Lessons from a paralyzed dog

A tribute to the fastest runner in the dog park.

Dog Wheelchair Review 2019 | Top-Rated Companies

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Dog wheelchairs have given the gift of mobility to countless dogs, cats, farm animals and others who would’ve been left helpless due to paralysis, old age and spinal injuries. The popularity of these carts has grown so much it’s become important to write an annual dog wheelchair review.

With many new brands on the market it’s confusing for owners to pick the best cart for their pet. So, since 2016 I’ve posted an annual review of the top U.S. manufacturers in the industry. Here’s our Dog Wheelchair Review 2019. And this year, you’ll see our first review of a new design from Europe. [Read more…]

Cost-Saving Mobility Carts for Big Paralyzed Dogs

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A pet owner recently pointed out that large paralyzed dogs are at a disadvantage. She was referring to the cost of taking care of them. And it’s true. When a big dog gets sick, everything from the diagnostic tests to surgery and rehab devices like wheelchairs are more expensive. But before you throw in the towel over price-tags, I have some great pet parent recommended cost-saving mobility carts for big paralyzed dogs. [Read more…]

WiggleLess Award Winning Back Brace for IVDD Dogs

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WiggleLess Dog Back Brace for dogs with IVDD and other spine problems.

Lisa Luckenbach is an accomplished yoga instructor, a breast cancer survivor, public speaker and founder of the WiggleLess® award winning back brace for IVDD dogs. Her company has been a friend to Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog since I posted my first story about Sophie and life with a paraplegic dog.

Lisa had a similar story with her two Dachshunds, June and Henry, who suffered from IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease) so it was likely that our paths would cross. We each were determined to help other dogs with spinal problems, but we went about it differently. I decided to bring information and resources to pet parents and Lisa created a  canine back brace that has changed the lives of countless dogs. [Read more…]

When Is A Pet Stroller The Best Choice For Your Paralyzed Dog?

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pet stroller | pet stroller for disabled dog | dog strollers | dog stroller for paralyzed dog | best pet strollersThis story was updated October 2018.

This is an important story I wanted to write for a long time. It’s about strollers and how to decide when is a pet stroller the best choice for your paralyzed dog.  Somewhere along the line, I realized that for many pet parents the idea of transitioning your paralyzed dog from a wheelchair to a stroller is a sign of failure and it had a stigma attached to it.

I think that belief is partly due to the fact that we know how important exercise is for the health of our disabled pets. The concept of pushing them around in a stroller seems like the exact opposite of what we should be doing.

And I believe we secretly tell ourselves that if our dog can use a wheelchair they are doing well, even though they can’t walk. Unfortunately life doesn’t always work the way we hope and one day your dog might reach the point when they don’t have the strength or balance to use their cart. That’s what happened to my dog. This story will help you be prepared…. just in case. [Read more…]

Greatest Products for Paralyzed Dogs From SuperZoo

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Two dogs who participated in finding the greatest products from SuperZoo.

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this post. The products listed below are ones I discovered at SuperZoo and thought would benefit my audience.

One of the benefits of living in Las Vegas is that my city plays host to lots of conventions. SuperZoo was the most recent event for pet professionals and I had the opportunity to attend as part of the local press. It gave me the chance to check out and report to you the greatest products for paralyzed dogs.

More than 21,000 people attended the trade show, which is divided into two groups of professionals. They are made up of retailers who are looking for new products and dog groomers who want to enhance their skills through educational workshops. The groomers also demonstrate their amazing talents in competitions that go on throughout the week. It was wild. [Read more…]