A Dog’s Support: 7 Types of Walking Aid Accessories for Dogs

Paralysis in dogs is a severe problem which could be caused by many reasons, such as spinal injury, genetic disorders, injuries caused by accidents, and many more. For many pet owners, it is a huge heartbreak seeing their pets not able to walk again.

The legs of the dog’s body are the most affected area, and the burden of not being able to walk again is most likely traumatizing for every dog. Therefore, several walking aid accessories were invented to assist those dogs that are unfortunately unable to walk again.

These walking aid accessories will give these dogs the feeling of becoming independent again. Now, if you’re up to know more about a few of these accessories, take a read.

Full Support Wheelchair
When we talk about accessories for walking aids, there are many wheelchair options for dogs that will surely help to keep their balance to walk again. One of these accessories is the full dog wheelchair that comfortably supports your dog and does not put pressure on the shoulders or front legs.

To remain active and retain their movement, dogs need a device with full-body support. Hence, a wheelchair with four wheels will be helpful in supporting the front and back weight of your dog. You can also adjust its tightness, making it easier to use than traditional wheelchairs for pets.

Rear Wheelchair
Unlike the full support wheelchair that offers full-body assistance to dogs, this rear wheelchair only offers assistance for dogs with lower back or rear leg problems. The rear wheelchair is positioned at the back of the dog’s body, where two wheels support the dog’s rear. It gives aid by enabling your dog to stand straight and get the workout they needed.

Using this type of wheelchair will help dogs who can’t still lift their rear or back legs. Also, keep in mind that there are different types of wheelchairs for dogs with different specifications and use. It’s always a good thing when you know what type of accessories best fit your dog’s needs.

Body-Covered Lift Harness
A lifting harness is a sling that attaches a long handle throughout your dog’s body. It is crafted to enable you to raise your dog while entirely holding the chest and stomach. This accessory will give you a way to assist your movement-limited dog just by softly lifting on the handle. It will help the dogs move around without them feeling the heaviness of their body.

The padding is quilted from the braces to the entire structure of the harness to provide proper stability. However, note that some lift harnesses are made entirely of lightweight materials. Still, a few have hardened handles, and other parts might be appropriate to lift a heavier dog. Therefore, when picking a suitable lift harness size, consider your dog’s weight.

Lift Rear Harness
There are times when your dog can’t always rely on the comfort provided by an entire body-covered lift harness. That’s why the lift rear harness was created solely to help dogs with back issues. This harness is designed to secure only the back legs of your dog. By doing this, their walking difficulties can gradually improve.

The exterior part of the harness is made from sturdy fabric. For optimum comfort, the interior is filled with lightweight fleece. Since it will be placed at the dog’s back, it would still allow the dog to urinate or excrete when wearing the collar. It is very convenient and isn’t troublesome to use.

Scooter
Unfortunately, if your beloved dogs have lost two of their back legs and the front legs are the only ones functioning, the best walking aid accessories that can support them are scooters. For comfort and longevity, the scooter base is filled with cell foam padding. It is made out of a light and comfortable coat that lines the dog’s chest and neck sections.

The dog will be sitting on the scooter, and with the help of the scooter’s rollerballs, the dog can comfortably glide in any direction with a continuous smooth motion since it was designed for quick movement. However, rollerballs are not too helpful with outdoor activities. That’s why it’s only decent for indoor walking exercise.

Amputee Leg Ring Cover
An amputee leg ring cover is used with wheelchairs, so dogs with leg disabilities can use their wheels properly. This can help improve the dog’s comfort while being bound to the wheelchair. By covering the leg ring, this will make your pet more relaxed while moving around.

Usually, it is composed of lightweight material because it will serve as the cover of the legs. Since it’s made of soft materials, it can be easily cleaned and dried, which can be a good thing. Lastly, bear in mind that leg ring covers come in various sizes to make sure it fits different dog sizes.

Leg Braces
If dogs are in a bad state, such as having an injury, these dog leg braces offer protection and stability. It helps to alleviate joint pain and swelling and help them walk more steadily. It is a compression brace made of materials that provide comfort and protection to the dog’s legs without compromising flexibility.

It also helps dogs recover from trauma and any joint problems and can be used as a prevention method for aged dogs that are more at risk of injury. Note that when one of the dog’s legs is injured, the other leg will eventually follow suit since the disability can create an imbalance that can affect the dog’s movements. Therefore, leg braces are vital during this time to lessen the dog’s burden when walking.

Takeaway
Dogs are valuable companions of every pet owner. Therefore, when they need additional support, do not hesitate to give them appropriate assistance, especially in walking problems.

Regardless of any leg problems like arthritis, fatigue, joint injury, damage caused by accidents, or struggling to walk because of age, you should know how to take care of your dog and provide them the care they need. Walking aid accessories are made to give them comfort and help them recover their sense of being independent.

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