how long per day is OK in teh wheelchair?

[BendyMom]

Hello!
My vet emailed me and asked if I coudl find out what the maximum length of time recommended in a wheelchair is Female dog in diapers (and any recommendations as to the best kind of diapers?) She really likes the wheelchair and they'd like to give her as much time as possible

thanks

[Bobbie]

It depends on the weight of the dog to some extent, also the breed. My corgis can go 3-4 hrs as they can lie down in their carts. However, longer, and they may get sores from circulation stopping where the cart touches, so I try to avoid that (not always successfully.) Candy got a pressure sore when I used to let him go 5-7 hrs. Now I have him take a break.

But a big dog that can't lie down should be out of the cart more of the time. Standing all the time is tiring. And pressure sores are more likely with the weight of a big dog.

Can't help you with diapers except that if the amount of urine allows a pad in a diaper cover I'd go that way over commercial dog diapers. Small breeds can wear human diapers (if the dog is taillless) but dog diapers are expensive in disposables so a pad like a Poise pad in a washable cover is a lot cheaper. (Although you need to invest in more than one cover for the inevitable leaks and probably poop accidents, too.

[BendyMom]

thank you!

I have passed along your reply

[Bobbie]

i should have added two things: total time isn't the issue, the breaks out of it are more important.
Also, the dog has to build up to longer times even if he can lie down in the cart.

And finally, a big dog may be able to lie "down" on an ottoman- the trick is to have the ottoman at the height that keeps the dog's body level. We have cushions that are perfect for corgis. But since most big dogs don't use their carts in the house it is less of an issue. (Mine do lie down without the cushions, too, but they like cushions so I assume it is more comfy.)