If your dog has a temporary or permanent injury or a degenerative condition that disables one or more of their legs it doesn’t have to mean the end of a good life. We reviewed 16 products to help you find the best dog wheelchair for your pal’s needs.
What are you looking for?
Our Winner!
- Best Dog Wheelchair: K9 Carts (Veterinarian Established)
- Our Runner-Up Pick: SURPCOS Adjustable Dog Wheelchair
- Best For Budget Pick: Newlife Mobility
Table Of Contents
#1
The Best Friend Mobility Wheelchair for large dogs is an adjustable back leg support device. It’s made of lightweight aluminum and neoprene harnesses. There are straps for the shoulders, a rear harness, and stirrups for the back feet. The shoulder and abdomen supports are padded for comfort. This size should fit dogs that measure 20-26 inches to the top of the back above the hips.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to use – You can lift your dog with the harness on him and attach it to the wheelchair.
- The larger wheels mean you can use this on more rugged terrain.
- The materials are lightweight. It won’t be hard for your pooch to pull the chair around.
- The padding makes it comfortable for your pal.
- The price is reasonable for the product.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s hard to put together and adjust.
- The instructions are unclear and incomplete.
Best Small Dog Wheelchair
The extra small wheelchair from Best Friend Mobility is a rear leg support cart. It has an aluminum frame and padded, neoprene front and rear harnesses. The product comes with stirrups for the hind feet. This size should fit dogs that measure 9-14 inches to the top of the back above the hips.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to put together and adjust to your dog’s body.
- It’s easy to put your pup in the wheelchair.
- The size of the wheel allows your dog to go over small obstacles like rocks and sticks.
- It’s lightweight and easy for your pooch to pull.
- It’s affordable for a wheelchair.
What We Don’t Like:
- The instructions are vague and hard to understand.
- The adjustable parts tend to loosen and need frequent tightening.
Best Full support dog wheelchair
The Best Friend Mobility Quad is a full-body support device. It has four wheels, neoprene harnesses for the front and rear, and paw slings. The frame is aluminum. This product comes in four sizes ranging from XS to L. Measure Fido’s height from the floor to the top of his back at the point of the hip to determine the right fit for your pal.
What We Like:
- The larger rear wheels make it easy for your dog to pull.
- It’s easy to measure your pup to find the right size.
- You can adjust it easily to match your pal’s body.
- The padding helps prevent rubbing and pressure sores.
What We Don’t Like:
- There are no instructions for how to fit the harness to your dog.
- You can’t adjust the length if you have a dog like a basset or a dachshund.
Best extra small dog wheelchair
The Extra Small Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair is for dogs that weigh 2-10 pounds. It has three size options based on rear leg height and length from rump to armpit. The extruded aluminum frame and harnesses are fully adjustable and washable. This product’s puncture-proof wheels are made from dense foam and have an outer rubber coating.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight but sturdy. Your pal will be able to pull it easily.
- Assembly is easy, and the instructions are clear.
- The chair is true to size and compact for easy maneuvering.
- The wheels are smooth and work on sidewalks and in the grass.
What We Don’t Like:
- It can tip over on uneven surfaces. Don’t leave your dog unattended.
Best Wheelchair for Small Non-Elderly Dogs
The Walkin’ Wheels Dog Wheelchair for small dogs comes in six sizing options for dogs that weigh 11-25 pounds. You can measure your pup’s rear leg length to find the best fit for his needs. It has an adjustable aluminum frame and adjustable harnesses. The wheels are dense foam with a rubber tread. This product is a rear leg support device.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to adjust to fit your dog.
- It’s easy to put your pup in it and to use.
- It’s well-made and fairly simple to assemble.
- Your dog has the freedom to move and go potty without your help.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s too bulky/heavy for a weaker or elderly dog
- There’s a big restocking fee if you have to return it.
Best Wheelchair for Large Dogs
The Walkin’ Wheels rear leg support wheelchair for large dogs is for dogs weighing 70-180 pounds. There are five size options based on the height of your pal’s rear legs. It has an extruded aluminum frame, foam wheels with rubber treads, and front and rear harnesses. You can adjust the height, length, and width to fit your furbaby’s body.
What We Like:
- You can drape your dog’s tail over the back bar so they can go potty without getting it on themselves.
- It’s easy to assemble and adjust to your pooch’s size.
- It’s light enough for an elderly dog to manage.
- The wheels can go over grass and other terrains, you won’t have to stick to the pavement.
What We Don’t Like:
- If your dog is paralyzed in the back end, it can be hard to lift him into the chair.
- The stitching and plastic parts on the harness are weak and can break.
