Happy Wheels for Furkids - Singapore

01/10/2025

Recently, we had 2 geriatric poodles aged 16 and 19 years old.
Though senior and very determined to get up and walk but their legs are simply lacking in strength to be able to support and balance themselves.
Their caregivers have been going through back breaking task of bending down ( especially since poodles are short ) to hold and support them while they attempt to walk.
And the senior poodles do get cranky and whiny when unable to have their desired mobility and exercise.
Now, with the 4 wheel cart, peace is restored 😊, the senior poodles are happy with their mobility and walkabouts while caregivers ( and their backs ) can relax while walking them leisurely.
Happy dog, happy caregiver
🐾😊

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10/07/2025

A very common question we get is,

"So, when using the wheel cart do my dog get to use their legs?"

The answer is "YES", they do get to use and exercise their legs but depending on underlying medical and or physical conditions, can use either 2 or all 4 legs

This misconception that dogs don’t use all their legs while using a four-wheel (quad) dog wheelchair often stems from a few misunderstandings:

Confusion Between Rear ( Back ) Wheel and 4 wheel or Quad Carts.
Many people are more familiar with rear wheel carts, used for dogs with hind leg paralysis or weakness. These support the back legs so the dog primarily uses the front legs to walk and sometimes the back legs depending on its conditions.

But a quad cart (4-wheel cart) is for dogs that have weakness or instability in all four limbs due to old age, neurological disease, post surgery or injury. In a quad cart, dogs often still use their legs (even if weakly) while being supported. The cart is meant to:

Help with balance and stability

Reduce weight-bearing

Allow some leg movement and muscle use

With the 4 wheel cart, the dog is using its legs to coordinate the push / pull action ( back / front legs )

Because the wheels roll so smoothly, the effort isn’t always obvious

Many dogs in carts have partial mobility, and carts can be a medium to support rehabilitation

Some carts are used temporarily during injury / post surgery recovery or physical therapy

In summary, 4 wheel carts don’t replace legs — they support them.
Dogs in 4-wheel carts usually still use their legs, unless they’re fully paralyzed.

28/01/2025

Senior Maltese Pocket, besides having Cushing's syndrome was recently diagnosed with having slipped disc at the neck area which caused him loss of function and ability to hold up his front.
Owner Eunice immediately sought medical attention for Pocket and besides having to wear a neck brace to stabilise his neck and physiotherapy, was also recommended to order a 4 wheel cart to aid his mobility and functional recovery for his front legs.

With his wheelies, now Pocket is from grumpy to showing super delight and joy zipping about with his hotwheels
😁

( Below information on cervical slipped disc as per AI;
A "slipped disc" at the neck area of a dog is referred to as "cervical disc disease" or "cervical intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)", where a disc between the vertebrae in the neck ruptures and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain, stiffness, potential weakness or paralysis in the limbs, and sometimes even difficulty walking; this is considered a serious condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms:
Lowered head
Stiff neck
Reluctance to move
Yelping or crying when touched
Wobbling or incoordination while walking
Muscle spasms
Difficulty eating or drinking
Weakness or paralysis in all four limbs (in severe cases)

Causes:
Degeneration of the discs in the neck due to age, injury, or genetic predisposition. )

20/12/2024

Introducing a variation of the 4 wheel cart without chest bar.
This was configured specifically for toy or small breeds after observing that most of them like to lower their head to sniff around as they can reach down comfortably.
( The chest bar will be required for dog which have weak neck so as to incorporate the headrest )
In the case of Mini, both her back legs were totally too weak to support her and over time from pulling herself about with her front legs, have strained and weakened them. To avoid continue straining them, the 4 wheel cart was recommended and with the support, allows her to walk and run about freely for longer distance / time.

12/03/2024

Fluffy, the mini dachshund
Fluffy is perhaps the smallest of dachshunds we have ever met. Though very senior with loss of sight, hard of hearing, she remains cheerful and is very well loved by her family.
She remains active though her back legs are weak and unable to support the weight, resulting in wobbly, unstable walk frequently dropping her butt.
For her wheel cart, we used extra mini back wheels ( to reduce weight and compliment her size / height ) and incorporated a halo / bumper attached to the cart to prevent herself from bumping into walls and furnitures. The rounded halo helps to guide and allow her to slide out from corners and walls.
Fluffy now enjoys walking around the house without worry of knocks and bumps.

06/12/2023

Back wheel cart with mid body support.

Using a back wheel cart with mid-body support wheels is a common solution for dogs ( with long body / spine eg corgi and dachshunds ) having mobility issues, such as those with paralysis or hind limb weakness or post surgery rehabilitation. These carts are designed to provide support to the dog's hindquarters, allowing them to move around more freely.
In some cases, the carts are used as part of a rehabilitation program to help dogs regain strength and mobility.

These wheels are positioned underneath the dog's midsection to provide additional support and stability. They prevent the cart from tipping and help distribute the dog's weight evenly.
Introduce the dog to the cart gradually, allowing them to get used to the device in a positive and stress-free manner.

During initial use, it's important to supervise the dog while using the cart to ensure they are comfortable and safe.

