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There's plenty of information out there on mobility issues in large dogs. Bigger breeds, with their long legs and large bodies, are prone to a number of injuries and illnesses like canine hip dysplasia. But what about small dogs? Breeds like Chihuahuas and Corgis may be more compact and lower to the ground, but they develop some of the same mobility problems as larger dogs. Due to their size, some are even more likely to suffer from health issues. We’re shedding some light on the mobility problems that affect smaller dogs and showing you how to get these pups up and moving again. Small Breed Mobility Issues The dogs might be adorably tiny, but Pomeranian, Boston Terrier, and Shih Tzu health problems are nothing to coo over. The same goes for Yorkies, Maltese, and every other toy or small breed you can name. Here are some common health issues that limit mobility in these small-but-mighty canines. 1. Brachycephalic Movement Syndrome Brachycephalic dogs like pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus were bred to have shorter muzzles and flatter faces. As a result, they have smaller airways relative to other breeds and often breathe through their mouths to get enough air. (That’s what causes the classic noisy breathing and snorting from pugs!) Because of their small airways and penchant for mouth breathing, these breeds are prone to respiratory problems like inflammation that can make it difficult for them to get around. You may find your small breed getting tired easily or even collapsing after exercise or excitement. Unfortunately, this is not an issue that a dog wheelchair can solve. Work with your vet to develop a plan for managing symptoms and avoiding dangerous situations like heat stroke. He or she may recommend surgery to clear obstructed nostrils or to shorten an elongated soft palate. 2. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a disease of the spinal cord that causes nerve damage and muscle atrophy. Ultimately, DM causes complete paralysis of the hind legs. Certain breeds are affected more than others—DM is one of several significant Corgi health issues, for example. Symptoms include a wobbly gait, dragging of hind legs, loss of balance, and incontinence. While there is currently no cure, the effects of the disease can be managed with proper treatment and the help of mobility aids. 3. Back Problems and Herniated Discs Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), also known as a herniated disc, occurs when the cartilage between a dog’s joints swells or ruptures, damaging the spinal cord. This can cause sensations from discomfort to extreme pain, as well as loss of reflex, a wobbly gait, and partial or full paralysis. Dachshunds and pugs are particularly prone to back problems because their extended spines experience a lot of strain and pressure, leading to health issues like muscle spasms and slipped discs. French Bulldogs are also prone to herniated discs and other back problems, as they were bred to have short back legs and curled tails, leading to birth defects that put too much pressure on the spine. Maintaining Mobility with Small Dog Wheelchairs Your pup might be on the tiny side, but he or she probably has a big personality—and you don’t want to lose that to mobility issues. A dog wheelchair can put the bounce back in your small breed, improving quality of life and expanding range of motion. Worried that your dog is simply too little to fit into a cart? Put your fears to rest, because K9 Carts can design and build customized wheelchairs for small dogs under five pounds. Dog wheelchair are ideal for canines suffering from degenerative myelopathy, a ruptured disc, spinal trauma, IVDD, and other conditions that limit the use of the front or hind legs. Think of them as the canine equivalent of crutches! Not only do these carts help keep a dog’s body and spine stable; they also prevent forelimb stress and work to decompress the spine, aiding in rehabilitation and helping to prevent further injuries. Not every dog is a good candidate for a cart, so speak with your vet and give the towel test a try to determine whether your pet will benefit from a wheelchair and what kind of support will be best. Canines experiencing weakness or partial paralysis in their front and hind limbs will benefit most from a full support dog wheelchair, while those who only have trouble using their back legs can use a rear support design. Get Your Dog Moving with K9 Carts We’re proud to be the leading pet mobility experts, providing animal lovers with everything from high-quality dog wheelchairs to crucial mobility care information. What makes us experts? Years of experience, caring customer support, and a passion for helping animals. Our nearly 60 years of experience in the veterinary field have given us the tools and knowledge necessary to custom-build each of our convertible carts in the U.S.

