Myth # 1 Mobility-Impaired Pets Cannot Live Long, Happy, Lives in Wheelchairs

Many of our clients and their pets have been with us for years. Some start with a wheelchair for their mobility-impaired puppy and purchase a second one when their pet is fully- grown; they will often have 2-3 wheelchairs during the course of their pet’s long and happy life. We have one client who has just purchased her third pet wheelchair for her paralyzed Chihuahua. Willy has been in one of our wheelchairs for 17 years, is now 21 years old, and is still going strong!

Myth # 2 Euthanasia is the Only Choice

We would like you to know that there is another choice when euthanasia, expensive testing, and surgeries are not an option - a pet wheelchair! It can be of great assistance in helping you to care for your mobility-impaired pet and, in many cases, will restore your pet to full mobility.

Myth # 3 Pets Do Not Adapt to Wheelchairs

With over 32,000 “happy tails” and even more happy pet owners we know this statement simply is not true. Pets love our wheelchairs! And the way they tear around in their new wheels with bright eyes and wagging tails is plenty of proof.

Myth # 4 Cage Confinement is Necessary After Surgery

Cage confinement is not always the best way to care for post-surgical pets.

Like humans who have just had surgery the important thing is to get the patient up, out of bed, and walking as soon as possible. With moderate exercise your pet’s bowels will work better. Moderate exercise also encourages leg movement, improves the disposition and cardiovascular system, and will help your pet recover faster. Wheelchairs also help reduce the risk of urinary infections and sores, which are very common in mobility-impaired pets.

We work with a large surgical practice in Holland that sends pets home with one of our wheelchairs to aid recovery - 2 days after surgery. Why do they do this? Because they have discovered that a wheelchair can be used to keep a pet's spine and limbs in alignment and reduce the risk of the pet hurting itself. With the help of the wheelchair the pet recovers faster.

Myth # 5 It’s Best to Wait Until My Pet is Unable to Walk Before Putting it in a Wheelchair

In this case the wait and see approach is not the best. Letting your pet stagger, fall, or knuckle over, puts added stress on the front legs, and spine, and contributes to front limb weakness and spinal problems. We believe that when your pet starts to have mobility problems it’s best to place him or her in a wheelchair as soon as possible. In addition, without the support provided by a wheelchair, your pet’s medical condition will often worsen, whereas with a wheelchair, it will often improve.

This is where experience comes in. We have been fitting pets in wheelchairs for 40 years and have seen the positive results.

Myth # 6 Pets Become Dependent on Wheelchairs.

If your pet comes back to walking he or she will let you know, in no uncertain terms, that he does not want to go into the wheelchair. If your pet is able to walk without support he or she will. Just as a human with a broken leg won’t continue to use crutches when he no longer needs them, your pet will know when he is ready to walk without assistance. Your pet will never become dependent on a wheelchair.

Myth # 7 It’s Best to Wait Until My Puppy or Kitten is Fully Grown Before Putting It in a Wheelchair

It is advisable to place your young, mobility-impaired, pet in a wheelchair as soon as possible. The support given by a wheelchair will keep the body in alignment, allow healing to occur, and prevent further developmental problems. If your pet is dragging itself around, this places pressure on other parts of the body and could cause deformities. Using a wheelchair will keep your pet active and happy and may bring it back to mobility.