How Quad Wheelchairs Help Dogs with Disabilities

Dogs are our constant buddies, and nothing is more upsetting than when our best buds lose their ability to move by injury or disease. Mobility aids like dog wheelchairs can help them take back their quality of life. But various dog wheelchairs are available, and you have to select the best one for your furry friend’s condition.

Here are some things you should know about quad wheelchairs. Find out when they canh help your disabled dog the most.

What is a quad wheelchair?

The design of a quad wheelchair includes four wheels to support a disabled dog without the ability to use its own legs. The perfect quad wheelchair should be adjustable so it can fit any size or weight of dogs. However, it should be firm enough to support their pelvis. Most quad wheelchairs are only suitable for quadriplegic dogs, but not always.

Wobbler Syndrome

Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), or wobbler syndrome, affects large dogs. It results from spinal cord compression at the neck, debilitating the sufferer to the point of total paralysis . Dogs with Wobbler syndrome are good candidates for a quad wheelchair. Sometimes, they may qualify for  spinal surgery to relieve the compression. The quad wheelchair may be handy for its rehab post surgery.

Degenerative Myelopathy

The onset of degenerative myelopathy (DM) is often comes at age of seven, most likely affecting certain breeds. These include Pembroke Welsh corgis, German shepherds, and boxers. An adjustable quad wheelchair is a good choice for a dog with DM, although a Best Friend Mobility Pro Rear wheelchair might do initially. However, DM is a progressive disease, so your dog will eventually lose their capacity to walk.

Traumatic Injury

Accidents and other traumatic events can lead to injuries and temporary paralysis to dogs. You can choose to place them on a quad wheelchair so they can enjoy their walks while recuperating.