When your dog requires assistance with their mobility, you start looking at the best options to help them. Should you get them a doggy wheelchair, or perhaps a sling or doggy cart? What about a dog drag bag or a doggy scooter?
There are definitely more options on the market than just a dog wheelchair. Here are the best of the best mobility aids for dogs and when you need what.
What Are Dog Wheelchairs?
The most familiar site, thanks to the viral videos of the shelter dogs in Thailand running in their wheelchairs, is the dog wheelchair. You can purchase a dog wheelchair designed to help your dog with foreleg and back leg immobility, which ensures your dog can move by walking or running with the assistance of additional wheels.
These dog wheelchairs come in different sizes for many different dog breeds. Commercially made dog wheelchairs offer a chance for dog owners to really share a second chance at life with their pooches. However, the wheelchair is not your only option.
How Do Dog Drag Bags Work?
Ever heard of a dog drag bag? Sounds scary, right? Well, there are some dogs that just don’t adjust to life in a wheelchair. For these dogs, an alternative option such as a drag bag could help.
The dog drag bag is, as the name hints, a bag that straps to the dog’s body, securely covering the rear part of the dog’s body. When the dog drags themselves across the floor (with their front legs), they no longer have to worry about scrapes and carpet burn as the drag bag is padded enough to protect them from friction with the floor.
Of course, a drag bag only works for small to medium-sized dogs who still have control of their front legs. Large dogs or dogs with front leg instability will not be able to drag themselves, making the bag obsolete.
Is a Dog Scooter and a Wheelchair the Same?
Dogs can also be transported in a dog cart, which looks just like a baby stroller, allowing them to see the world, but not letting them move around much. Another option is the dog scooter.
Unlike the dog wheelchair that attaches to the dog with straps that wrap around different limbs, the dog scooter is a simple platform with wheels that has a large dog bag attached to it. The dog moves forward with their paws (either front or back paws), though they can simply lie on the platform. It’s a bit like a human skateboard with a comfortable sleeping bag on top for the dog.
Dogs that don’t like the straps of a dog wheelchair may find the support and softer bag of the dog scooter much more comfortable and less worrying. It’s an ideal solution for small to medium-sized dogs.
The Why and How of Wheelchairs, Dog Drag Bags, and Dog Scooters
Great! Now you know what options are available, it’s time to see what the pros and cons of different dog mobility devices are so you can make a better-informed decision for your pet pup.
Doggy Wheelchairs
Doggy wheelchairs come in multiple design options, and it’s always a great idea to try different designs before you buy.
Pros
- Most dogs accept the dog wheelchair within minutes
- It is versatile and can adapt across difficult terrain if the wheels allow it
- Dogs are able to run, even leap with the wheelchair, though it’s not recommended to let them jump
- Dogs can move fairly independently in a wheelchair
Cons
- Dog wheelchairs are usually quite expensive to buy
- DIY wheelchairs risk the dog with injury due to poor design
- The dog can’t be left strapped to the wheelchair for extended periods
- Dogs can be injured if they run too fast and upend the wheelchair
- The straps cross the dog’s body directly, which can cause painful cuts and welts
Example of a two-wheel dog wheelchair: QingYi Dog Wheelchair
This is an example of a front leg activated wheelchair for dogs. Dogs that use this device have loss of mobility in their back legs, and the wheelchair supports their back legs, keeping these elevated so the dog can pull themselves forward on the wheelchair.
Most dogs that suffer spinal issues, hip dysplasia, or rheumatism benefit from this type of wheelchair. The dog is strapped into the wheelchair, with their legs either supported directly by the suspension loops, or the dog may rely on the middle support and wheels to lift their core with their back legs still lightly touching the ground.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Enables dogs to run
- Waterproof
- Rustproof
- Somewhat customizable
- Priced at just over $100 (unlike others that price much higher)
Cons
- Turning can be tricky
- Supervised use is recommended
Example of a four-wheel dog wheelchair: Ruifar Dog Wheelchair, Adjustable 4 Wheel Pet Wheelchair
Four-wheel dog wheelchairs are a little more specialized and often harder to come by. The principles remain the same as the two-wheel variety, but the dog’s front end is more suspended and their core is supported to take pressure off their back and front limbs.
