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A dog’s life is already too short. If your dog can’t walk, a dog wheelchair for back legs can extend your dog’s active years and improve quality of life. The most important thing with these wheelchairs is to measure your dog correctly so you purchase the correct size.
Once you have a wheelchair, you’ll want to carefully read the instructions to ensure it fits your dog precisely. If you’re thinking, “My dog can’t stand up on his back legs,” you might want to talk to your vet first before getting a wheelchair.
Best Dog Wheelchairs For X-Small Dogs: K9 Carts Review
Veterinarians and canine surgeons design these K9 Carts, and they’re handmade in the USA with aircraft-grade aluminum. The cart can be used as a walking cart with the dog’s rear paws on the ground or a suspension with the back legs held up in slings.
The cable leg rings have foam padding to help prevent pressure sores and give pelvic support. Carts include custom-made EVA foam wheels. All but the 4-inch wheels include bearings for a smooth ride. The wheelchair is fully adjustable, so you can move the height, length, and width to suit your fur baby perfectly.
The K9 Cart is an all-terrain pet wheelchair and can even go in the water. These can help keep your pup by your side on outdoor adventures near and far.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cable leg rings have foam padding | Wheels are not all-terrain |
| Lightweight aluminum | |
| Handmade in the USA |
Price
- X-Small (dogs 5-15lbs): Check Amazon for availability
Best Small Dog Wheelchair: Best Friend Mobility Review
The Best Friend Mobility wheelchair for dogs has a lightweight, adjustable aluminum frame that won’t rust. A K9 orthopedic surgeon designed this wheelchair. It is designed to offer rear support. The chair has a front and rear harness and a fixed, padded seat to make your dog more comfortable. This one is perfect for a senior dog or an injured pup in recovery.
You can easily adjust the height and length with a hex wrench. The wheels are all-terrain and no-puncture, so your dog can walk on many different surfaces. This wheelchair allows your dog to go to the bathroom comfortably. Dogs with
Note: If you have a Corgi or Dachshund, Best Friend Mobility says to get the extra small size, no matter their weight, due to their short leg length.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Front and rear harness | No customer service |
| Fixed, padded seat | Poorly written instructions |
| All-terrain polyurethane wheels | |
| Patented adjustable aluminum frame |
Price
Small (15-17″): $197.00
Best Wheelchair For Large Dogs: Walkin’ Wheels Review
The Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair for dogs uses lightweight aluminum. It is a top pick among the best dog wheelchairs for back legs. Walkin’ Wheels has an adjustable harness to fit your dog comfortably and is adjustable in height, length, and width. This one is super easy to use with push-button adjustability. It can easily accommodate dogs up to 180 pounds.
This wheelchair is best for dogs with limited or no mobility in their hind legs. It offers plenty of rear support and is a top pick as a dog wheelchair for back legs. Your dog can use it on many surfaces with its foam/ rubber all-terrain wheels, and your pup can go potty while wearing this.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-terrain wheels | Heavier/bulkier than other picks |
| Comes in 3 colors (blue, pink, or camo) | 20% restocking fee for returns |
| Folds up and adjustable for proper fit | Only for dogs 70lbs and up |
Price
Large (dogs 70-180lbs): $499.00
Best Front Leg Dog Wheelchair: K9 Carts Review
This front-leg wheelchair is for pets with forelimb or both forelimb and hindlimb disabilities. The K9 Cart is a lightweight, adjustable dog wheelchair made of aluminum. You can easily adjust the height, length, and width. It’s custom-made to fit your dog’s specific needs and guaranteed to fit.
It is best for degenerative myelopathy, cervical spondylomyelopathy, or wobbler syndrome. You can also use it for multiple injury rehab, unilateral or bilateral forelimb weakness, strokes, and other neurological disorders. Pets with amputations, instability in the forelimbs (or all four legs), or deformity in the forelimbs (or all four legs) can also benefit from this wheelchair.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RX design with adjustable weight distribution | Expensive |
| Comes in a variety of sizes for dogs XS to XXL | Takes about a week to custom-make and ship the order |
| Made in the USA and unlimited support | |
| Trusted experts in pet mobility since 1961 |
Price
- Prices vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some things you might wonder about dogs who use wheelchairs. If we missed yours, let us know in the comments.
How do I find the right size wheelchair for my dog?
There are several measurements to take to ensure the right fit for your pup. You will need to measure the height from the top of your dog’s back to the ground. The length is the mid-point of the hips and shoulders. Measure the width of your dog at the widest point, straight across. The girth is measured fully around the body at the widest point.
You may also want to measure your pup’s front and back leg height. Measure from where the thigh meets the body all the way to the toe pads.
Can dogs lie down in a wheelchair?
Most dog wheelchairs do not allow canines to lie down comfortably as they have large wheels and metal braces to support the dog’s weight, often on two legs. Smaller dogs who are closer to the ground and those who have the strength to do so can most likely lay on the floor while wearing most dog wheelchairs. If the wheelchair is a good-quality design, it may offer the ability to allow the dog to lie down while wearing it, simply folding down as they sit.
However, if one is wondering whether a dog can lie down in a human’s wheelchair, it depends on the dog and the wheelchair. Small to medium-sized dogs are more likely to fit in the seat of an adult person’s wheelchair and small dogs in a child’s wheelchair.
How do dogs in wheelchairs poop?
Can a dog poop in a wheelchair? Yes, in most cases, they can. While impaired dogs can’t squat or lift their leg like they might have done in the past, they can still spread their legs to use the bathroom carefully. How your pup will be able to go potty is definitely something to consider with every wheelchair model you consider.
Does pet insurance cover mobility devices?
Yes, pet insurance may cover mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, as long as the condition causing the need for the wheelchair is included in your policy’s coverage. For example, if your dog is diagnosed with arthritis after you enrolled in your policy and your dog’s pet insurance plan covers arthritis, treatment for the condition, including mobility devices, may be included in coverage and eligible for reimbursement.
How To Put A Dog Wheelchair On
The video below demonstrates how to put a dog wheelchair on your pup properly.
Why Would My Dog Need A Wheelchair?
We hope our dog wheelchair reviews helped you find the right fit for your pup. But why are you here in the first place, you might ask? A dog wheelchair may be something to consider if your dog struggles with walks, has difficulty going up and down stairs, cannot get in and out of the car, or struggles to defecate normally.
These things can start to happen in senior dogs or those who suffer from medical conditions that affect mobility and balance. You should consult your vet once you notice a change in any of these activities or if your dog suddenly starts to have trouble walking.
Your vet might not recommend wheelchairs if your dog has a treatable condition. No matter what, you do not want to delay this conversation with your vet. The sooner you approach the situation, the more likely you’ll be able to prevent further damage from occurring and help your dog move more comfortably.
Dogs may benefit from a wheelchair if they have been diagnosed with one of the following:
- Arthritis
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Injury
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Paralysis
- Slipped Disc
- Spinal and Neurological Problems
- Surgical Recovery
Caring For Your Pup Until The End
As dog owners, we commit to loving and caring for our pups through sickness and health. Unfortunately, the time comes when we need to say goodbye to our pets. This is one of the hardest times as an owner, yet one where our sweet doggies need us the most. If you’re facing the decision of whether to euthanize your dog, we can’t express how truly sorry we are. Please know that we are always here to share stories of the great times you’ve shared.
