What do you do when your dog has trouble getting around? Watching your furry friend age is heartbreaking. I had a dog once who it seemed overnight was unable to walk up the stairs to our bedroom. She would plop herself at the bottom of the stairs. It was heartbreaking to watch. What can we do for our pets when they start to have trouble doing the things they used to be able to do?
My grandpa is 80 years old and his 20 pound Dachshund is having a hard time getting around anymore due to his bad back, which has reduced sensation in his hind legs, preventing him from jumping. As such, my grandpa needs help in figuring out ways to transport his dog around. We were looking into a dog stretcher, which he could lay in and then could be rolled around to wherever he needs to go, but we’re not sure if that would be the best option. Does anyone have any better ideas for this situation? Thank you so much for your assistance.
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What Do You Do When Your Dog Has Trouble Getting Around?
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Depending on the reason for the deterioration in activity, there are various avenues you could try. These include wheelchairs, stretchers and other accessories. There may also be medications that your vet can recommend to help put a little spring back into your dog’s step. We’re going to focus on the accessories for now.
As you read above, One of our readers came to us wanting help finding a solution for her grandfather’s 20 pound Dachshund who has a hard time getting around because of a bad back, which has also caused reduced sensation in his hind legs. Dachshunds are one of those breeds who really need to stay at a healthy weight. The distance between his legs is further than most, meaning the strain on his back is greater even with a little weight gain. I am not insinuating the dog in question is overweight. You have to take into consideration their length and height. Your vet can help determine this.
So if your dog is at a healthy weight and that is not what might be causing the deterioration, what else can you do? What about a wheelchair or a stretcher?
Wheelchair
I am sure you have seen a dog or two in your lifetime use one of these. The idea is similar to a wheelchair for a human; immobilize the limbs that have trouble working or can not work, and use the strong, healthy ones. The hind legs would sit in the ‘chair’ and the dog would use his front legs to get around, with the ‘chair’ behind him. I am sure it will be an adjustment at first! He will probably give you a bunch of looks like, ‘What is this thing attached to me and why can’t I shake it off?’ But eventually, he will be happy to be able to move around again!
Stretcher
I was unaware that pet stretchers were a thing. I am not sure this would be the best option for the situation we discussed above. With a stretcher, your dog would lay inside (think cot with an attached blanket). He would be strapped down so he doesn’t move and get hurt while you are pulling it. And that is it, you pull it. So where ever your dog needs to go, you strap him in and pull him.
The decision is totally and completely up to you, the dog owner. No one knows your reasons for needing to look into options for assisting your pet to get around than you do. It is nice to know you have options! Whatever you decide, I am sure your pooch will show you how appreciated he is to be able to move around again, or from one place to another. Even if it is to help him get outside and get some fresh air a little easier than it is now.
