Handicapped Pets - We can care for them.
When a family member is injured or grows older, the amount of extra care they need changes. Fortunately, advances in medicine and assistive devices help us care for them and make them more comfortable. This holds true when our family includes pets. The deep, loving bond that is created when we choose to care for them evokes lasting warmth.
For some, the process begins with an accident or injury. For others it’s just a slow awareness that stairs are more difficult and leaping into the backseat of a car is nearly impossible. Sometimes it’s a rescue mission and sometimes it happens with no apparent reason at all. But however your best friend becomes handicapped, you’ll need help.
Veterinarians are always the first place to look, but they are by no means the last. A vet has access to the resources needed to understand what has happened and can give you perspective. But only you can gauge your own personal level of commitment. As the animal’s guardian, it is up to you to look into your heart and their eyes and make choices based on what you see and feel.
For me, it began with a pup named Mercedes who left before her time because I didn't know any better. That's why I created Handicapped Pets - for elderly dogs, disabled pets, and injured animals.
The first thing you need to understand is that you’re not alone!
You’re not alone. Thousands of people are successfully caring for Handicapped Pets in innovative and highly successful ways. You'll need products, services, and support from other handicapped pet caretakers. Hundreds of helpful products have been developed especially for Handicapped Pets.
- Dog Wheelchairs and carts to help them walk.
- Harnesses let you help them with handles on the rear
of the dog to offer a little extra support.
- Dog
Boots to keep their tender paws and keep them clean.
- Pets
Beds especially designed for incontinent dog to keep them dry ehrn they
are asleep.
- Dog Diapers - Disposable and washable for places where
accidents can't be allowed to happen (like in bed).
- Back and hip Brace for dogs to help them say active.
- Seat belt for a dog to protect not only the dog, but
also passengers. Accidents can be avoided with a pet restraint.
(Stephen King was hit by car in which a jumping dog distracted the
driver!)
Research,
Research, Research.
Once your pet
is diagnosed, learn everything you can about the disease or condition, the
drugs prescribed, and the solutions that are available. Rimadyl, for example is
a drug used for arthritis in dogs. Some believe it is a miracle cure, others
consider it poison and point to hundreds of homeopathic alternatives. In any
case, making an informed decision is critical. The internet provides hundreds
of sites that have information, discussion groups, support groups, and research
groups to assist you.
The
discussion board at HandicappedPets.com has over 15,000 messages that
people have left for one another asking questions, offering advices, a just
cheering one another along. It's an easy discussion board -- anyone can post
messages.
Recently, I was sent a story about a dog that was thought to be near the end of her life. She would tremble as she walked or refuse to stand up at all. Based on a suggestion on the HandicappedPets.com website, the guardian of the animal scattered small rugs across the hardwood floors. Suddenly the dog was free of what was then understood to be a fear of slipping on the slick floors and was able to walk effortlessly.
Sometimes, the stories are so weet and encouraging that we post them in our Gallery. Our Gallery is the place to go for inspiration -- to get a glimpse into how rewarding it can be to care for an animal that needs you.
HandicappedPets.com
was designed as a comprehensive resource to provide the products and
information that a caretaker needs. Fortunately, as human medical innovations
are modified for animals, more and more products are being designed. The
thousands of people who are currently caring for their Handicapped Pets are
finding a wealth of products,
services, and support. Here are some of
the products available on the web. Many are available on HandicappedPets.com.
Products
The thousands
of people who are currently caring for their HandicappedPets are finding a
wealth of products, services, and support. Here are some of the products
available on the web. Many are available on HandicappedPets.com.
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Dog Cart, Dog
Wheelchair, Dogkart A cart is an ideal solution if an animal loses the use of its back or front legs, or cannot support its own weight dir to arthritis or spinal problems. In this case, a wire frame with wheels can be attached to a harness and worn by the animal. The fit of the cart is very important. An improperly fitted cart can be uncomfortable for the animal and, in some cases, harmful. Depending on
the style, and on the size of the wheels, carts can be made to handle
different types of terrain. Large wheels allow the animal to move more
slowly, but over rougher terrain. Small wheels give the pet the ability to
maneuver quickly. Carts cost
between $200 and $600. |
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A harness allows you to support the back or front of an animal manually. It consists of an article worn by the dog and straps so that dog can be lifted without straining the caretaker ’s back. This is ideal when an animal’s legs are weak, but may regain strength if they are exercised. The harness allows you to give the right amount of help and support. Harnesses are comfortable when sized correctly and do not interfere with an animal’s ability to go to the bathroom. They are available for the front and the back. Special amputee harnesses can be custom made. Harnesses cost between $40 to $80 depending on size. Some harnesses can be worn all day if made with a breathable fabric. Others offer more support (such as the Neoprene Dog Slings) but can get hot on a dog. The Rear End Support leash is simply a leash that is attached around his back end rather than his neck. |
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Sometimes a
handicapped pet will drag their feet causing cuts and sores. This becomes
even more pronounced if an animal loses feeling in their legs or feet.
Booties can help. Not all animals will accept the idea of wearing boots.
It’s important that they be sturdy and fit snugly without cutting off
circulation. A quality boot can cost between $10 and $20 each. Boots have a
number of other uses and benefits including general protection from sharp
stones, hot asphalt, lawn chemicals, and more. It’s a good idea to get
your animal used to the idea of wearing boots. Besides, if you take them off
when he comes back into the house it will keep the carpets clean. |
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Sometimes, an
animal needs help standing up, or getting up stairs. A sling is easier to use
than a harness and far more comfortable then using a towel under the belly.
Long handles make it easier and safer for the person so that he or she
doesn’t injure their back while helping a heavier animal dog. Slings cost
from $40 to $70 depending on size.
In the case of
spinal problems, DM, arthritis, and certain injuries, animals have a difficult
time climbing stairs, and getting up into an automobile. A collapsible pet ramp
can solve this problem. A good ramp is lightweight, waterproof, and sturdy.
They cost between $150.00 and $200.00.
It is estimated that over 10% of dogs will become incontinent - leaky. It happens due to age, injury, and countless other reasons. There are places that you do not want to bring an incontinent dog; in the car, to a store, in bed... Diapers, both disposable and washable, are a great solution.
Awareness
Keep aware of
the condition of your pet. Stay in touch with his or her progress and carefully
monitor their condition. There may come a time where you decide that the animal
is no longer enjoying a quality of life. You, the pet’s guardian and best
friend, are the only person qualified to make this heart-wrenching decision.
When it is time to decide, though, you’ll know that you waited until the
time was right. Now it’s time to look to your support groups again.
Our commitment
to our lifelong friends is to care for them as they care for us. You can join
the thousands of people getting the help they need to care for their
Handicapped Pets.
Mark Robinson is the creator of HandicappedPets.com, a website for the guardians of elderly, injured, and HandicappedPets. He started the several years ago in memory of his friend, Mercedes, who was out down before her time. You can email Mark at:
MarkR <at> Handicappedpets.com
- Several other websites make up the HandicappedPets.com family:
- DogKarts.com - Dog Carts and wheelchairs, wheels for dogs and other animals to help them walk if they are injured, elderly, or handicapped.
- PetSafetyBelts.com - Pet Seat Belts keep you and your pet safe.
- PetBoots.com - Pet Boots keep your dog's tender paws protected and clean.
- BlindPets.com - Blind dog - The products and services needed to care for a blind or deaf pet.
- PetDiapers.com - Dog Diapers, disposable and washable, and other products for incontinent pets.
- RememberAPet.com - Pet Memorials