This type of wheelchair is ideal for older dogs struggling with limb weakness and pain.
Pros
- The dog is supported in the most natural position for them
- A full range of mobility can be achieved
- Spinal support
- The aluminum frame is rustproof
- The handle lets the handler steer the dog
- Back elasticated supports can fully support and elevate the back legs if needed
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Harder to come by this type of wheelchair
- Some restrictions by strapping legs, which can cause friction-related injuries
Drag Bags
Drag bags fit with a harness to the dog, covering their lower body and allowing them to move by pulling with their front legs. It’s a convenient option for small to medium-sized dogs.
Pros
- A dog drag bag tends to be more affordable than a wheelchair
- It can be padded to help eliminate injuries to the dog
- Dogs can move fairly naturally under their own power, which is less scary to them
- Dogs can be left in the drag bag for longer (if they are also fitted with nappies)
Cons
- The drag bag may still rub at soft tissue such as the dog’s underarms
- Drag bags are mostly for inside use as the bags don’t hold up well to hard surfaces like concrete or gravel
Example of a dog drag bag: BUVUB Adjustable Dog Drag Bag
As an alternative to a dog wheelchair, the dog drag bag protects the dog’s body from painful rubbing and friction (aka carpet burns) when they pull themselves forward with their back end dragging. The drag bag only protects the dog from further injury, but it doesn’t help with pain reduction or movement.
One should think of dog drag bags as a device used when the dog can’t be in their wheelchair as it’s more house-friendly than a wheelchair that can get stuck on furniture and hook on corners.
Pros
- Very affordable (less than $30) and easily replaced
- Soft and comfortable
- Somewhat breathable due to the mesh insert
- Provides protection to the back legs, belly, and chest.
Cons
- No pain reduction
- Little increased mobility
Dog Scooters
A dog scooter has a firm platform with wheels, and the dog is strapped to it with a harness or bag. The dog pulls themselves along with their front legs, while their body is supported on the platform with minor restrictions.
Pros
- The platform can better support short-legged heavier dogs
- It’s a natural position for dogs and a perfect alternative to dogs that don’t like a wheelchair
- Less chance of the scooter getting upended due to a lower center of gravity
- Usually more affordable than a dog wheelchair with fewer moving parts
- Easy to DIY
Cons
- Long-legged dogs struggle on the dog scooter as their legs are too long to pull themselves forward
- Large dogs may not have the strength to pull their own body weight if their front legs don’t have sufficient leverage due to being closer to the ground than their natural position
Example of a dog scooter: Zerodis Old Dog Wheelchair Pet Walking Scooter
The basic design of the dog scooter is brilliant for supporting heavier short-legged dogs on the skateboard-like base. Since the dog’s body is harnessed with a padded bag, it’s somewhat more comfortable for them than a standard body harness.
Pros
- Affordable option at less than $30
- Available in three sizes (but keep your dog’s leg length in mind)
- Oxford fabric is stain and rip-resistant
- Aluminum wheels with 360-degree rotation
- Velcro straps secure the “drag bag” style harness to the platform
- Allows rapid movement, walking, and turning
Cons
- Not ideal for large dogs
- Not stair-friendly
- Dog can get hurt if they upend the scooter
Which Does My Dog Need?
Knowing which type of mobility assistance device is best for your dog is a matter of trial and error. But there are a few tips that can help you make better-informed decisions.
Front Leg Instability
Dogs that suffer an instability of their front legs have weakness or pain in their legs, or they have been through an amputation procedure. Their ability to move independently is compromised, and they can’t support the weight of their front end without aid.
