Walkin’ Wheels DACHSHUND Wheelchair
2 – 30 lbs.
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Learn more about Walkin' Wheels DACHSHUND Wheelchair at Walkin' Pets.
The Walkin’ Wheels Dachshund Wheelchair is designed to support doxies experiencing hind end weakness, mobility loss or rear leg paralysis. The fully adjustable Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair is ideal for both long-term use to keep dogs active and for short-term rehabilitative use.
Features:
- Mini Dachshund wheelchair fit dogs weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Small Dachshund wheelchair fit dogs weighing 11- 30 pounds
- Fully adjustable in height, length, and width
- Mini Doxie Frame is Available in Blue only
- Small Doxie Wheelchair is Available in: Blue, and Pink
- Wheelchair frame made of durable, lightweight aluminum
Clinical Advantages:
- Improve mobility for pets during surgical or injury recovery
- Enhance physical therapy and strength training exercises
- Wheelchair can adapt as mobility loss progresses: front attachment can be added to convert into full support/4-wheel cart
Conditions that Benefit:
How to Integrate Cart Time into Your Hospital’s Rehabilitation Protocols
Using a wheelchair with hospitalized, down patients is ideal. Wheelchairs allow a patient to stand upright instead of laying in lateral recumbency can improve recovery times. Additionally, adding five to ten-minute cart walks into a patient’s treatment plan several times daily can improve a dog’s mental health as well save a Technicians back
Here are a few simple Walkin’ Wheels exercises to try:
Wheelchair Assisted Walking Exercises
Place the patient in their wheelchair to encourage walking and to assist patients during Rehab sessions. During early sessions begin with short timed walks and slowly increase the duration over time. Most likely your patient has likely been inactive for an extended period of time, causing them to fatigue quickly. Its recommended to keep your first cart walk between 6-10 minutes. Complete exercise 3-4 times daily based on patient’s condition and need.
Assisted Walking with Proprioception Training During Rehab
For patients with hind limb proprioceptive deficits, place the patient into their Walkin’ Wheels and try placing a No-Knuckling Training Sock on the affected limb or limbs and begin walking. This exercise will encourage proprioception training while the patient is fully supported. Walk for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily based on patient. Session length may be increased at therapist’s discretion.
Assisted Walking with Strength Training
Once the patient has gotten stronger but still may need moderate support for workouts, you can add leg weights to any limb that needs increased strength. It may be best to only apply one leg weight at a time, but it’s up to the therapist’s discretion how much weight and how long is appropriate based on the patient.
Rear Support Wheelchair with Therabands
Resistance Therabands may be used on the hind limbs to target specific muscle groups and attached to the struts of a patient’s Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair to add strength training to your patient’s cart walks. Place for 5-10 minutes at a time during a walk twice daily is recommended, but times may vary based on each patient. Therabands can vary in resistance levels, so starting out with a low level and increasing based on patient needs is advised.
What’s In the Mini Doxie Box? (2-10 lbs)
Dachshund Wheelchair Frame:
The Mini Dachshund frame is made of durable, lightweight extruded aluminum. Its blue, powder-coated frame will not bend, break or rust. The Wheelchair frame comes with 5” Width Connector, Struts and 4” Wheels installed.
Front Harness:
The Front Harness will need to be attached to the Dachshund Wheelchair Frame, with removable comfort sleeves attached. Red strap goes on bottom, behind pet’s front legs, black strap goes across chest, blue strap clips over pet’s back. The Front Harness may be removed for washing.
Width Connectors:
Comes with both a 3” and 5” width connector. 5” width connector comes attached to frame.
Leg Rings:
The Leg Rings are the rear support system for the pet. Comfortable foam leg rings connected in the center with Velcro form a flexible “seat” for the pet. Rubber-coated wires wrap go through the clamps and around the Wheelchair Frame to connect the Leg Rings easily to the Wheelchair Frame with rubber-coated wires that wrap around the frame to secure tightly.
Stirrups:
Stirrups are used to hold the pet’s legs off the ground if the rear legs are paralyzed. The top end of each stirrup is secured around each back knob of the Wheelchair Frame. The top lock balls are used to hold stirrups in place; the bottom lock balls are secured above the dog’s hocks.
Leg Rings Clamps:
4 Double and 2 Single Clamps are included for use if needed. Clamps can be attached to Wheelchair Frame to prevent Leg Rings from sliding forward.
The Manual:
The manual gives instructions and tips on assembling and using the Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair.
What’s In the Small Doxie Box? (11-30 lbs)
Frame:
The frame is blue, or pink powder-coated aluminum. It will not bend, break, or rust. Black knuckles are on each side of the frame, which hold the leg of the wheelchair to the frame. The wheels/struts will be inserted into the leg and adjusted to the proper height. The knuckle has a high and low setting which can be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver.
Width Connectors:
Your wheelchair will come with two width connectors (7″ and 4″). One is already installed in the back of your cart. If you need more width, the wheelchair comes equipped with a longer connector in the box.
Length Extenders:
Your wheelchair will come with two extenders (side rails) installed, which determine the length of your dog. The length of the extender should end in the middle of the dog’s front leg. It should not pass the front leg.
