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A dog wheelchair, also known as a pet wheelchair or Doggie Wheelchair, is a mobility device for dogs. They are used by vets for pets with various disabilities – especially for dogs with rear limb paralysis.
There has been a lot of controversy over the best dog wheelchairs on the market. This best dog wheelchairs guide aims to clear that up!
About Dog Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is often a best-case alternative for your dog if he is suffering from a condition that affects its ability to walk on its own.
In some cases, your vet might advise you to use a wheelchair for as long as your pet is suffering from their condition, and they might even prescribe a custom-made wheelchair.
While the best dog wheelchairs on our list are best-selling products, you might want to consider some other alternatives that might best meet your pet’s particular needs. Keep reading for more information!
8 Best Dog Wheelchairs
- Best Overall: Best Friend Mobility SitGo Dog Pet Wheelchair Revolution
- Runner-Up: Best Friend Mobility Large Dog Wheelchair
- Best Value: HiHydro Cart Pet Wheelchair
- Best for All Sizes: K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair
- Best for Smaller Dog Breeds: Homend Adjustable Dog Wheelchair
- Best for Larger Dog Breeds: Huggiecart Dog Wheelchair
- Best Value: Walkin’ Wheels Lightweight Wheelchair for Dogs
- Best for Tiny Dogs: HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Cart/Wheelchair
Best Overall: Best Friend Mobility SitGo Dog Pet Wheelchair Revolution
Key Features:
- Lightweight and adjustable
- Padded neoprene shoulder support
- With EVO neoprene leg harness
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Made with galvanized bolts and hardware
- Rubber all-terrain wheels
- Come in 2 sizes
The Best Friend Mobility Dog Wheelchair offers enough support for dogs that are having difficulties moving and walking around. It is made from a non-rust aluminum frame, durable wheels, and reliable bolts and hardware treated with a protective layer of zinc. It has enough padding on both the neoprene leg and shoulder support, ensuring your favorite dog’s comfort.
It is also fairly easy to assemble. It comes in 2 sizes that can cater to small and large dog breeds. It even has that collapsible design for voluntary standing and sitting positions.
Runner-Up: Best Friend Mobility Large Dog Wheelchair
Key Features:
- Non-rust adjustable aluminum construction
- Galvanized hardware
- Deluxe neoprene harnesses
- Adjustable design
If you are after the second-best wheelchair for dogs, then the Best Friend Mobility Large Dog Wheelchair has got you covered. It is fairly adjustable and features a stable, lightweight, and durable aluminum construction. The entire frame as well as the bolts and hardware won’t rust.
The durable rubber wheel ensures your pooch can enjoy his walk each day minus the hassles in whatever terrain he might be walking in. The deluxe rear and front harnesses ensure his optimal effort. With this wheelchair, he can finally start walking again with ease.
Best Value: HiHydro Cart Pet Wheelchair
Key Features:
- User-friendly design
- Adjustable height and length
- Adjustable strap
- Hind limb suspension
- Silent wear-resistant wheel
- Mesh strap
If you are finding it hard to find the right-sized wheelchair for your favorite pooch, check out the HiHydro Cart Pet Wheelchair. You can adjust the width, length, and height to better fit your pooch’s size. It is fairly durable, easy to use, breathable, and comfortable enough to make moving and walking easier again for your best buddy.
Best for All Sizes: K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair
Key Features:
- Veterinarian designed
- Made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Easy to assemble
- With padded slings
- Fast adjustments
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 5 sizes
The K9 Carts Dog Wheelchair comes in five different sizes, which means there is enough to accommodate dogs no matter their size and shape. It has comfortable padded slings, easy adjustment points, and easy to assemble construction. With its aircraft-grade aluminum body, you can be sure of its durability and functionality.
Best for Smaller Dog Breeds: Homend Adjustable Dog Wheelchair
Key Features:
- Aluminum construction
- Comfortable and easy to adjust harness
- With push-button for height, width, and length adjustment
- With detachable leash
The Homend Adjustable Dog Wheelchair is best for smaller dog breeds that still have adequate front leg strength but has trouble moving their hind legs. Its detachable leash is useful during walks while the wheels are good enough to use for most terrains. You can easily assemble the wheelchair adjust the length, width, and height to better fit your canine buddy’s wheelchair requirements.
Best for Larger Dog Breeds: Huggiecart Dog Wheelchair
Key Features:
- Aluminum frame construction
- Adjustable length, width, and height
- Premium wheels with bearings
- Adjustable neoprene chest harness
- Comes in 6 sizes
This wheelchair from Huggiecart is among the best in the market. It can cater to dogs up to 40lbs and has an adjustable harness to better fit your canine buddy’s length, width, and height. Its frame is made from durable but lightweight aluminum while the chest harness is made from premium neoprene material.