It’s heartbreaking to see a dog begin to lose his or her range of motion. Without the use of their limbs, our furry friends miss out on long walks, games of fetch, and other fun activities. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Mobility aids like handheld slings and canine wheelchairs can put the pep back in your pup’s step, improving quality of life and even increasing the number of years you get to spend with your dog. With so many canine mobility aids available, how do you decide which one is right for your pet? A number of factors come into play here, such as your dog’s physical condition, medical needs, and overall temperament. We’ve broken down the benefits and intended uses of both dog wheelchairs and handheld slings so that you can make an educated decision when choosing between the two. Dog Wheelchairs Solving a mobility issue isn’t as simple as ordering a generic wheelchair. The process takes some careful evaluating and planning on your part, not to mention designing and crafting the cart itself. Your dog’s specific diagnosis can clarify whether or not she needs a wheelchair. Here are some conditions and issues that make your canine a good candidate for a cart: Advanced degenerative myelopathy Ruptured or herniated disc Spinal trauma Front amputee Cerebellum hyperplasia Cervical disc disease Post-surgical rehabilitation for disk, knee, and hip operations There are two general styles of pet wheelchair: rear support and full support. To determine which type of cart will work best, consider your pet’s current health status. The rear support option is ideal for dogs with strong front legs and weak or paralyzed back legs. Dogs experiencing weakness in both the front and back legs typically require a full support wheelchair. Don’t worry about size as a deciding factor here—because all breeds of dogs can experience paralysis and other mobility issues, K9 Carts creates custom full and rear support wheelchairs that can accommodate animals from under 5 pounds to over 115 pounds. Even better, each of our carts can be adjusted to provide more or less support as your dog’s needs change. The towel test is a simple way to help determine what kind of support your pet needs. Simply cut two leg holes in an old hand towel, put your small dog’s legs through the holes, and see if your pet can walk normally on his front legs with his back held in a level position. For bigger dogs, use a towel under each hind leg. If your pup is able to walk strongly, a rear support wheelchair can give him the back support he needs. But if you notice him showing signs of forelimb weakness like stumbling or taking short, choppy steps, a full support wheelchair is a better option. Handheld Slings Conditions such as forelimb weakness or hip dysplasia in dogs necessitate a little extra help now and then. A harness or handheld sling is generally used as a temporary measure for dogs who need a walking aid. Ideal for canines recovering from surgery or injury, handheld slings can be as much of a boon to you as they are to your canine. Instead of straining your back heaving him up into your arms, these harnesses allow you to give your pup a hand getting into or out of the car, as well as going up and down stairs. K9 Carts offers multiple harness options—from rear slings to full support harnesses—designed to fit a range of needs. Your dog may benefit from the use of a handheld sling if she experiences any of these issues or needs: Weak limbs Post-surgical rehabilitation Front limb amputee Front limb disability or weakness Arthritis Hip dysplasia Spinal traumas Athletic injuries General fatigue Old age Choosing the Best Mobility Aid Some mobility issues can be managed by either a dog wheelchair or harness. If your dog has a condition, such as spinal trauma, that can be mitigated by the use of either option, your decision should come down to her individual needs and overall well-being. If she clearly still has a desire to be active, your pup needs a rear or full support wheelchair. But if she just needs some help getting up now and then, a handheld sling will better meet both your and her needs. Whichever you choose, remember to keep your ultimate goal in mind: restoring a measure of mobility so that your dog can enjoy an increased quality of life by your side. Give Dogs the Support They Need with K9 Carts There are quite a few different pet wheelchairs and animal harnesses out there, but your pup deserves the highest-quality mobility aid possible. K9 Carts is proud to provide the only fully adjustable, convertible dog wheelchair designed by orthopedic veterinarians. Our team of experts will design and build your cart on the same day, providing you with a sturdy solution to your dog’s mobility issues. Still deciding between a cart and a handheld sling? Give us a call today—our experts are happy to answer any questions and help you choose the mobility aid that best fits your pet’s individual needs.

Since the mid-1970s, K9 Carts has been serving mobility impaired pets and their owners. We have been looking to inspire the next generation of animal lovers by sponsoring a micro-scholarship for students entering the field of Veterinary Medicine. We are proud to announce the winner of our 2018 Annual Veterinary Medicine Scholarship, Michaela Von Schenk. Below is her winning essay on Human Psychology in a Veterinary Practice. She believes in the importance of understanding human psychology that should be exhibited in veterinary medicine, like any other career, to give customers a sense of comfort and trust. The winning highlights in her essay: “Human psychology can contribute to a more successful veterinary practice. I would measure a successful facility by an upbeat environment, a knowledgeable yet amiable team, and a compassionate drive behind all approaches. These three contributions can inarguably lead to a more satisfied clientele.” “When I am a veterinarian, I vow to never dismiss the value of a satisfied, content client base. Implementing this knowledge of human psychology to dilute tension will irrevocably lead to happier clients, happier pets, and a healthier veterinary workforce.” Congratulations Michaela Von Schenk on your moving essay!

