FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about wheelchairs

IVDD, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, arthritis, amputation, or post-surgical recovery…

These are just some of the conditions that can make it difficult — even painful — for your pet to walk. But our pets are members of the family — they love us unconditionally and shouldn’t have to suffer.

Our founder Mark C. Robinson knew there had to be a better way to provide our pets with happier and more fulfilling lives.

A way for them to conquer their immobility.

His idea? To develop a solution unlike any other — a lightweight, high-quality, and all-terrain pet wheelchair that allows aging and/or disabled dogs, cats, birds, and more to walk, run, play, and do their “business” like before.

The first Walkin’ Wheels® wheelchairs were released in 2001. But we never settle. Since then, we’ve continued to make improvements to that already successful initial design.

What you see on our site today is the latest, best version of our Walkin’ Wheels® pet wheelchairs.

So here are some Frequently asked questions about wheelchairs:

Can my pet use his/her rear legs in the wheelchair?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage your dog to use his/her rear legs to maintain muscle mass and to get exercise. However, if your dog’s rear legs are paralysed, using the stirrups will keep their legs from dragging.

Can my pet pee and poop in the dog wheelchair?

We designed a wheelchair with the goal of allowing your pet to play, exercise, and do their business mess-free.

Can my dog use their Walkin’ Wheels inside the house?

Our pet wheelchairs for sale are designed to be used both indoors and outside, although our larger wheelchairs may have difficulties in smaller houses without an open plan living area. If your paralysed pet needs an indoor mobility solution that can be worn for extended periods of time, we recommend the Walkin’ Scooter.

Which Conditions Does Walkin’® Wheels Help?

    General difficulty Walking        Degenerative Myelopathy            Paralysis     

    Hip Dysplasia                            IVDD                                             Arthritis

    Neurological Issues                    Injuries                                         Surgical Recovery

Can my dog lie down in the wheelchair?

For many toy dogs, small animals, Corgi’s, or Dachshunds using a mini or small wheelchair, it is okay for them to take a rest up against a pillow or bed, because their legs are so short. Otherwise, it is not recommended, due to back or disc issues that could worsen by laying down in the wheelchair.

Can my dog sit in a wheelchair?

No. Our chair is designed NEVER to collapse on the dog’s leg or spine. We’ve gone to great lengths to be sure of it. The chairs are designed with the help of veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists to hold the dog up, keeping the spine and legs in the optimal position for safety and healing.

What’s more, the purpose of the chair is to give the dog exercise and the freedom to go outside and do his business. When the dog is tired, you should never leave him in the chair.

The reviews we have seen of the experimental sit-down spring-loaded style have not been positive. Although we have done a great deal of research, we have not found a safe way for a chair to collapse on a dog.

Is the wheelchair easy to transport?

Yes, the Mini and small Walkin’ Wheels are very easy to transport. The wheelchair’s small frame size combined make it easy to carry and travel with. With the larger wheelchairs simply turn the dial on the knuckle wheelchair to fold in the wheels and struts, making it easy to carry and travel with.

Walkin’ Wheels® Front Wheel Attachment

As our pets grow older or their medical condition becomes a bit tougher to manage, some extra support can sometimes be needed. That’s where our Front Wheel Attachment comes in! If you already own a Walkin’ Wheels® Rear Dog Wheelchair, but your pet now needs some extra support, then you can simply attach our Front Wheel Attachment and convert it into a Quad/4-Wheel Wheelchair.

    Provides full support for your pet’s weakened front and hind limbs.

    Adjustability allows the wheelchair to continue to fit as dog’s health changes.

    Easy to attach!

    Durable as it is made of top quality, lightweight aluminum.

Click on these links to see some of our happy critters enjoying their new leases on life

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=301439088860897 – Diesel the Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Blue Heeler) – the wheelchair goes in many terrains
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1056706144931403 – Hector the Dachy enjoying his first runaround in the wheelchair – this was just minutes after fitting
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=525593548963499 – 15 year old Chloe who had not been able to even hold herself up for 6 months prior to the wheelchair

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=479414560484507 – Bently the Frenchie whom became a TV star as his videos were featured on the local news
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=951221162093813 – rehabbing a lamb – this wheelchair was originally in use with a Shetland Sheepdog

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=4498490036860706 – my own dog Ash – hated walks because of pain but once I put her in the wheelchair, you can see her joy

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=288535032110091 – another Diesel. He had FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy) and was paralyzed – look at him go. I have always loved this video.