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| Home Products Evaluating Your Pet FAQ's About Us Contact Us |
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Evaluating Your Pet |
For a Standard Two-Wheel Cart |
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| The following four criteria are important to consider in evaluating your pet for successful use of our standard two-wheel cart. Click here for additional information on Cats, Rabbits, and Other Pets. |
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Forelimb Strength |
Your pet must be able to walk strongly on its front legs, with its back held in a level position. Use the “towel test” to determine whether or not the above is possible. If you have a small dog or cat we suggest you take an old towel, cut two holes in it, and place the legs through the holes. Remembering to keep the back level, see if your pet will walk normally. This action simulates our cart support system. If you have a large dog, a towel under each hind leg is an easier way to do the “towel test”. See our Handheld Slings, they are a great product to support your pet.
Signs of forelimb weakness:
• Stumbling or knuckling with one or both front paws.
• Short, choppy steps or crossing over of the front paws.
• Splaying front legs out wide to maintain balance.
• Taking a few steps and stopping or lying back on the front legs.
If you feel your pet is weak in the front legs, please see our Four-Wheel Cart (Fully Supportive) or our Handheld Slings. |
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Obesity |
| Paralyzed, obese, pets sometimes have a harder time adjusting to a cart. This is usually because of their forced period of inactivity. Dragging themselves along the ground is not considered an indication of front limb strength. (See: Evaluating Your Pet - Forelimb Strength). If your pet is able to walk, when supported with a Handheld Slings, this indicates that your pet will probably be able to handle a cart. Use of a cart will help with weight reduction and take the stress and strain off the back and limbs. |
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Desire |
When fitted with a pet wheelchair most mobility impaired pets, with few exceptions, will tear or walk off in their carts. Their tails will be wagging and there will be a new brightness in their eyes.
With an older pet, it is important to think about what your pet wants to do. If they are content to just lay around, and only be taken out for very short periods, you may want to consider our Handheld Slings. On the other hand, if they are bright and alert and full of life, despite their mobility problem, a pet wheelchair can provide your pet with an extended, happier, and healthier life. |
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Disposition |
| It is extremely rare that a pet will fight or refuse to use a pet mobility chair. Try the towel test (See: Evaluating Your Pet - Forelimb Strength) to see if your pet will tolerate this type of help. If it walks readily with sling support then it will do well in a cart. |
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Medical Conditions |
| (click on appropriate condition) |
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