So your dog needs a wheelchair, but you have other pets. You might be worried that your other companions will act strangely around the dog with the disability, or get outright hostile. Don’t worry: that’s not very likely. We frequently build wheelchairs for dogs who have a pack—and the packs' humans have told us that all the other animals get along fine. This post covers cats and other dogs, since they’re the animals most likely to encounter a dog in a wheelchair. Check with your vet if you take care of a different animal. How Dogs in Wheelchairs Get Along with Other Dogs Dogs are remarkably perceptive about the condition of the dogs in their pack. They’ll notice if one of the pack has a disability, and what the pack needs to do to accommodate it. “[Dogs] all get it—it’s really interesting,” Patricia Denys says. Denys’s dog, Andy, is a Bichon mix. He’s six years old, and he’s had his wheelchair for a few years. Denys’s other dogs get along fine with Andy. She says they’re patient when Andy gets ready for the day. “If we’re going outside or somewhere, the cart comes out first for Andy,” Denys says. “The rest of the dogs know that, and they see the day starting.” The rest of the pack even keeps it together when Andy is getting ready for his walk! “While we put him in the cart, [the rest of the dogs] have to wait, but they’re patient.” So dogs in the same pack get along fine when a packmate gets a wheelchair. However, dogs that haven’t met your dog might have a bad reaction. You’ve probably met dogs at the dog park who get upset when they meet a dog wearing a vest or harness. That kind of dog will react the same way to a dog in a wheelchair. How Dogs in Wheelchairs Get Along with Cats Cats are very particular. (You may have noticed.) So they might be skeptical of the cart when you bring it home. Expect lots of sniffing. But it’s most likely that your cat will get used to the wheelchair. That’s what happened with Denys’s cats. After the initial skepticism, your cat will continue to enjoy a good relationship with your dog—or the opposite of that, if your dog and cat have never gotten along. We can help your dog with a disability get around again, but we can’t convince cats to do anything they don’t want to. Nobody can.

You might be surprised by how quickly your dog will take to a wheelchair. Most of K9 Carts’ thousands of patients were up and rolling very soon after they got their new chair. The process will take some work. But don’t worry: none of the clients we spoke to reported tears (on their part) or howling (on the dog’s part.) That’s even true for very sick dogs. Brick was a one year old German Shepherd who suffered from a malignant tumor. His owner, Doug Faber, who’s from the Seattle area, got Brick a wheelchair about a week before Brick died. Even at a late stage in his life, when Brick was having a very hard time doing much of anything, he took to the cart quickly. “It took him a little while to get used to it,” says Faber. He says that Brick’s reluctance to use the wheelchair wasn’t his comfort or understanding of the cart—it was Brick’s depleted energy. “If I tugged him on leash a little he’d get going. But early on he would sit down. I’d pet him and have him come to me, about six inches to a foot at a time.” It wasn’t long before Brick was rolling around his favorite dog park. The biggest challenge for him early on was acclimating to the cart, and the amount of effort he’d have to use to get around. “At first, did better on pavement than he did on grass,” Faber says. “But he loved Marymoor Park—” a large park in the Seattle suburbs with an off leash area ”—finally, I took him over there. The first time I had to have him on leash, but the second time he did go off leash. By the third time, he was going through tall grass and hanging out with other dogs.” Brick, who was a a very sick and very worn out dog, only took about a week to get acclimated to his wheelchair. The guardians of dogs in wheelchairs all said that their dogs took to the cart without much effort, and mostly on their own. They have a few tips to make the process easier. First, consider putting the dog in a kiddie pool or your bathtub early on in the training process. The water will make their movements easier. Humans do it all the time for physical therapy—dogs can benefit from hydrotherapy also. The other helpful hint we heard from dog owners is one you probably thought of already: treats. “Treats are really helpful,” says Claire Carver. She’s also got a German Shepherd, a fourteen year old named Reja. “It’s just kind of encourages to try ” With some snacks on hand, Carver says, her dog and a friend’s disabled German Shepherd were rolling around in no time. “It only took five minutes.” Photos by Claire Carver