The Front Harness
The dog’s head goes between the blue and black straps. The red strap goes under the dog’s front legs and clips on the side of the harness. The shoulder pads are made of neoprene and keep the straps and buckles from causing discomfort for the dog. Neoprene comfort sleeves wrap around the straps for the dog’s comfort. Comfort sleeves can be cut in half if they are too long.
Leg Rings:
The dog’s hindquarters are held in place by the leg rings, or our rear harness support system. The leg rings can also be used as a lifting harness when out of the wheelchair; the excess strapping can be touch-fastened together to make handles on each side.
Wheels & Struts:
The wheels are attached to a metal piece called a “strut.” Four-inch foam wheels come standard, which are great for all terrains. They feature a dense foam interior with an outer rubber layer. These wheels will not puncture, wear extremely well, and are easy to clean. Eight-inch wheels are also available, depending on dog’s measurements.
Belly Belt:
The Belly Belt will help support your dog’s back. It is not always necessary to use the belly belt, but is highly recommended for dogs with a long back, overweight or elderly dogs, dogs with curvature of the spine, and dogs with disc problems.
Stirrups:
Stirrups are used to hold the dog’s legs off the ground so they don’t drag due to paralysis, knuckling under, or foot injuries. The adjustable stirrups are positioned to hold the foot up at the hock. If your dog doesn’t need them, the stirrups may be removed from the wheelchair.
The Manual:
The manual gives instructions and tips on assembling and using the Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair.
Tool Kit:
The tool kit comes in a plastic bag and includes and Allen wrench and set screws. The (optional) set screws may be used to tighten up the wheelchair frame and reduce flexibility, depending on your preference.
1. Measure the Rear Leg Height to the toe pad, ideally when your pet is laying down, as shown below. Do not pull the leg tight; leave some natural bend.
2. Measure your pet’s length or armpit to rump (ATR), as shown below.
Due to the Dachshund’s shape, the side bar of your Doxie’s Wheelchair will angle down in the front.
| Rear Leg Height | Weight | Pet Length (ATR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-10″ | 2-10 lbs | 8-14″ |
| 3-6″ | 11-17 lbs | 10″+ |
| 7-8″ | 11-17 lbs | 10″+ |
| 9-11″ | 11-17 lbs | 10″+ |
| 6-9″ | 18-30 lbs | 10″+ |
| 10-11″ | 18-30 lbs | 10″+ |
| 12-14″ | 18-30 lbs | 10″+ |
Here are a variety of resources to help you assemble the Walkin’ Wheels, how to put a dog into it, how to adjust the wheelchair and finetune the fit, as well as getting a dog used to their new wheelchair:
Can pets pee and poop in the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair?
Yes, the Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair is designed to help pets get the exercise they and do their business mess-free.
Can pets sit in a wheelchair?
No. Our chair is designed NEVER to collapse on the dog’s leg or spine. We’ve gone to great lengths to be sure of it. The chairs are designed with the help of veterinarians and rehabilitation specialists to hold the dog up, keeping the spine and legs in the optimal position for safety and healing.
What’s more, the purpose of the chair is to give the dog exercise and the freedom to go outside and do his business. When the dog is tired, you should never leave him in the chair.
The reviews we have seen of the experimental sit-down spring-loaded style have not been positive. Although we have done a great deal of research, we have not found a safe way for a chair to collapse on a dog.
Can pets use their Walkin’ Wheels inside the house?
Yes. The Walkin’ Wheels is designed to be used both indoors and outside. If a paralyzed pet needs an indoor mobility solution that can be worn for extended periods of time, we recommend the Walkin’ Scooter.
Can dogs lie down in the wheelchair?
For many pets using a MINI, it is okay for them to take a rest up against a pillow or bed, because their legs are so short. Otherwise, it is not recommended, due to back or disc issues that could worsen by laying down in the wheelchair.
Can pets use his/her rear legs in the wheelchair?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage pets to use his/her rear legs. The Walkin’ Wheels can help pets maintain muscle mass, increase strength and exercise. If a pet’s rear legs are paralyzed, use stirrups to prevent their back legs from dragging.
How do I determine the correct size wheelchair for my patient?
It only takes a few simple measurements to determine the correct size wheelchair for you patient. Watch the video below to see how:
Watch How to Measure Your Pet’s Rear Leg Height Video!
Is the wheelchair easy to transport?
This wheelchair folds flat for easy transport.
Will this wheelchair rehabilitate my dog?
We have seen varying degrees of recovery with pets using the wheelchair. Some dog’s mobility has improved so much that they no longer require a wheelchair. Every case and disability are unique. While a patient is in the wheelchair, they are getting physical therapy improving their physical and mental health.
What is the return policy?
It is our intention that every Walkin’ Wheels user be happy with their wheelchair. If you experience problems, please call us. Often, we can help with a simple adjustment. If you feel the wheelchair is not for you, we can issue a RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION. Please note that wheelchairs returned without a return materials authorization will not receive credit. Please click here for full return policy.
Can my dog still use his back legs with this wheelchair?
Yes, this will help him/her develop the muscle in the rear legs while using the toe pads to push off. If the legs are paralyzed, then you will use the stirrups to hold the feet off the ground.
How do I get my dog used to their new wheelchair?
This is a great question. Over the past 20 years, we’ve determined how to best get a pet acquainted with their wheelchair. Just click here.
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