HandicappedPets.Net

I have a 16-year-old Border Collie who has trouble getting up due to her back legs. She needs help a majority of the time.

Once she does stand up, she is very stiff and moves pretty slowly. If she stands for long enough, like while eating, you can see her leaning back as if her back legs can't support her weight.

She also struggles walking on anything even slightly smooth or slick and sometimes falls. Our walks now take double the time they used to.

That said, she does not seem to be in any pain. She still loves her walks and loves to play. I assume we will be getting her a wheelchair at some point, but is now the time?

Thank you so much for any advice you can give!
Swayze & Bean Dip

It sounds like it is time to buy her a wheelchair. This will help her develop the muscles in her legs while using them with the cart.

nbregger wrote:It sounds like it is time to buy her a wheelchair. This will help her develop the muscles in her legs while using them with the cart.

Really? I worried about the opposite, given that she'll now be relying on the wheels instead of her legs...

Think of it like a walker for a senior. Is it better for granny to sit around because she is afraid of falling, or better to get up and walk with assistance? Dogs can still use their legs in a wheel chair, just leave them down instead of in slings (Stirrups). And she'll get more exercise if she can move easily.

Bobbie wrote:Think of it like a walker for a senior. Is it better for granny to sit around because she is afraid of falling, or better to get up and walk with assistance? Dogs can still use their legs in a wheel chair, just leave them down instead of in slings (Stirrups). And she'll get more exercise if she can move easily.

That makes sense, thanks!

The nice thing about the Walkin Wheels Wheelchair is that a dog can use his back legs to develop muscle. If his legs are paralyzed, he can use the stirrups to hold them up.