Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Getting Your Dog Ready For Wheelchair Use

By Alma Hnanguie


Your decision has been made and your purchase is on the way. A dog cart is your chosen solution to address your dog's mobility concerns. What's next?

It's not that you have done research, found a solution and bought the equipment that you only have to do minor assembly and that's all there is to it. Getting your dog familiarized with his new support for mobility may not be as simple as you expected. Although incredibly resistant pets are not that common, there were cases where dogs simply refuse to get on carts for dogs. This unfortunate condition not only brings you extra expenses but will also leave your pet no chance to get around.

As things are with humans, so it probably is with our dogs. People with disabilities have to learn about the tools they use, often in lots of small doses. So as not to put off our pets from using their own mobility aids, they have to be introduced to them gradually. Dog carts don't seem to have shortcuts.

A good thing to do when your pet's cart arrives is to get assistance from your veterinarian for proper adjustment of the assorted parts and to learn how to get your dog in it. This measure will bolster your confidence-something your canine companion is sure to pick up.

Once you're done with acquainting yourself with the dog cart, it's time to focus on getting your dog comfortable with it and in it. Initially, you may strap your dog for only short periods of time. This is the way for them to get used to it. Practice gradually coming up to longer periods. Not only will your pets get used to to getting in and out of dog carts, their bodies, particularly the skin next to the harness will also slowly build a tolerance to the contact instead of being rubbed raw by friction in one long exposure. Get some lotion (veterinarian prescribed) on hand in case their skin gets irritated.

Despite all the preparation and precautions, getting your pet into a dog cart may still pose some challenges. Just remember that positive reinforcement can go a long way for our beloved dogs. A praise or two, or an occasional treat whenever they get on their carts for dogs will send the right message.




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