Best Dog wheelchair for back legs
The Adjustable Dog Wheelchair for large dogs from Newlife Mobility is a rear leg support device. It has an adjustable aluminum frame, front and rear harnesses, and a belly band to support the spine. This size for dogs weighing 44-110 pounds with a hip height of 22-26.8 inches and a hip-width of 10.2-15.8 inches. You can adjust the height, length, and width of the cart to fit your dog. The cart is for rehabilitation.
What We Like:
- It’s relatively affordable.
- It’s easy to assemble.
- The push button adjustments and measurement markings on the sides make it easy to fit your dog.
What We Don’t Like:
- If your dog can’t stand on his own, it’s hard to get him in the chair by yourself.
- The instructions are vague and hard to understand.
#8
This Newlife Mobility Wheelchair is made to fit dogs like Dachshunds and Corgis that have a long body and shorter legs. It should fit a dog that weighs 8.8-26.5 pounds and has a hip height of 7.5-14 inches and a hip width of 7.9-11 inches. Like other Newlife Mobility products, it has an adjustable aluminum frame, harnesses, and a belly band to help support the spine. There are push buttons so that you can adjust the length, height, and width of the cart to fit your pooch.
This is a rehabilitation cart.
What We Like:
- You can adjust it to fit your dog.
- It’s very affordable.
- The design makes it easy for dogs to go to the bathroom.
- The wheels roll easily to give your dog freedom and independence.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s a lot of work to get your dog harnessed and attached to the wheelchair.
- The adjustments can slip, so you’ll have to constantly fix it.
Best Full Body Rehabilitation Wheelchair
The Quaz Four Wheel Dog Wheelchair from Newlife Mobility offers full-body or foreleg support. It comes in seven different sizes. To find the right fit for your furbaby, measure his weight, hip height, and hip-width. The product has an aluminum frame, adjustable harnesses, and belly bands. You can adjust the height, length, and width of the device using pushbuttons.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to use.
- You can easily adjust it to fit your dog.
- It provides support so that your dog can walk and use the bathroom independently.
- The price is reasonable.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s difficult to get the dog in and out of the cart.
- It can tip forward if you have a deep chested dog.
Best For Budget Pick
The Adjustable Dog Wheelchair from Newlife Mobility is available in seven size options ranging from XXS to XL including an option for dogs with long bodies and short legs. It has an adjustable aluminum frame, belly band, and harnesses. Measure your pup’s weight, hip width, and hip height to find the best size for your furbaby. The device features pushbutton adjustability for height, length, and width.
What We Like:
- It’s affordable for a wheelchair.
- It rolls easily so your pup can be more active.
- It’s sturdy and durable.
What We Don’t Like:
- The adjustment bars can slip. You’ll have to reset them frequently.
- It’s a lot of work to get everything hooked up.
Best dog wheelchair
The K9 Carts are rear leg support wheelchair designed by veterinary orthopedic surgeons. It has an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, front belt, padded leg rings, and leg slings. This product comes in five size options ranging from XS to L(up to 80 pounds). To find the best size option for your pal, measure the length of his back from the shoulder blades to the tail base, Height from the top of his hips to the floor, and the width of his shoulders or hips.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to assemble and adjust.
- It’s well designed, sturdy, and made with durable materials.
- It’s lightweight and gives your pooch mobility and independence.
- Dogs can go potty without soiling themselves.
What We Don’t Like:
- The wheels can get caught on furniture or when going around corners.
#12
The SitGo rear leg support wheelchair comes in four options ranging from XS to L. Choose the best size based on your pal’s height from the floor to the top of the back at the point of the hip. It has an adjustable aluminum frame with a spring tension system. With this product, your furbaby should be able to sit or lay down and get back up again. The harnesses are made from neoprene and offer breathable comfort.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to assemble. Seller emails a PDF instruction manual and link for a YouTube instructional video.
- The cart adjusts to let your pal sit or lay down.
- It’s well-constructed and has sturdy materials.
- The belly piece is soft and comfortable for your dog.
What We Don’t Like:
- The adjustments can slip, so you’ll have to check them frequently.
- If your dog has weak front legs, they won’t be able to pull themselves back up after sitting or lying down.
#13
The HiHydro Pet Wheelchair comes in six different sizes for dogs ranging from XXS to L. Find the right option for your pup by measuring his weight, height to the top of his back at the hip, and body width at the hips. The frame is an aluminum alloy, and the wheels are foam with a rubber coating. The device has a mesh fabric shoulder harness and foam padded leg loops and stirrups for the hind legs. You can adjust the length, height, and width of the cart to fit your pooch.
What We Like:
- It’s affordable.
- It’s easy to assemble and adjust.
- It’s made of lightweight, durable materials.