Scooters that allow the dog to push with their back legs and front-end wheelchairs are ideal for a dog with this condition. A drag bag wouldn’t work as the dog can’t push with their front end in the bag.
Back Leg Instability
Dogs with a lack of mobility in their back ends may drag their back legs, struggle to support their hind end, or be unable to push with their back legs. When they have no control over their back legs, the dog scooter or front-end dog wheelchair is perfect.
In severe cases, and when they are naturally built close to the ground, the dog may use a drag bag to move about.
Spinal Weakness
Some dog breeds struggle with lumbar issues, and while their legs are fine, their spinal column becomes compromised, and they can’t walk as a result. The spine is unable to carry the weight of the dog’s body, which means that they can’t move (even though their legs work).
A dog wheelchair (with center support) is ideal, but a dog scooter that has front and back leg access may also work. The aim of your assistive device is to “replace” the spine’s support and carry their body so they can still move with their legs.
Amputations
Dogs with amputations usually make use of an assistive device that supports whichever end of their body has been compromised. However, when the dog has multiple amputations or loses the use of both legs on one side, it can become a challenge to find a supportive device to help them.
Consider a customized dog wheelchair that lets your dog push with legs on one side to provide forward movement. A dog scooter can also assist, though the device’s steering may be more difficult to figure out.
Pain Management
Some dogs are physically still able to move, but they do so with great pain, as in the case of severe rheumatism. An assistive device that helps the dog carry their body weight can really help. If stairs are their main challenge, then a dog sling may be a great solution, allowing you to help them up and down steps.
When their joints are unable to carry their body weight, a dog wheelchair or dog scooter can really help. Which you choose will depend on the dog’s size and ability to move the device.
Dog Injuries, Disability, and a Return to Mobility
Is a dog movement assistive device the end of the road for dogs? Will they never move on their own again? In severe cases such as amputations, degenerative diseases such as rheumatism, and spinal damage, the answer is a sad yes.
These dogs will have to use an assistive device for the remainder of their lives. However, dogs in wheelchairs or on scooters enjoy a full quality of life, and due to their wonderfully resilient nature, they can thrive. The aim of any assistive device is to ensure the dog doesn’t live in pain.
For some dogs, the use of a mobility assistive device is a temporary thing. Dogs that have undergone surgery may need to keep pressure off certain joints, their spine, or even their organs. Mobility aids for dogs are a temporary measure to help them heal without further injury.
For these dogs, mobility will gradually return, so you’d want to select an assistive device with the aid of your vet to help you best support their recovery without further damaging their muscles or causing atrophy.
FAQs
What devices help dogs walk?
Dogs regain mobility thanks to devices such as dog mobility harnesses, slings, wheelchairs, scooters, or dog drag bags. Mobility aids for dogs help accommodate their limb weakness or support a degenerative disease that is causing them pain and inflammation.
How can I help my dog with mobility?
To assist your dog when they begins to lose mobility, you should consult with your vet, determine the cause of its immobility, and take action to support it. Supplementing your dog can help in securing their joint health or delay further degeneration. Mobility devices can help support the dog and prevent further pressure on their joints.
How do you treat old dog back legs collapsing?
When the dog starts to lose mobility and balance, the first option may be orthopedic braces, but as their condition degenerates, a mobility device such as a dog wheelchair, dog scooter, or drag bag may be the last resort.
More Jack’s Dacks Articles
- 5 Best Dog Strollers: How to Choose for Your Pooch
- The Top 5 Dog Beds for Disabled Dogs
- How to Use a Dog Sling to Help Your Disabled Dog Potty
The Final Roll
Your dog is your partner for life, but when they start to suffer the onset of age, degenerative disease, and injuries, you face difficult decisions. You don’t want your pets to live in pain. This is why you rely on mobility aids for dogs to assist your dog to still live a full and pain-free life.
Consider the mobility option that will best support your dog through life’s stages, help them recover from injuries, and ensure their quality of life. It’s wheels up on dog mobility with a range of innovative dog mobility devices.