
- Spinal and Neurological Issues
- Surgical Recovery
Are Dog Wheelchairs Cruel ?
It is definitely not cruel to put your dog in a wheelchair. In fact, it gives paralyzed dogs the ability to walk and run again. It makes things simpler for them without having to rely on you too much. And they will be very happy to sit in a wheelchair as it allows them to enjoy their life once again, whether it is to fetch balls or roam around the backyard. Just watch this video and see how happy the dog is.
Important Features to Consider When Buying the Best Dog Wheelchair
In order to find the right dog wheelchair, you will need to understand what you are trying to solve for. This is because there are many different types available and if your dog is struggling to walk with all 4 legs, then you might need to consider a full support wheelchair. It is sometimes called a quad cart and you realize we didn’t recommend any of those in our list as most wheelchairs are designed for hind legs support only.
But if you really need it, you may want to look into Best Friend Mobility Quad Cart as this is the only one we find reliable. You might also need to ask yourself if your dog is going to need it for temporary use or for a long period of time due to permanent injury.
If it is for short term use, you may be able to get away with a budget option like the Anmas Sport Adjustable Dog Pet Wheelchair. But, if it is for long term use, it may be worthwhile to invest in a higher quality product. Regardless of the type you choose, there are a few things you need to consider.
1. Size
Let me ask you a question, do you think you can ride your kid’s bike? And I guess the answer is pretty obvious. This is why choosing the right size is crucial. Make sure you measure your dog correctly so that they can get the right fit. All manufacturers will require different measurements, ensure you take a look at their sizing chart.
2. Weight
Remember, your dog is already in pain and the purpose of you buying a dog wheelchair is to help them to walk again while making sure they are safe and comfortable. A heavy dog wheelchair may make it hard for them to move around. Consider something that is lightweight and sturdy like the K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair.
3. Adjustability
Ideally, you should look for an adjustable dog wheelchair such as Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair, Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair and HiHydro Dog Wheelchair. This is because it allows you to adjust the height, length, and width to fit your dog’s size for maximum comfort, which is especially important if you have a young dog that is still growing.
