Pets with Disabilities: How Dog Strollers Can Help
Anyone who has witnessed their pet suffer through a disability knows the tremendous toll a physical limitation can take on the animal and its owner. There are a wide variety of ailments that can strike a pet in the course of his or her life. Some conditions are temporary, such as broken bones, sprains, or areas that are tender from surgery or injury, but many conditions persist through their entire life. Every year, millions of animals are born with such congenital birth defects as missing limbs, cognitive disorders that affect coordination, chronic arthritis, and neurological diseases that can cause paralysis. Other animals are born healthy but fall victim to accidents that compromise their mobility.
No matter what the cause of a disabled animal’s condition, caring for an immobile pet can seem like an insurmountable challenge. The good news? With today’s innovative pet products, caring for a physically challenged animal has become much more manageable.
One of the most innovative products to emerge in the pet care industry in recent years, the dog stroller has drastically improved the day-to-day living conditions of disabled animals. Once regarded as a frivolous luxury, dog strollers are slowly becoming common conveyances for transporting physically challenged canines.
There are a myriad of ways in which dog strollers can be utilized to enhance the lives of immobilized pets:
· Daily Walks: Too often, disabled dogs are incapacitated in homes, kennels, or cages. Many owners operate under the misconception that because their physically challenged pets are incapable of exercise, they don’t need to be taken on regular walks. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. An animal that is kept in one location for long periods of time can become despondent and passive, which can indirectly make their condition worse. A pet stroller makes it easy and enjoyable to take your disabled animal on daily walks. Not only will these regular outings expose your pet to fresh air and changing scenery, they’ll help to reinforce his status as a treasured member of the family. After beginning regular dog stroller walks, you’ll likely notice a boost in your pet’s mood and spirit.
· Wheelchair Supplements: Modern innovations in pet mobility aids have made it possible for some maimed or incapacitated dogs and other pets to get around with specially designed wheelchairs. Although pet wheelchairs serve an indispensable need in facilitating exercise for disabled animals, there will invariably be times when the animal tires out or is unable to use the wheelchair at any given time. In this situation, a dog stroller provides a reliable backup method of transport.
· Obese Pets: For dogs who are limited by severe weight problems, a dog stroller can provide the necessary respite needed during exercise sessions. If an obese pet tires out in the middle of a walk through the park, a pet stroller can be used to transport the animal for the remainder of the route.
· Vet Trips: Disabled animals are often required to make frequent trips to the veterinarian’s office for checkups, surgeries, and medications. For larger animals who can’t be easily held or placed in a pet carrier, a dog stroller serves an indispensable function in conveying the animal between your home, the car, and the vet’s office.
· Travel: One of the biggest complaints among owners of disabled animals is that they don’t get the opportunity to travel. An incapacitated animal does require a large amount of extra attention and maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t expose him to the same experiences as you would a fully mobile pet. With a dog stroller, you can easily convey your physically challenged animal to new and exciting locations.
Vision- and Hearing-Impaired Pets
There are some disabilities that don’t necessarily impact a pet’s mobility, but can still be assisted by dog strollers. For animals that have lost or were born without their sense of sight, a simple stroll through the park can be a dangerous and scary proposition. It’s important to help vision-impaired dogs become acclimated to familiar areas as a way of building their confidence and sharpening their other senses, but it’s a smart idea to have a backup tool for times when they may become skittish, such as in heavily trafficked venues. Dog strollers help to mitigate a blind animal’s vulnerability to accidents and precarious situations.
Hearing-impaired dogs face many of the same challenges as blind dogs. Without the ability to detect everyday noises, such as sirens, oncoming cars, other dogs’ barking, and your voice, it’s more difficult for them to remain aware of potential hazards. A pet stroller can be a useful tool when transporting deaf animals through crowded areas.
Choosing the Right Dog Stroller
There are a variety of different brands and styles of pet strollers on the market. When shopping for a dog stroller for your disabled animal, try to choose one with a design that’s tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
· One of the most important considerations when choosing a dog stroller is the weight of your animal, especially critical when obesity is an issue. Be sure to check the stroller’s weight capacity to ensure that it can support your pet.
· Choose a dog stroller that’s made from low-maintenance, quick-drying materials, such as mesh or poly-cotton. Not only will these provide the necessary ventilation to keep your pet cool and comfortable, they’re also easy to clean—a crucial factor when transporting an incontinent animal.
· For dogs recovering from an injury or surgery, even the smallest bumps on the road can cause discomfort. Choose a dog stroller that’s equipped with shock absorbers to ensure a smooth, jostle-free ride for your ailing pet.
· If you need to transport two disabled animals, there are a variety of “double decker” strollers that convey a pair at a time. Many models offer detachable cabins that easily separate from the stroller and double as efficient pet carriers. For the ultimate in versatility, some pet strollers function as three-in-one multi-taskers, converting from a stroller to a pet carrier to a pet car seat.
An injured or incapacitated pet doesn’t have to be restricted to one room or even one yard. With the right tools, it’s possible for a disabled animal to live a full, rewarding life, enjoying many of the same sights and experiences as their fully mobile counterparts.