It has smooth-rolling wheels for effortless mobility. There are six sizes you can choose from, all of which have adjustable features for a better fit.
Best Value: Walkin’ Wheels Lightweight Wheelchair for Dogs
Key Features:
- Patented adjustable design
- Durable, lightweight aluminum body
- Dense foam wheels w/ rubber treads
- Comes in 4 colors and 6 sizes
- Veterinarian approved
If you are after an affordable but durable wheelchair for your pooch, consider Walkin’ Wheels Lightweight Wheelchair for Dogs. It helps create a perfect fit for your pooch thanks to its easy-to-adjust width, length, and height. It has excellent ratings on Amazon thanks to its durable construction, reliable wheels, and easy-to-store features.
Best for Tiny Dogs: HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Cart/Wheelchair
Key Features:
- Foldable design
- Aluminum frame
- 2 harnesses
- Protective covers
- Plastic and very small wheels
- Comes in 2 colors and 5 sizes
The HobeyHove Adjustable Dog Cart/Wheelchair is one of those affordable wheelchair options for smaller dog breeds. Its sizes range from XXXS to S and are fairly easy to install. It is also foldable, has a more ergonomic feel, and can be attached to a tow rope for additional assistance.
The wheelchair offers just enough support for weak but not severely disabled dogs. There is a detailed size guide available if you need help choosing the right size for your pooch.
Dog Wheelchair Purpose
Dog wheelchairs are made to provide the best alternative to the use of a wheelchair for humans. The best wheelchairs have been designed to allow your pet to move about freely, or to allow him or her to remain seated for extended periods of time.
Dog wheelchairs are best prescribed by veterinarians, who consider your dog’s best needs before creating a best-fitted device.
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Wheelchairs
Material
The best dog wheelchairs are made of should be strong, but flexible. For the best dog wheelchairs on the lower part of your pet’s body, the best material is a canvas-like fabric that won’t irritate your pet’s skin.
The upper part of the dog wheelchair should be made of durable plastic, so your pet can sit comfortably.
Adjustability
When you purchase your best dog wheelchairs, they should be adjustable so that you can change them based on your pet’s growth. A good wheelchair should provide 3-6 months of use before you need to do this.
Weight Capacity
Check the weight capacity of the best dog wheelchairs you are considering buying. They should be able to support your pet’s weight, and they should be able to withstand pressure.
Wheelchair Type
There are two types of wheelchairs available for pets: rear-wheel and front-wheel.
Rear-wheel dog wheelchairs support your pet’s body weight, and front-wheel type provides relief to their forelimbs.
A rear-wheel wheelchair supports your pet’s body weight. With these devices, the dog wheelchair will have a sling-like seat so that your pet sits comfortably.
A front-wheel device is attached to the front paw of your dog, with a sling-like seat.
The type you choose will depend on your pet’s best needs.
Cost
Your budget will play a part in the best dog wheelchairs you decide to buy. Make sure you choose top-rated dog wheelchairs that are made of durable materials and can provide good value for your money.
Ease of Use
Before you buy the best dog wheelchairs, make sure it is easy to use so that your pet can be transferred from the wheelchair to a bed or a car seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you get a wheelchair for your dog?
A dog wheelchair is suggested for pets with conditions that cause loss of function in the back legs. This can happen when your pet has paralysis, arthritis, or a spinal injury – and even if they have neurological problems like Wobbler Syndrome.
Besides that, your vet might also prescribe a dog wheelchair if your pet is recovering from orthopedic surgery.
Is it cruel to put a dog in a wheelchair?
It’s not cruel to use a wheelchair if your pet is in pain. In fact, it can actually help your dog feel better, and to recover more quickly.
Do vets recommend dog wheelchairs?
Yes, a vet usually suggests a dog wheelchair if your pet is suffering from a condition that causes them to lose function in their back legs.
Can dogs pee and poop in a wheelchair?
If you purchase a rear-wheel dog wheelchair, your pet might not be able to urinate or defecate without making a mess.
If you buy a front-wheel dog wheelchair, however, your dog can urinate and defecate while seated.
Are dog wheelchairs good?
Yes, dog wheelchairs provide a way for your pet to recover and maintain muscle health.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the best dog wheelchairs of 2022.
As a pet owner, you want to make sure your loved one has the best mobility possible.
But when your dog or cat loses the ability to walk because of age, injury, disease, or surgery – the best thing you can do is purchase the right tools.
Make sure to consider material, adjustability, weight capacity, wheelchair type, cost, ease of use, and the frequently asked questions when you are purchasing the best dog wheelchairs.
So, which is the best dog wheelchair for your pet? They are all great choices, depending on your budget and what you consider to be the best dog wheelchairs.
We hope this article helped you to make the right choice!