If your dog has to start using a wheelchair, you might worry about their social life. Dogs are pack animals. That’s why they’re members of the families that look after them. And it’s why they go crazy when they chase frisbees with your friend’s dog at the dog park. Don’t worry: your dog can still play with its friends if it has a wheelchair. K9 Carts clients send us regular updates on their patients. We have plenty of photographic and video evidence that wheelchair-bound dogs can have a blast on playdates. How Do Other Dogs React to a Dog in a Wheelchair? You will have to be careful if your dog is in a wheelchair. Some dogs don’t like it when they see dogs in wheelchairs—it freaks them out. “Some dogs do not like the cart—some dogs can be aggressive,” Claire Carver says. Her German Shepherd, Reja, sometimes gets a hostile response from fellow dogs when she’s using her wheelchair. It’s similar to the response that Reja would get when she was still working as a rescue dog and wearing her reflective vest. Expect a hostile response to be the same as if your dog was wearing a vest or sweater on a cold day. Carver says a pet owner taking their wheelchair-bound dog in public should be watchful. Just use the same common-sense caution you would whenever your dog makes a new acquaintance: make sure that the other dog isn’t growling, has its hackles up, or making other hostile moves towards your dog. Dogs in Wheelchairs Get Around They might have less mobility than other dogs, but dogs in wheelchairs don’t have any trouble getting exercise and playing games. K9 Carts clients have told us that their dogs can play fetch and socialize with other dogs. They just have to watch a little closer, and make sure that the dogs don’t rough house as aggressively as they did before their disability. Dogs Help Their Packmates in Wheelchairs Most of the time, your dog will get along fine with the other dogs that they meet in the world. In fact, your dog’s friends might make special accommodation for them. That’s something that Patricia Denys sees with her dog, Andy. Andy’s a six year old Bichon mix. She has other dogs, and the rest of the pack makes sure that Andy’s needs are met. “They all get it—it’s really interesting,” Denys says. “If we’re going outside or somewhere, the cart comes out first for Andy. The rest of the dogs know that, and they see the day starting. While we him in the cart, they have to wait and get hooked up, but they’re patient.” Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that Andy is the alpha of his pack—that didn’t change when he started using his wheelchair. “He’s the leader,” Denys says with a laugh. “He’s a big ham. He’s never been intimidated by other dogs.” Photo provided by Claire Carver.

Dogs love making friends and roughhousing at the dog park. If you're putting your dog in a wheelchair, you're probably worried whether they'll still be able to go. We have good news: dogs in wheelchairs can still enjoy trips to the park. The Mobility Of Dogs In Wheelchairs Doug Faber’s German Shepherd, Brick, had an aggressive spinal tumor that cost him the use of his back legs. But Brick was still able to go to his favorite dog park in Redmond, Washington with the help of his cart. “ Once got the hang of the cart, the biggest obstacle was that the cart made him wider,” Faber says. “He might get caught on a fence pole or a tree, or something like that. But for the most part, he was fully functional, in the sense he was able to everything he wanted to do, but slower.” Brick was even able to play fetch. At first, you’ll have to make accommodations for your dog’s disability. But after they get the hang of it, your furry friend will be moving around just fine. Can Dogs In Wheelchairs Play With Other Dogs? Dogs love going to dog parks because they can socialize with other dogs. That’s what sets dog park trips apart from other exercise. Dogs in wheelchairs can play with other dogs, but they—and you—will have to make adjustments. For example, Brick was able to play with other dogs, but he couldn’t run as fast as he used to. “He couldn’t run with the dogs, obviously, but he’d run after the dogs, and interact with dogs,” says Faber. So dogs in wheelchairs can still play with other dogs. However, you’ll have to make sure that other dogs get along with your dog if it’s in a wheelchair. After all, fully healthy, able dogs will sometimes fight with each other. Claire Carver looks after another German Shepherd, Reja. Reja is fourteen. She’s a retired search and rescue dog. Reja lost some motor function in her back legs, and got a wheelchair in August 2017. “Some dogs do not like the cart—some dogs can be aggressive,” Carver says. Some dogs don’t react well when a fellow canine is wearing something. “Even when Reja had her search vest on, some dogs could become aggressive.” For that reason, Carver is careful when she takes Reja out. She considers common-sense signs when deciding whether Reja should play with a strange dog. “You have to be protective,” Carver says. “You have to read the dogs coming: are they happy and wagging their tail? Do they have their hackles up?” Doug Faber, Brick’s guardian, says that he kept an eye on new dogs, but Brick was mostly OK. “One or two dogs seemed as if they might have been wondering, ‘Hey, what is that thing that he’s running around with?’ But most of the dogs didn’t pay it any mind at all.” Faber says that the wheelchair helped Brick out at the end of his life. Going to the dog park was one of Brick’s favorite activities. Faber is glad that Brick was still able to enjoy it, despite his disability. “ was excited to be ,” Faber says. “He was running up to other dogs and sniffing, saying howdy. He seemed to be having as good a time as he ever had.” Photos of Brick provided by Doug Faber & Reja by Claire Carver.

