Using A Dog Ramp to Get A Dog In And Out Of A Car
August 20, 2009
When you need some assistance to get a dog in and out of a car, a dog ramp is a great solution, especially if the vehicle has a rear-entry door. But, don’t just use any old board or piece of wood. Make sure you use a special-purpose dog ramp that will support your dog’s weight as he goes up and down the ramp.
Sturdy Dog Ramp
When purchasing a dog ramp, make sure the ramp specifies how much weight it will hold when it is fully extended. You want to be certain the ramp will hold your dog’s weight, with some room to spare, when you dog is standing in the middle of the ramp. This will be the maximum flex point of the ramp and you want to sure it will not bow, dip, or sway which could spook your dog or even cause you dog to jump off if the dog ramp moves noticeably. Read more
How And When To Use A Dog Ramp For Going Down Stairs
August 19, 2009
Generally speaking, a dog ramp would not be used to help a dog down an entire flight of stairs. However, when assisting your dog in getting down a couple of steps a ramp may be very helpful and could prevent you or your dog taking a nasty tumble down the steps.
When To Use A Dog Ramp
When helping your dog down two or three steps from a front door or a back porch to the ground level, a ramp which is longer than the total distance of your steps from top to bottom can help you get your dog safely down a few steps. A special type of ramp that either folds or “telescopes” are designed to extend and create a longer surface on which your dog can walk. Read more
How I Get My Beagle To Go Down Steps SLOWLY!
August 14, 2009
Even though your dog may be getting older or recovering from an injury, he or she may think they can still run like the wind. As guardians, we have to prevent them from injuring themselves…especially when it comes to going down a flight of steps. I have some tips for you.
Special Technique
I use a special technique to coax my 13 year dog safely down a flight of steps after he badly sprained his neck a few years ago. Fortunately, he did not break any bones, but the sprain was bad enough that I had to keep him away from steps for several weeks. Ralphie is part beagle and part Labrador. Read more
Practical Home Plan Layout To Help Your Older Dogs
September 9, 2010
As vet care improves it seems that many of us have dogs that are living longer lives. But we can’t stop our dogs from aging and experiencing some common health problems. Mobility problems are a big issue for elderly dogs. Thoracolumbar Disc Degenerative Disease, Degenerative Myelopathy, arthritis, luxating patellas and other problems can cause dogs to have difficulties with walking. Having a home plan for your older injured dog can be a big help for both you and your dog.
Dogs On Wheels!
If your dog has serious mobility problems and you are currently having to carry him or her you may want to think about a wheelchair or cart for your dog. Many people improve mobility for senior and disabled dogs with carts and wheelchairs. Manufacturers make these products for dogs and you can even have them custom designed for your dog to make sure the device is a comfortable fit. Not only do they help give your dog back his mobility but they also restore much of his quality of life.
DIY
If you or a member of your family is handy then you can find designs and instructions online for building a cart for your dog yourself. You can buy the necessary parts at most large hardware stores. For DIY (Do-It-Yourself) people, these carts are not hard to make at all and you can personally tailor them to your dog’s needs.
If your dog still has front end strength through his shoulders and front legs, then he could very well be able to maneuver in a dog cart or wheelchair. It’s often a dog’s rear legs that become weakened and need support as he ages. So, consider the cart or wheelchair for your aging dog, especially if he is trying to get around in a home with one level.
Slings
If you are trying to help a large dog get around in a home with stairs then you may wish to consider using a sling or harness to help him with his rear legs. There are several good designs that you can use to help your dog use his rear legs walking up stairs. They generally fit over his hips and you can help lift from up above as he moves his legs slightly. If he’s unable to move his rear legs at all then you may want to consider a harness that connects to a dog wheelchair so you can move your senior or disabled dog by lifting the wheelchair up the stairs.
For other dogs who are unable to use their legs, you can use a sling that attaches around your dog’s ribs and allows you to safely lift your dog.
Supporting Your Dog’s Elimination Needs
If you are trying to take a large senior dog outside to relieve himself you may need help. If you are alone and it’s hard for you to manage your elderly dog, consider some disposable pet diapers for your dog.
Companies make these diapers in very large sizes and they come in both biodegradable and washable versions. They can really help when you are trying to care for a larger older injured dog. For clean-up you can use waterless shampoo since your dog may need frequent bathing.
Summary
It’s a good idea to have a home plan for your older injured dog. A home plan can consist of ways to help your dog with his mobility issues and ideas for caring for his potty needs when he can’t take himself outdoors.
Helping your elderly dog who has mobility issues can be very challenging, especially if you have a large dog. In some cases it may take more than one person to help, especially if you are trying to take your dog up or down stairs. Please do ask for help if you need it rather than risk a fall with your dog. If you are alone and trying to manage a large dog you may need to make other arrangements instead of taking a dog up or down stairs.