For many of us, our dogs are family members. When dogs age or suffer injuries, they are given all the attention and medical care they need. Hip dysplasia, ligament injury, and arthritis are a few of the maladies that can affect dog mobility, turning normally active and energetic dogs into canines that need dog mobility aids. Fortunately, owners have a wide variety of dog mobility aids that will help canines regain some of their previous movement abilities.

Harnesses and slings are two types of common dog mobility devices that are often solid solutions for dogs that have trouble standing or that tire easily but have not yet lost all their mobility. These dog-walking aids often strap on around the hind legs and come with a leash that owners can gently lift in order to help the dog stand up; these are sometimes referred to as "rear support leashes". Harnesses and slings also come in models that fit around a dog's middle or its front legs, depending on where the dog needs the help. These harnesses are great aids for pet mobility and allow the dog to get the exercise he or she needs.

Another simple type of dog mobility device is the ramp. This dog mobility aid is as simple as it sounds; owners simply set up the ramp wherever a dog has trouble climbing stairs and allow the dog to walk up and down the ramp as needed. These dog mobility aids are perfect for helping older dogs navigate stairs, climb into the backseat of the car or SUV, and successfully make it up onto bed or a favorite couch beside the owner. 

Other dog walking aids for the partially mobile pet are boots and splints. Boots are a great pet mobility device for older or injured dogs that are unsure of their footing and need a little help gripping slippery surfaces. Dogs that drag their paws will also benefit, as will dogs with sensitive paws. Splints are good options for dogs that have lower limb injuries that are not serious enough to warrant a wheel chair or a cart. This dog mobility device gives support to affected legs without taking away a dog's mobility, sometimes allowing the paw to freely touch the ground.

Owners whose dogs have lost much of their mobility sometimes turn to dog wheelchairs--or dog carts, as they are sometimes called--in the hopes that these dog walking aids will restore mobility to their canines' lives. These wheelchairs are great for dogs with degenerative disc disorder because they help take the weight off of dogs' damaged parts. Those who are considering purchasing such a dog mobility device should understand how they work, how they attach to the dogs, and how they are used. Dog wheelchairs allow pets to run, play, and even swim again getting the exercise they need to live happy, healthy lives. There are various types of dog wheelchairs, and owners should do some research or consult their dogs' veterinarians before making a final decision about these pet mobility aids.

There are different types of dog wheelchairs available at different price ranges. Some dog wheelchairs come in generic sizes for small, medium, or large dogs. Dog wheelchairs chosen based on the dog’s weight are often poor-fitting (because weight is NOT an indicator of size). They also often require complex assembly. Older-style dog wheelchairs are custom made to fit the specific dog, require a number of detailed measurements, and are difficult to re-sell because the owner needs to find a dog of the same size. The new adjustable wheelchairs are the most popular because they can be adjusted to fit any size dog perfectly, can change as the dog’s health changes or grows, and are easy to re-adjust for use on other dogs. Most dog wheelchairs sold today are the Adjustable type.

By far the most popular is the Walkin' Wheels Adjustable Dog Wheelchair. This chair requires only a single simple measure to fit, and added features such as front leg support, mid-belly support, leg stirrups, and sport harnesses are available. This dog mobility device allows once immobile dogs to walk, do their business, and exercise again, saving dogs from spending their final years unable to move around. Owners interested in purchasing a Walkin' Wheels Adjustable Dog Wheelchair can order one online or through most veterinarians.

Dog walking aids are important for dogs that have lost their mobility mojo; just because a dog's body is old does not mean that the mind and drive to exercise have aged as well. Dog mobility is important to both canines and their owners, and these pet mobility aids will help both pets and owners regain a more active lifestyle. Whether a dog has arthritis, a ligament injury, or degenerative myelopathy, dog mobility aids can help canines overcome their handicaps in the same way that canes and wheelchairs can help humans maintain mobility in the face of aging and injury. Age and injury do not necessarily have to mean inactivity.