Questions about Doggie carts(wheelchairs)
 

Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone has ever tried to build a wheel chair for a dog before? This is something I am going to attempt this weekend. I have gone to all the websites and there is only 3 that can make the front wheeled carts. Eddie's wheels , doggon carts and there is one more. I went to handicappedcarts for help and they helped out a lot. I got instructions on how to make a cart from there. But I would love to be able to talk to someone that has made a front wheeled cart or if they have one if I could see a pic of it. I called someone in Texas last night the makes carts out of PVC pipe, but she can't make a front wheeled cart.
I know there is some creative people on this site so please any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I am trying to make a care for Babybear. The little one that broke his neck. Well he is trying to stand with his hind legs when I pick him up. I let him stand for a few minutes. We have gotten up to 5 minutes. YAHOO. But I called the vet and he said it was time for a cart, because Babybear will start moving forward if he can stay there a little while. I would like him to work his front legs too. So the cart would be great for him.
Thank you for listening and thank you for your help always.
Val and Babybear
The reason I would like to make my own cart is because the price of the carts are outragous. Over 400.00 and I have heard some testimony that some dogs only need there carts for a short time. And they don't lease or rent front wheeled carts. They have to be specially made to the one dog and the one dog only.
Sorry I posted this on My Yorkie thread also. Please forgive me.:confused:

I don't have any experience making a cart - but I wanted to say that we got a rear wheeled cart for my mom's doxy when he had back problems. It really helped to keep him up and around. And you are right, we paid about $300 for it and he only used it about 2 months.

Good luck!!!!

I was looking at handicappedpets.com to see what you were talking about and thought a sling might be a low cost way to support your little dog and help him gain strength in his front legs. No need to excuse yourself for posting in this category. More people read this section than any other and this is very important. I hope you are able to find something to help him.

Here is a front-wheel cart:

http://www.eddieswheels.com/html/front_wheel_carts.html

and look at this:

http://www.dogkarts.com/

Perhaps this will give you some ideas.:)

This page discusses homemade carts:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/HomemadeCarts.htm

Since they are sometimes needed for only a short time, is there a possibility that someone rents them. If not, wouldn't that be a wonderful service for someone to do. Maybe some nice retired peron that is handy with tools ? I am absolutely no help but sure wish you the best.

I remember reading an article a long time ago about someone who had an injured dog that was partially paralyzed that they couldn't keep and their vet took him home with her. She used massage therapy and a whirlpool. Water is a great therapy for handicapped pets as well as massage therapy. Anyway, to make a long story short, the dog recovered and lived happily on the vet's farm and was able to run and enjoy life. Here are some articles that might help in your little one's recovery:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/index.htm

Thank you for the help. These sights I have been on and i have found other sights also. I have pictures of these so I can try and make one on my own.
And handicappedpets does sell ones that have been used and they lease them for 15 dollars a month, but front wheeled carts need to be measured and made for just that one furbaby. So this is why I am having a hard time finding one to make. Not very many furbabies need a front wheeled cart. The rear wheeled ones are the most popular.
Again thank you all for your help. And if anyone else has anything to add please do not hasitate.
Val

Thank you for the help. These sights I have been on and i have found other sights also. I have pictures of these so I can try and make one on my own.
And handicappedpets does sell ones that have been used and they lease them for 15 dollars a month, but front wheeled carts need to be measured and made for just that one furbaby. So this is why I am having a hard time finding one to make. Not very many furbabies need a front wheeled cart. The rear wheeled ones are the most popular.
Again thank you all for your help. And if anyone else has anything to add please do not hasitate.
Val
PS. I do water therapy and physical therapy on Babybear and have him set up for accutpuncuter to start next week. He has water therapy three times a week and I do physical therapy on him every 6 hours.

I just realized I missed you stating you had been on those sites. I'm tired. It just didn't soak in!:D Anyway, why not go ahead and ask the site that will send you a measurement chart to send you one. I don't think it obligates you in any way to get that?