i need to know how to build a wheelchair for my dog?

Question

he is having his back leg amputated the day after tomorrow and the other one is diseased also and will have to be removed later. he is a toy breed. i found several web sites that sell them but they are too expensive since my vet bills are already topping $3,000. Can anyone help me with plans? have any of you made one?

Answer 1

There are several plans here> http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm
You might also ask your vet if they have one that someone has donated, as they often do. Also, if you have a community-minded animal shelter in your town, they often get donations of these as well. I would think a Yorkie would only need a small base, such as a modified skate board (wheels) to build on.
Here is another site with a simple pattern and a discussion group with more tips> http://www.instructables.com/id/EESY539XVAEP286I1T/
Another idea> http://www.funadvice.com/q/homemade_pet_wheelchair
Sources for used wheelchairs> http://www.handicappedpets.net/viewtopic.php?p=42168

This one is only $99, and seller has great feedback record> http://cgi.ebay.com/DOG-WHEELCHAIR-CART-CHIHUAHUA-CUSTOM-MADE_W0QQitemZ280092930699QQcategoryZ1283QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Oooops..I see some sing her praises, and 3 are not happy with theirs.

Answer 2

I know you want to make it yourself, but chances are even the materials will cost quite a bit, and it may not turn out right.

Have you checked eBay? Just type "dog wheelchair" and there are many very reasonably priced choices. The most reliable seems to be this one, with over 99% positive feedback: http://cgi.ebay.com/DOG-WHEELCHAIR-DACHSHUND-CORGI-TZU-PIN-YORKIE-APSO-PUG_W0QQitemZ300091492445QQcategoryZ1283QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm not affiliated with them, so I can't assure the quality of their product, but you might want to e-mail them and ask if they can make one for a dog without legs. The price is probably what you would pay for the materials to make a quality wheelchair yourself anyway, and it will most likely work better than one you make yourself as well, since they've been doing it for a while.

As for the answers above me, are you trying to say that people who can’t use their legs have no quality of life? A dog who is otherwise fine can enjoy a wonderful life if he has a patient and caring owner to take care of his modified needs. A dog in a wheelchair can do almost anything a dog with four perfect legs can, including run, play, and love life, just as people in wheelchairs can be as happy as you or I.

Answer 3

my aunt had a small dog who lost his walking abilitys to some kids throwing a rock at him, he was paralized. his name was nipper!!he was injured at 2 years old and lived to be 18 years old. he never walked again, and he wore a diaper in the house, he crawled around, helearned to to that on his own im sure your dog will as well . (depending what legs are being removed) im sure he will figure something out as humans do, This story i say was in the late 70s to 80s. on nipper. my aunt loved her dog to the end. he did not suffer but i can tell you my aunt did shefelt so sorry for nipper. its harder on the owener then it is on the dog once they learn how to get around. To kill a dog who is being free of pain , and can live a quality life just with out legs(could of been born this way as well) to me is selfish. i know i would hurt inside so much if i had the choice of putting my dog down or removing his legs to save him of pain or future damage. but i would SAVE my dogs pain and life, its to easy to kill or put a dog down as they call it. Love conquers and this man loves his dog. i credit him as many are to CHEAP to save their dog , and to me then they didnt love their pet as they promised when the owener got the dog. Good luck my friend and i hope all goes well , trust me he will be just fine. like i said my aunts dog could not walk either same as no leg or legs. try kijjjiii site as well.

Answer 4

Hi, you may want to take a look at this website http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm

I have no experience whatsoever with this sort of thing but I know how attached I get to my pets so I can understand what you must be going through.

Good luck

Answer 5

don't listen to those people who say kill your dog.....they must not know what it is to love a dog. he probably won't suffer any pain after hois legs are gone, since they are the problem, will he? i don't know how you can build a wheelchair, i wish i did. how can they use the bathroom if u use a skateboard....wowie...i wish you all the luck in the world

Answer 6

this website has them for under 500$ and the small ones are under 300$
http://www.wheelchairsfordogs.com/order_form.html
also this might help if you want to make it yourself
http://www.handicappedpets.com/gallery/ozocart/index.htm
http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm

Answer 7

OK, it's not my dog, and I'm trying not to be judgemental, but have you stopped to think what might really be best for it?? Dont keep the poor little thing alive for your sake, as they dont understand why they suffer.