Posted by Dennis D
For large pets and small pets, check this out.

For large pets:
I just got back from a large hardware store (Home Depot) where I examined alot of fittings and connectors (for connecting frame components of carts in various materials from electrical conduit, plastics, 1/2 inch copper water pipe or a mixture of these.

The best I think is the 1/2 inch copper water pipe, BECAUSE, there is such a wide assortment of connectors and fittings, moreso than in plastics or electric conduit, and they are easily and quickly assembled and soldered with a small hand held propane torch. They are also inexpensive First I looked at electrical conduit connectors. These are interesting, but limited in terms of versatility. Plastic fittings are also more limited than copper, as well as being more bulky (Copper is stronger for it's size).

Homemade do it yourself wheels for a dog ot cat or other pet

A dog cart, or wheelchair for pets can offer a handicapped dog years of joy and freedom. Professionally made dog carts are a significant investment, often costing $300.00 - $500.00. Many of us choose to build our own. This section of our website is devoted to ideas, plans, and experiences around home made carts. We hope you'll add yours.

 

Check out our classifieds sections to buy and sell used carts or our message board to discuss carts. http://www.Handicappedpets.com/class

 

Posted by Dennis D
For large pets and small pets, check this out.

For large pets:
I just got back from a large hardware store (Home Depot) where I examined alot of fittings and connectors (for connecting frame components of carts in various materials from electrical conduit, plastics, 1/2 inch copper water pipe or a mixture of these.

The best I think is the 1/2 inch copper water pipe, BECAUSE, there is such a wide assortment of connectors and fittings, moreso than in plastics or electric conduit, and they are easily and quickly assembled and soldered with a small hand held propane torch. They are also inexpensive First I looked at electrical conduit connectors. These are interesting, but limited in terms of versatility. Plastic fittings are also more limited than copper, as well as being more bulky (Copper is stronger for it's size).
Thick wall copper could be useds for very large dogs and thin wall could be used for medium dogs up to say 45 lbs. or maybe as high as 75 lbs. I think that there is 3/8 copper and even smaller, as I saw connectors for it, so one could combine different sizes depending upon strength requirement

If I had it to do over again I would use copper waterline and connectors to assemble a quick cart. Reason being it would be a fast and simple way to do it. I MAY just convert to copper tomorrow if my hodge-podge of materials doesn't work out tonight. (I am using grey plastic garden hose connectors ('T's and 90 deg. connectors which I will epoxy into the inside of the aluminum tubing back-pack frame I have.

Incidently I found a particular human back brace (oart paded with rigid supports sewn in and part elastic) with straps and buckles that I put on my black Lab tonight as he is down and in some pain. I semmed to fit perfectly and I used this as full body lifting harness and it works better than anything I have yet tried! I was able to support him well and he was moving all fours and was able to support 1/2 to 3/4 of his front weight. (I also have a regular dog harness on the front and this helped getting him up the stairs and into the house.) It tended to slide slightly toward the rear after awhile I think I will get him going again with some work.

All day today he couldn't move and has tried to bite me a few times in the past few days when trying to help him which tells me he is in some pain. [possibly from an inadequate simple rear support harness I tried to use, which worked, but when it slipped forward it wanted to pull his rear leg forward (not good) this rear harness is a VERY IMPORTANT ELEMENT because you don't want to move those hip joints wrong or in an unnatural or uncomfortable way. In my opinion this is the most important part of the cart, or for just a rear support harness.

The human back brace harness worked VERY WELL. I got in in a thrift store priced at $1.99, but was reduced to 10 cents.

Now HERE IS THE FUN ONE!!

Little Pets! Auto mechanics, you will love this one!

Steel Brake Lines!!! They come in assorted lengths, are only approx 1/4 inch diameter (different diameters available) are quite sturdy, AND they can be bent and formed with a simple brake-line tubing bender, (not expensive) and there are connectors for them EVEN 'T's!
The Tee's are used to tee off from the brake line near the master cylinder for hydraulic trailer brake systems. That's the application where the 'T's are used.

Brake lines are flared at the ends and connected with brass flare connectors. (flairing tools ar very inexpensive- many available for less than $10.00 They even have 'repair' connectors that don't require a flares but as I recall they are a little bigger (more bulky) and probably more expensive.

If you know how; brake lines can be brazed or welded so they can be fabricated to any design. If I do it I will weld or braze most parts and only use a couple of connectors (if needed) to be able to take it apart.

Well that's my input from today. AND thank you all for being an inspiration.

These little critter carts (like kitties) would be fun to make, don't you guys think so? (might get tired of it if I had to do it day in and day out though).

Well LET"S SEE, maybe If we could draw up some plans so people could make their own at home. (?)

Thanks again,

Dennis in Seattle

 

Discussion in our Help and Advice area about a homemade cart

http://handicappedpet.net/help/viewtopic.php?p=53633#53633