I thought I’d put a post together about all the things I have to help make  Joie’s life a little easier–and yes, mine as well.  There are many “tools” I’ve found that help in our day to day. While not all these things will be helpful if you have a big dog who is paralyzed, this is geared more toward small dogs since that is the experience that I have.  Often times I’ll post a photo on Facebook using one of my “tools” in our toolbox and get asked about it, so thought this post could have it all in one place.

DOG WHEELCHAIR (or referred to as dog cart)

When someone asks me about wheelchairs I refer them to Eddie’s Wheels. I feel they are best due to the fact the wheelchairs are custom-made. When dealing with spinal issues, I feel the support of custom-made is best.  As many of you know, who follow my blog regularly, the wheelchair Joie uses was actually Frankie’s wheelchair.  With guidance from Eddie’s Wheels, my husband John was able to make the adjustments so it fit Joie just right.

DOG (PET) STROLLERS

I don’t know about other dogs in wheelchairs, but I do know that Frankie and now Joie could only walk so far in their wheels before they tired out.  Having a dog stroller gives them a break from walking, as well as enables you to go on longer walks if you want.  Also, if you do other activities with your wheelchair dog the stroller comes in handy for taking different places where dogs are allowed. It is easy to fold down and load in your car. I prefer the Jeep model as I didn’t want anything to “cutesy.”

BICYCLE BASKETS for DOGS

I love and adore Cynthia’s Twigs and the European bicycle basket. It comes in four different sizes depending on the weight of your dog. You can also get a pillow for bottom of basket to make comfortable for your dog, as well as a basket liner to match the colors of your bike.  One thing I’d like to caution you on for those that have over zealous dogs who may attempt to jump out of the basket is to have them tethered in!  I’ll talk about a dog harness in a bit that I like, but what I did is took a leash and cut it down, leaving the metal clasp on one end.  I then looped the other end through the weave of the basket and sewed it in place.  It sort of acts like a leash/seatbelt holding the dog in place. The metal clasp from the leash then attaches to the D-ring on the harness making them more safe and secure in the basket.

DOG HARNESS

In the above photo of Joie in the bicycle basket you see her wearing a stylish harness.  These are from Dachshund Delights and are called Hug-a-Dog Harness.  Not only do they come in oodles of fun fabrics, but they are very well made.  They are excellent for dogs who pull when on a leash, but also serve a beneficial purpose for dogs with back issues.  Because they have a D-ring on the back of the harness to attach the leash to, this takes all the pressure of the spine of dogs who are prone to back issues.  Also as mentioned in the bicycle basket information above you can attach the tethered leash attached to basket to the harness as well.

DOG BOOTS (Booties) and TAKE-A-LONG BAG (Dog carrier or sling)

The orange dog boots on Joie’s paws are from Pawz Dog boots.  When she first began walking outside in her wheelchair her front paws would bleed so the booties helped protect the pads of her feet. They also serve as another purpose to help her get better traction on hardwood or tile flooring since this can be a little more trickier for her when in her wheelchair.  They can be used on the back feet if your dog drags their paws when walking, but won’t last too long before getting holes in them.  Here is a video I did for homemade dog boots that I make.

As for the dog carrier or dog sling, I found that the Take-a-long bag is the best from Dachshund Delights. I have not found any other dog carrier on the market that holds the length of a dachshund as well as this one. It is very well made and the strap is adjustable so that you can bear the weight of your dog easier for less strain on your back.

CATCH-IT-ALL (poop and potty catcher)

Frankie had a tougher time controlling her bladder then Joie does.  I also did many therapy dog visits and school visits with Frankie so wanted to be prepared in the event she had an “accident.”  I found this catch-it-all product years ago from K-9 cart company.  I had to adjust it by adding two velcro strips to go around the back of the wheelchair, but it worked like a charm. I also lined it with paper towel since Frankie was a girl and if she leaked the urine went right into the bag.  You can somewhat see the catch-it-all on this photo of Frankie.

PROTECT-A-PET DRAG BAG

I used one of these when Frankie was first paralyzed but the one I purchased was made out of fabric, so it was harder for her to move around in it. I think the slippery material used by K-9 cart company would actually work better. Click here for more information about these.

LIVING WITH IVDD DVD

If your dog has been diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease this is a must have DVD.  It is only $3.00 and will give you so much peace of mind.  Packed with care and tips on caring for a dog with IVDD as well as a paralyzed dog.  Great information on expressing the bladder and bowels.  Available from Dodgerslist.

Do you have a product or idea that works well for caring for paralyzed pups?  If so, please do share in a comment below.  Include a link to product if you can so it will help others out who view this post.