Caring for an Elderly, Disabled, or Injured Pet

These are common stories that, at one time, often had very sad endings -- but not anymore. Advances in health care for pets, products for handicapped pets, and a general acceptance of a pet's role as a 'member of the family' has turned what was once a potential tragedy to a mere inconvenience.

Innovative products like the rear end support leash, the Walkabout Harness, the Belly Sling, dog leg splints, and dogkarts (or wheelchairs for dogs) offer the opportunity for a handicapped pet to enjoy many years of quality life and happiness.

The warning signs that you pet may be developing a handicap include:

• Your pet has been in an accident
• Inability to stand up without assistance
• Difficulty going up stairs, or getting into a car
• Difficulty walking or running, limping or whining
• Uncontrolled or accidental urination, urinating in bed
• Hesitancy to walk across a slippery wooden floor
• Unusual growths on any part of the pet's body
• Change in weight, eating habits, or temperament
• Weakness due to recovery from a medical procedure

Here's what to do if you observe any of these signs:

• See your veterinarian. As an animal health care professional, he or she may recognize the problem immediately and offer advice.
• Research the condition. To give the best support possible, become an expert yourself in the affliction. It is possible that in your research, you may find information that will be invaluable to you, your veterinarian, and of course, your pet.
• Get support. The Internet provides unlimited forums, mailing lists, and support groups about dealing with caring for handicapped pets. As a member of these groups you can get support, speak with people who have experienced your situation, and be of help to others.
• Get support. The Internet provides unlimited forums, mailing lists, and support groups about dealing with caring for handicapped pets. As a member of these groups you can get support, speak with people who have experienced your situation, and be of help to others.
• Some of the most popular Handicapped Pets support products are readily available in stores and through the internet. Many can be shipped overnight at reasonable cost.
• An important category of handicapped pet products provide support for the back end of the pet. This allows the dog to walk, get exercise, and play.

Rear End Support Leash

The Rear End Support Leash is a nylon strap with two large loops at the end. The loops go around the back legs of the dog and allow you to give support for the back end. With this, the caretaker is able to support some of the pet's weight. Neoprene comfort sleeves add padding under the dogs back legs. Typically, these cost between $40 and $50. One size fits almost all dogs.

Rear and Front Harness

Although this has the same effect as the rear end support leash, the Rear Harness is more like an article of clothing that the animal wears. This neoprene garment has leg-holes and wraps completely around the back end while allowing freedom for urinating and defecating. It stays in place with the help of Velcro and clips. Fit is important and the animal needs to be measured to determine the correct size. These cost between $40 and $70 and are available for both front and back.

Walkin' Support Sling

Many pet owners have used a towel under the animal's belly to help him stand, or give a little extra support. Although this does give a dog the necessary support, it can be uncomfortable for the caretaker to bend over to hold the ends of the towel. This fleece-lined belly sling is softer and has handles to help a person lift the pet without bending. These cost between $40 and $70 depending on size.

Dogkarts – Wheelchairs for Dogs.

Most dogkart owners attract a lot of attention when they walk down the street. It's quickly becoming commonplace, though, to see a happy dog in wheels running through the park, chasing a ball or playing with other dogs. A dog wheelchair uses wheels to support the back end of a handicapped dog while the healthy front legs provide the propulsion. Dogkarts are custom built based on careful measurements. Different models provide support in several ways and some research is required to choose the right cart for your animal. Carts come in rear, front, and quad support and can be used for any animal from a ferret to an Alpaca.

Other handicapped pets products solve the problems faced by caretakers on a daily basis. Most of these devices were invented by handicapped pet owners to help their own pets.

Leg Splints

Injuries to the lower limbs of small animals frequently need to be splinted or braced. Leg Splints are modeled after the human splints for lower leg, ankle and foot injuries. Dog splints are positioned behind the leg and the adjustable Velcro straps are placed over the front of the leg. A soft, pliable lining helps keep the animal comfortable. They cost between $45 and $70 depending on size.

Pet Boots

Pet boots have a wide range of uses including protection from road chemicals, preventing abrasions, mud control, and relief from hot pavement. Pet Boots are suitable for handicapped pets to keep them from sliding on hardwood floors, protecting wounds, and adding support for the foot. Prices range from $5 to $25 depending on size and quality.
 

Pet Diapers

It's not unusual for older or injured dogs to become incontinent. This causes a number of problems for both the dog and caretaker. Often an incontinent dog is no longer allowed in bed and is kept confined when left alone so as not to soil floors and furniture. A Pet Diaper solves this problem. Pet Diapers are available in washable and disposable form. Disposable Pet Diapers cost between $10 and $20 for a pack of 10 or 12.

Elderly, disabled, and handicapped pets around the country and around the world are living longer; enjoying happy and healthy lives with the help of products and services for Handicapped Pets and the love and care of their families.

Sites with Products for Handicapped Pets

HandicappedPets.com (All products for Elderly, Disabled, and Injured pets)
DogKarts.com (Carts and Wheelchairs)
BottumsUpLeash.com (Holds a dog up from the rear end)
SeniorPetSupply.com (Products for Elderly Pets)
PetDiapers.com (Disposable and Washable Dog Diapers)
PetBoots.com (Various brands of boots for pets)
K9Brace.com (Orthotics and Prosthetics for Animals)
HandicappedPets.Net (Pet Care Discussion Board)

Mark C. Robinson is the creator of HandicappedPets.com, a website for the caretakers of elderly, disabled, and injured pets. The website includes all the products, services, and support that a family needs. Mark is a noted speaker and an adviser to the board of directors of the National Cancer Society for Animals.