Using a cart with mid-body support wheels can significantly improve the quality of life for dogs with mobility issues. It's important to choose a well-designed cart and introduce it to the dog with care, allowing them to adapt to the new mobility aid. Regular veterinary / rehab check-ups can help monitor the dog's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the cart.

04/08/2023

Wheelcarts for dogs with neurological issues or mobility impairments.

Wheelcarts or dog wheelchairs are indeed beneficial for dogs with neurological issues or mobility impairments. These specially designed devices can provide much-needed support and assistance to dogs that have difficulty walking or are unable to use their legs due to conditions such as:

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): A condition where the discs between the vertebrae in the spine degenerate or herniate, leading to pain, weakness, and paralysis.

Degenerative myelopathy: A progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, causing weakness and eventual paralysis in the hind legs.

Arthritis: Chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Spinal cord injuries: Trauma or damage to the spinal cord that results in partial or complete paralysis.

Amputation: After surgery to remove a limb, a wheelchair can help the dog maintain balance and mobility.

Neurological disorders: Various conditions affecting the nervous system can result in mobility issues.

A well-fitted wheelchair can support the dog and allow them to use their back or front or all 4 legs legs for movement. This helps the dog to maintain an active and engaged lifestyle, preventing muscle atrophy, promoting better circulation, and reducing the risk of pressure sores.

Additionally, dog owners should be prepared to assist their pets during the initial transition period to the wheelchair and offer positive reinforcement to encourage them to use it. With proper training and encouragement, many dogs adapt well to using wheelchairs and can continue to lead fulfilling lives despite their physical challenges.

24/06/2023

https://www.facebook.com/reel/800473764822835?mibextid=6AJuK9&s=chYV2B&fs=e

25/05/2023

Dogs may need to use a wheelchair for various reasons. Here are a few common scenarios where a dog might benefit from using a wheelchair:

Mobility impairment:
Dogs may experience mobility issues due to conditions such as spinal injuries, degenerative diseases (like intervertebral disc disease), arthritis, neurological disorders, or paralysis. In such cases, a wheelchair can provide support and help the dog move around more comfortably.

Post-surgery recovery:
After certain surgeries, such as spinal surgery or leg amputation, dogs may need assistance while they regain strength and adapt to their new physical condition. A wheelchair can aid in their rehabilitation process and allow them to engage in physical activity.

Elderly dogs:
Just like humans, dogs can experience age-related mobility problems. Arthritis, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and other age-related conditions can make it challenging for them to walk or run comfortably. A wheelchair can offer them the necessary support to maintain an active lifestyle.

Injuries:
Dogs that have suffered injuries to their limbs or spine may require a wheelchair temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the injury. It helps them stay mobile and prevents further damage while they heal.

Using a wheelchair can significantly enhance a dog's quality of life by promoting mobility, independence, and physical activity. It allows them to continue enjoying walks, playtime, and exploring their surroundings, despite their physical limitations.

25/03/2023

Introducing our new lightweight 4 wheel cart specially for toy breeds by reducing a number of large parts and using smaller lighter wheels.
As this is the first generation mini cart, we will continue to enhance the design and materials to further reduce its weight without affecting its comfort, support, functionality, reliability and stability.

08/08/2022

Things to look out for and know should your dog require limb amputation.
Also check out the open access resource links.

How much is a dogs movement really changed as a result of amputation??

In a study: Kinematic and kinetic analysis of dogs during trotting after amputation of a thoracic limb
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23977887/

The following differences were reported between 4 legged and 3 legged dogs

🟢 Amputees had significant increases in stance duration and vertical impulse in all limbs.
🟢 Braking ground reaction force (GRF) was significantly increased in the remaining thoracic limb and pelvic limb ipsilateral to the amputated limb.
🟢 The ipsilateral pelvic limb had a significantly increased propulsive GRF.
🟢 The carpus and ipsilateral hip and stifle joints had significantly greater flexion during the stance phase.
🟢 The cervicothoracic vertebral region had a significantly increased overall range of motion (ROM) in both the sagittal and horizontal planes.
🟢 The thoracolumbar vertebral region ROM increased significantly in the sagittal plane but decreased in the horizontal plane.
🟢 The lumbosacral vertebral region had significantly greater flexion without a change in ROM.

❇️Conclusions and clinical relevance:❇️

The vertebral column, carpus, and ipsilateral hip and stifle joints had significant biomechanical changes after amputation of a thoracic limb.
The ipsilateral pelvic limb assumed dual thoracic and pelvic limb roles because the gait of a thoracic limb amputee during trotting appeared to be a mixture of various gait patterns.

If you would like to learn more about working with amputees, check out the following resources:
https://www.facebook.com/Onlinepethealth/posts/3138856269703282

OPEN ACCESS resources:
❇️ https://onlinepethealth.com/phantom-limb-pain-in-canines/
❇️ https://onlinepethealth.com/the-three-strands-of.../
❇️ https://onlinepethealth.com/why-your-amputee-needs-a.../

ONLINEPETHEALTH members resources:
❇️ Rehab for the Canine Amputee with Marinette Teeling
❇️ Hydrotherapy for Canine Amputees with Dr Susanna Alwen

Photo Credit: Canibou Hondenfysiotherapie

25/07/2022