Features
- Adjustable, lightweight, high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum frame.
Adjustable in length and height, allowing you to achieve the correct amount of weight distribution on the rear legs. This height adjustment allows you to use the wheelchair in a “walking position” or with the rear legs supported in leg slings.
High-strength tubular aluminum has ultimate tensile strength and resistance to corrosion.
- Durable, pneumatic (air-filled) tires with high precision bearings. This means a smooth, comfortable ride for your dog. (12″ wheels and larger)
High precision bearings are waterproof and roll three times smoother than a standard bearing.
Although not air-filled, 8″ wheel and smaller are comprised of a soft roll rubber, with the feel and action of an air-filled tire, without the hassle of tube replacement.
- Custom sewn, hybrid rear support sling
The most important component of a dog wheelchair. Click here for more information on fabrication of the hybrid support sling
Support slings are custom built to fit your dog’s specific build. Support slings are gender-specific, allowing for easy elimination.
Detachable rear support sling comes with handles, giving you an additional hand-held support sling for quick trips in the car. (for dogs 80 lb and up)
Rear Support Wheelchair comes with front harness, rear support sling, and two leg stirrups
For dogs with degenerative diseases, the Rear Support Wheelchair can be converted to a Full Support Wheelchair with addition of a Front End Extension ( call for details)
FAQ’s
Q. How do I know if my dog is a candidate for a Rear Support wheelchair?
A. If your dog is in overall good health, but having trouble walking, than he or she is a good candidate for a wheelchair. We can determine which design is best after evaluating your dog’s front and rear leg strength. See Evaluate Your Dog
Q. I’m not sure whether my dog is a candidate for a Rear Support Wheelchair, or needs a Full Support Wheelchair.
A. We strongly recommend that you make an honest assessment of your dog’s front leg strength. When you evaluate your dog, and perform a “towel test”, you will look for signs of weakness in the front legs. These include knuckling, or stumbling on the front legs. Also short choppy steps are signs of weakness. Being able to drag him/herself along the floor is not an indication of good front leg strength. Please call us to discuss the option of a full support wheelchair if you see any of these signs.
Q. Do most dogs adapt to wheelchairs?
A. Yes. And most dogs adapt fairly quickly. For dogs that aren’t quite sure or seem fearful, we recommend taking a slow approach and allow your dog to simply check out the new wheelchair for a few days by placing it next to the food bowl, and using just the support saddle without the chair to help him or her get used to having something supporting them.
Q. How long does it take for a dog to adapt to a wheelchair?
A. It can take anywhere from two minutes to two weeks for a dog to adapt to a wheelchair.
I like to give tips to owners to help their dog adapt to his or her wheelchair. Here are a few:
- Treats help of course, but keep it to a minimum if it takes longer than a few days to get your dog moving. Little dogs like Dachshunds and Corgies can gain weight quickly, which can lead to more injury.
- Take your dog to his or her favorite dog park or favorite play area. Other dogs and toys can be a great distraction from this weird object that is now part of their body!
- Keep trying! One of our clients, although a young dog, took almost two months to adapt to his wheelchair. He is now happy and confident and uses his wheelchair on a daily basis. Read Bean’s story here.
In addition, if your dog has been inactive for a long period of time (longer than a couple weeks, you will want to introduce a wheelchair to him or her slowly. An older dog aims to please, and can become overstrained easily. Start with ten minutes at a time, a few times a day, and work up from there.
Q. How do I get my dog in a Ruff Rollin’ Wheelchair?
A. Follow this link to view a video of a us putting a large dog in a Ruff Rollin’ Wheelchair. VIDEOS
Q. Will a dog wheelchair work for my older dog?
A. There is no straight answer to this question, as every dog has a different disposition, in a different health state, and at different levels of strength and motivation.
However, thousands of dogs are living quality lives all around the world in dog wheelchairs. Fortunately, for you and your dog, we will refund you 80% of your money if you decide that our dog wheelchair is not a good choice for your dog. Return Policy. With that said, we have a less than 1% return rate on our wheelchairs, usually due to a dog’s passing before they can use the wheelchair within the 20 day trial period. So we are very confident to say that a dog wheelchair is a good choice for any dog that fits a proper evaluation.
You and your older dog can still have fun together and share many more memories with the help of a dog wheelchair. As a matter of fact, over 60% of our clients are over the age of 8. Older dogs need exercise as much or more as a younger dog. A dog wheelchair can help keep muscles toned, keep his or her body trim, and his or her joints protected.
If you want a little more time, perhaps years, with your older dog that has a condition that requires a wheelchair, the Ruff Rollin’ design will give you that chance. The Ruff Rollin’ wheelchair has given many dogs a new lease on life, a higher quality of life, and has even helped dogs come back to walking after all hope had gone. She is an 11 year old Rottweiler that was diagnosed with Spondylosis. After her pain was managed, she was placed in a wheelchair, and six months later, no longer needs the wheelchair.
Q. Can my dog urinate and defecate while in the wheelchair?
A. Yes, as long as the wheelchair and support system are fitting properly. Your dog will not be able to “squat” in the chair, but will be content simply being able to relieve him or herself standing up.
Q. Can my dog lay down in the wheelchair?
A. Yes and No. Smaller, shorter breeds have a much easier time laying down of course, and larger breeds with strong front legs have been known to lie down in their wheelchairs. However, when your dog is tired, we strongly recommend taking them out of the wheelchair for rest.
Q. Can a doggie wheelchair be used indoors?
A. It depends on the size of your dog, the size of your house, etc…With the exception of large breeds such as Mastiffs, Great Danes, etc. all of our wheelchairs will fit through a standard size door. We recommend that you do not use the wheelchair indoors with the larger breeds because of the possibility of damage to your walls and furniture.
Q. Can my dog go safely up and down steps in the wheelchair?
A. Going down a step or curb is generally not an issue. Getting up a step or curb depends on the strength of the dog. Going up or down multiple steps or stairs will require some assistance on your part to prevent injury to your dog.
Q. How long can my dog stay in the wheelchair?
A. This often depends on the age and overall stamina of the dog. It’s safe to say anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Start out with shorter periods of time as often throughout the day as your schedule permits. PLEASE DO NOT leave your dog in his or her wheelchair unattended for any length of time. In other words, if you’re at work or place of business, your dog should NOT be left in the wheelchair alone.
Donna Koch –
Once we got the harnesses adjusted and both my dog and I were used to working with the chair (a few days), it was an incredible godsend! It gave him the best quality of life possible with his progressive rear neuropathy, and it gave us many months of good time together. Lynnzie was responsive and very helpful to ensure we had the right harness, the right adjustments, best wheel size, and soon we were off and running! My Willie was 20 years old, and adapted fairly quickly. The equipment is of great quality, very lightweight, but strong. The best!