Dog wheelchairs and regular wheelchairs for human use are similar in terms of the function of it. Regular wheelchairs for people were created because they have lost the ability to use their lower legs. In a dog's case, dog wheelchairs can help dogs who have difficulty or can no longer support the rear portion of their body due to disease, accident, hip dysplasia, surgery, or old age.

Dog wheelchairs are an essential piece of equipment to enhance the lifestyle of your pet when injured and mobility is hindered. Without it, your K9 pal won't be able to live out their life to the fullest of their abilities with assistance from a dog wheelchair. However, in order to use the wheelchair, the dog must still have enough strength in their front legs to pull themselves.

Now that we have established what a dog wheelchair is, we can move on to exploring the different design types and cost of wheelchairs that are offered for dogs: Support Sling Dog Cart A Support Sling dog cart is assembled from lengths of sturdy tubing and connected with locknut-equipped bolts. A soft, gender-specific saddle support sling is worn by the animal and clips securely to the frame. Pets wear a comfortable harness that connects to the front of the wheelchair. The harness is put on the pet first, and then connected to the cart. Carts are available for dogs weighing up to 250 + pounds. The pricing for a Support Sling dog cart ranges from $220 - $450USD

Eddies Wheels Cart with a Fixed Saddle Eddies Carts feature a saddle that is custom fitted based on the pelvic bone structure of the dog. Lightweight aircraft aluminum frame is durable and sturdy. The brace at the back of the neck holds the dog's spine in proper alignment. Carts support the pet on its skeleton, not on the soft tissue of its legs, thereby preventing chafing and decubital ulcers. The dogs hind legs are lifted into the custom-fitted, welded saddle shaped based on the bone structure of the breed. The carts are available for dogs weighing up to 250+ pounds. Pricing for this design ranges from $295 - $445USD

K9 Dog Cart with Contouring Leg Rings A K9 Dog Cart is custom assembled for the animal with lightweight aluminum tubing and custom molded plastic connectors. Foam-encased cables support the animal's pelvis. Hinged supports allow the cart to be folded for easy transportation. Animals back legs are lifted into the contouring leg rings made of foam coated cables. A rear support leash or back harness can be used to help lift the dog. Carts are made for dogs weighing 275+ pounds. The price for this apparatus ranges from $275 - $550USD

These are the three main designs that are popularly used by many manufacturers fabricating wheelchairs for dogs. The reason why each design varies in price is due to the differentiating weight and size of each dog. If your dog is still growing, manufacturers will build your dog's wheelchair so that it can accommodate its growth. If this cannot be done, in most cases you can send the cart back to the manufacturer with a recent photo of your dog and they will build your dog a new wheelchair and a reduced cost. Manufacturers can also make front wheel dog carts or provide an extension to current rear wheel dog carts.

Dogs must be supervised when in their dog wheelchair because they can tip over or get a wheel hung up on something. Additionally, most dogs cannot lay down when they are in the cart. Some carts have this capability but usually only for short-legged dogs like corgis or dachshunds. Often times, dogs will prop themselves on a pillow. Dogs may also get tired if left in the cart too long. For the dog's safety and comfort, please never leave your dog unsupervised when in their dog wheelchair.