Meet Andy. He’s an active, six-year-old Bichon mix with a herniated disc, and he loves his wheelchair. “It took him five minutes to adjust to it,” says Mary Denys. She and her sister Patricia, who live in Long Beach, California, have cared for several dogs in wheelchairs. Andy was the youngest to get in his cart, and he didn’t miss a beat. Andy can get around any obstacle, Mary says. “He takes this cart everywhere he wants to take it. We live in a house that’s four steps up from the sidewalk, and I lift up the cart so he can go up the steps. But he barrels down the steps like nobody’s business.” If your dog is disabled, and you’ve just heard the diagnosis, you’re probably worried about their exercise. One of the best parts of caring for a dog is going on walks with them. Their enthusiasm, energy, and simple joy can brighten a hard day. You might be worried that getting a wheelchair for your dog will limit their mobility. You’ll have to make some changes, to be sure. But don’t worry—wheelchair dogs can still get plenty of exercise. Andy has been in his wheelchair for more than three years, but has just as much fun at the park as he did before his injury. Mary and Patricia take him there with their other dogs, and Andy has a blast. He’s not limited to built surfaces, either. He can chase a smell (or a squirrel) across a lawn or through brush. “I say he goes off-roading, because he goes off the beaten path. He rolls over the bottom of tree trunks,” says Mary. Andy goes off-roading so much, in fact, that the Denys sisters had to put new treads on the tires of his cart. He’d roamed around so much that the wheels were bald. There is one downside to Andy’s freewheeling style. His mobility caused one wince-inducing incident. “He rolls over my feet all the time. He broke one of my toes one time,” Mary says, with a rueful laugh. “I was barefoot, and he ran toward me and ran over my foot right between my ring toe and little toe.” Mary’s toe has healed, but Andy’s off-roading now comes with a warning—Mary and Patricia have to tell people he meets at the park to watch their feet. These days, Andy is so used to the chair that he forgets he’s using it. Photos provided by Patricia Denys

Our dog wheelchair is fully convertible. Therefore, if your pet needs more or less support, parts can be added or subtracted to make sure it is the correct support system that your pet needs at its particular stage of mobility loss. The basic standard two wheel cart is for the pet that has lost, or is losing, its ability to walk with the rear legs, but is still strong in the front legs. This orthopedically designed cart gives total support to the rear, keeping the spine and body in alignment, while taking stress off the front legs. This K9 cart may be used either with the legs up and protected in padded slings, or with the legs down on the ground enabling the pet to walk on its paw or paws. If your pet is able to walk with one hind leg only, then we suggest covering the paw that is not functional with a protective boot. Strength in the front legs is important for the standard 2 wheeled cart. A pet dragging itself around is not an indication of forelimb strength as a pet will drag itself from A to B just to get there. Unfortunately, dragging itself around is weakening causes the front legs to weaken, and places strain on its body. The longer it goes without mobility help, the weaker your pet will become in the front legs, at which point they may not be able physically to handle the standard two wheeled dog wheelchair. We suggest making up a handheld sling to test the front leg strength. Take an old towel or piece of material, cut two holes in it for the rear legs to go down through, and then holding the ends of the towel and keeping the back level make sure that your pet is able to walk well on the front legs. If you have any doubt at all, or need questions answered, please call us and we will advise as to whether this design cart is suitable for your pet.