Introduction: Dog Wheelchair
Based on a great design https://www.instructables.com/id/Dachshund-wheelchair/ (thanks joelsprayberry!) I decided to make a wheelchair for my pug (Bailey). Her back legs are slowly becoming unusable. Rather than go with a metal design I chose to use 1/2" PVC pipe for the frame, and a height-adjustable fabric saddle. I forgot to take many pictures during construction, and those I did take I used my crappy phone (apologies).
The design is intended to be used longer term. Initially it will simply take some of the weight off her back end, but later on when her legs don't work at all I'll attach the leg straps (as shown in the photos).
Some notes:
- The bar on the bottom at the back is for stability, but it's also very useful to stand on while putting her into it to prevent it rolling around.
- I used zip ties to attach her existing harness to the frame
- I used thick electical cable to help form the "U" shape at the front, then covered the entire thing in medical tape
- The wheels are intended for a lawn mower. I picked them up at Pricess Auto for about $5 each. You'll want bigger wheels for a bigger dog.
- The axle for the wheels is simply a thick bolt I had lying around. There are 2 nuts seperating the bolt from the frame to give it a little more balance.
- I'm not sure the angled braces on the sides were necessary, but they make the frame super strong
- The saddle and (optional) leg straps are attached with velcro. The purpose of the leg straps is to keep her feet from dragging when she walks (once her back legs don't work any more).
- I'm clearly not good with a sewing machine. I'm pretty sure anybody else could do a nicer looking job for the saddle.
The design is intended to be used longer term. Initially it will simply take some of the weight off her back end, but later on when her legs don't work at all I'll attach the leg straps (as shown in the photos).
Some notes:
- The bar on the bottom at the back is for stability, but it's also very useful to stand on while putting her into it to prevent it rolling around.
- I used zip ties to attach her existing harness to the frame
- I used thick electical cable to help form the "U" shape at the front, then covered the entire thing in medical tape
- The wheels are intended for a lawn mower. I picked them up at Pricess Auto for about $5 each. You'll want bigger wheels for a bigger dog.
- The axle for the wheels is simply a thick bolt I had lying around. There are 2 nuts seperating the bolt from the frame to give it a little more balance.
- I'm not sure the angled braces on the sides were necessary, but they make the frame super strong
- The saddle and (optional) leg straps are attached with velcro. The purpose of the leg straps is to keep her feet from dragging when she walks (once her back legs don't work any more).
- I'm clearly not good with a sewing machine. I'm pretty sure anybody else could do a nicer looking job for the saddle.