What We Don’t Like:
- You can’t adjust rear leg supports for different size limbs.
- The size adjusters can slip on larger models.
Best Adjustable Dog Wheelchair
The Homend wheelchair for dogs has an aluminum frame and adjustable harnesses. You can adjust the width, length, and height of the cart with push buttons. The device also has a belly band and foam padded leg loops. There are two small wheels and two larger wheels on the wheelchair to help support your pup’s rear legs. Select a suitable size by measuring Fido’s weight, hip height, and hip-width.
What We Like:
- Easy to assemble, comes with an instruction manual.
- Lightweight and easy for your dog to pull around.
- The push buttons make adjusting the cart simple.
- It’s affordable.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s cumbersome to hook your dog up.
- Woof on the Street
Our Runner Up Pick
The SURPCOS Adjustable wheelchair for dogs comes in small and medium sizes and has options with two or four wheels, depending on the type of support your pooch needs. You can find the right size by measuring your pal’s weight, hip height, and hip-width and consulting the manufacturer’s chart. It has foam wheels, an aluminum alloy frame, padded foam leg loops, and breathable mesh harnesses.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight and fairly easy for a debilitated dog to use.
- It’s easy to assemble.
- You can adapt it for rear leg support, front leg support, or full body support.
What We Don’t Like:
- There are a lot of pieces, so it takes time to make adjustments.
Best Wheelchair for Short-Legged Dog
This Huggiecart wheelchair is made for dogs weighing 18-40 pounds and with a belly-to-ground measurement that’s under 11 inches. It has an aluminum frame, adjustable neoprene harnesses, and optional rear leg stirrups. You can adjust the cart’s length, height, and width to fit your pooch.
What We Like:
- It’s made of sturdy materials.
- Dogs can move easily in it due to lightweight materials.
- It provides good support for the rear legs.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s difficult to put together and the directions are unclear.
- Difficulty on stairs
- Reluctance to go outside
- Difficulty rising to a standing position
- Balance issues
- Sudden change in behavior - irritability or depression
- Weakness or changes in musculature
Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD)
With IVDD, one or more of the cushioning discs in the spinal cord deteriorates. If the disc starts to push out of place, or bulge, it can interfere with the nerves. Depending on how bad the disease is in your pooch, he may have difficulty and pain walking or be paralyzed. If you catch it early, IVDD in dogs can be treated medically or with surgery with some success. A mobility device comes in handy for recovery or in the event that your furbaby has permanent damage.
Paralysis
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Other Knee Injuries
Recovery from Orthopedic Surgery
Amputation
Neurological Conditions
Cerebellar hypoplasia
Generalized Weakness
Front Leg Support
Back Leg Support
Full Body Support
- Use a long towel like a sling to support your furbaby’s abdomen and hips.
- Lift his hindquarters off the ground.
- Let your pal take some steps with the front legs (wheelbarrow style).
Dogs That May Benefit From Rear Limb Support
- Arthritis of the hindquarters or Hip Dysplasia
- Generalized Weakness in the Hind Legs
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- IVDD/Ruptured Disc
- Rear Limb Amputation
- Post-surgical recovery from ACL, knee, spine, or hip repairs
Dogs That May Benefit From Forelimb Support
- Arthritis in the front legs
- Post-surgical support following orthopedic or disc surgery
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- IVDD/Ruptured Disc
- Front Leg Amputation
- Generalized Weakness in the Front Quarters
- Spinal Trauma
Dogs That May Benefit From Full-Body Support
- Generalized Weakness
- Cerebellar Hypoplasia
- IVDD/Ruptured Disc
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Spinal Trauma
- Post-surgical support for orthopedic or disc surgeries
- Amputations
Can my dog go to the bathroom without getting it on himself in the wheelchair?
Will my dog be able to sit or lay down in the cart?
Can I leave the wheelchair on my dog when I’m not around?
The Final Verdict - Our Top Pick for Dog Wheelchair
Taking our criteria for a wheelchair into consideration, our top pick for a dog wheelchair is K9 Carts. This mobility cart is sturdy and lightweight. Customers report that it is very easy to set up and adjust. Some of the other carts are difficult to fit to your dog’s body.
The device is made from lightweight aluminum like that used in aircraft. This makes it easy for your pal to use. Another feature that adds to ease of use is the wheels.
You can also find a size that’s made to fit dogs with long bodies and short legs. As a veterinarian, I can tell you that animals like Corgis and Dachshunds are at a higher risk for back injuries.
The only drawback to this product is the price. But it can’t be beaten for quality and functionality. On top of that, the customer service gets rave reviews. That makes K9 Carts our top dog.
One request from Speedy
Dr.Guise put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
SHARING IS ♥️