Prepare your home for a dog using a wheelchair

When you bring home a pet, you typically have to make a few alterations to your home. But that all changes if your dog has an injury or disability that requires using a dog wheelchair.

Creating a functional home for handicapped pets is not easy, but it is something you can achieve with a little effort, thought, and consideration.

1.  Use pet ramps

If your dog needs a wheelchair, you should consider using pet ramps, so your dog wouldn’t have trouble moving around and doing the usual things. As our homes aren’t usually wheelchair accessible, this is the thing we should modify first.

If your dog is allowed on the furniture, using a wheelchair will make climbing or jumping on it impossible. In this case, you can invest in a stair-ramp combo. It is lightweight and easy to move where you need it. Also, it would be a good idea to install a ramp at the entrance to your home.

And if you often travel somewhere with your furry friend, you should invest in a mobile car ramp that’ll help your dog in and out of the car.

2.  Rethink flooring options

For a dog using a wheelchair, flooring is essential. An ideal flooring option is a non-slippery flooring, as it is a safe option for your pet that enables it to move freely in a dog wheelchair. One such example is disabled pet-friendly vinyl flooring. It is a good choice as it is easy to maintain and it’s water-resistant. When it comes to slip-resistant options, inlaid sheet vinyl and tiles are a better option than sheet vinyl flooring.

Moreover, vinyl tiles with foam backing are also non-slippery, and they are installed in the same way as laminate flooring boards. It’s also good to know that it’s easier to replace a few damaged vinyl tiles than to replace a whole-room of sheet vinyl. It is a flooring option that is quite easy to clean as well. For example, if you get a black scuff mark on vinyl, you can easily clean it by just using a soft pencil eraser and rubbing off the mark.

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3.  Adapt areas where you spend the most time

In most homes, kitchens are considered to be a high-traffic area where you and your family members, including your pet, spend most of the time.

Your pet-friendly spot should be functional and adequate for your pet’s specific needs. Create a feeding station to make it easy to reach from a dog wheelchair.

Also, include a soft and comfortable pet bed where your pet can retreat to and take a nap.

Consider installing retractable gates to control your dog’s access and save your pet from potential harm.

4.  Modify your dog’s outdoor area

Despite the limitations your pet might have, it must stay healthy and active. Create a safe space where your dog can run and play in your yard.

Keep your dog active by engaging in physical activity.

You can make an outdoor area even more comfortable for your disabled pet by installing a foam agility mat or artificial turf. These types of surfaces feel soft on their paws and make a safe playing environment.

Keep your dog safe and happy

Because pets are family, we want to do everything to make their life easier and more comfortable, especially if they are disabled. So, it is essential to make your home pet-friendly for them, especially if they use a dog wheelchair.

Mia Ackerson is a Melbourne-based writer. She loves writing about pets and sharing her knowledge with other enthusiastic pet owners. She’s also interested in reading books, movies, music, baking, gardening, and home decorations. You can follow her on Twitter.

 

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