Dog Wheelchair Comparisons for Dachshunds

14. Jun, 2011 9 Comments

A testimonial from a client who has tried 3 different carts!  She got it right the last time – with Eddie’s Wheels!

When my Dachshund became disabled from ruptured disks and 2 surgeries that were not successful, I was lost and devastated.  I had never been faced with a situation like this.  I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a wheelchair for a dog…  So I went on a search to find him one.
I was very unsuccessful and lost a lot of money..  I first tried one I discovered online from doxicart, and that wheelchair was also made specifically for my dog’s measurements.  When I got it, it was just awful.  He really couldn’t even use it.
 

This is the one of the Doxicart. I had to completely tear this whole harness apart and re-sew it to keep it up.. My husband had to take the wheels off and grind wheel frame down so I could lower the back to fit him right... Only way to adjust. What a disaster... The seat is attached with plastic tie wraps.

So I looked into Handicappedpets.com and read and read and read.  I thought that since this cart was so adjustable in every way, this was the one for me.  So I finally purchased one from them.  When it came it took me days to just put it together.  It came with a video so I watched it several times.  I finally got it put together to fit Barney.  The first thing I noticed is how heavy it was.  The box it came in says it is only 3 pounds.  Well, that right there is the first “non-truth”…  Barney’s Walkin Wheels cart weighs over 4 pounds (I weighed it).  The next thing is it comes with a harness that you have to put on the dog first and then put your dog into the cart and then connect the harness onto the frame.  And if you are not really careful, you can pinch him which I did and really felt bad.  That made him not want to even get into it anymore.

 


When I first put him in it, he just stood and looked at me like he was froze in it and he looked scared.  I couldn’t even get him to go for a little walk with me at all.  All and all, he just hated his cart.  It was so heavy for him to pull.  He looked like he was trying to pull a wagon, a heavy wagon.  When he would start to walk in it he would have to use both his front legs together to literally hop to get started and he would be so out of breath by the time he made just a few steps.
 

Barney in the hated WalkinWheels

Dragging this cart earned it the nickname of "The Anchor". The harness would not stay up without being tied on with a shoelace.

 

The most aggravating thing was the harness that went around his chest.  He could only make a few steps and the strap would fall down around his legs and he couldn’t move.  I tried so many adjustments like changing the belly strap and making it higher upon his chest until it was almost around his throat and it still wouldn’t stay up.  I called Handicapped Pets and she told me there was another Dachshund that had one of their carts and he had the same trouble.  I was told to tie a SHOE LACE from the front strap to the back strap that went across his shoulders.  That also did not work..  She told me that they had their designers redesigning that harness so it would  not fall down and I was put on a waiting list.  (which I am sure I will never get a call).

 

Their carts are the same prices of Eddie’s Wheels carts, and Walkin Wheels are made in CHINA.  So I started looking again on the internet and I found Eddie’s Wheels.  Right off I I really loved the look of them, the way they were built and especially how they went around the shoulders..  I called Eddie’s Wheels and even asked if they had any problems with the strap falling down around the legs.  She said “oh no, our carts cannot do that”.
I talked to my husband about purchasing yet another cart for our little Barney.  Since this was going to be my THIRD cart I had already spent almost $500.00 at that point on carts, so I was reluctant to purchase another one.   So my wonderful husband told me to go ahead and get it for him and when the cart came I  was soooooooo impressed.  I only had to make very minor adjustments to it, I put Barney in it and he just really took off.  From taking it out of the box to putting Barney in it was only a very few minutes.  Now when he walks he don’t have to hope on his front legs to get the cart moving and he is just so much more comfortable in Eddie’s Wheels. We walked twice as far today and he didn’t give out like he did in Walkin Wheels.
 

Barney in his Eddie's Wheels dog wheelchair

Lightweight, easy to use, dog approved - Barney's finally on a ROLL!

I would very, very highly recommend if you are looking for a wonderful  wheelchair for your pet, purchase an  Eddie’s Wheels wheelchair.  It will save you a whole lot of aggravation for you and your pet if you purchase yours from Eddie’s Wheels.    You will LOVE it.  I call Barney’s cart now his “Cadillac… ”  Thank you so very much Eddie’s Wheels.

 

Regards

Gerry DePalma

 

Twitter Digg Delicious Stumbleupon Technorati Facebook Email
Testimonials
,

9 Responses to “Dog Wheelchair Comparisons for Dachshunds”

  1. Amy Reynolds Reply 18. Jun, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I am so sorry that you did not know about Eddie’s Wheels. they make the BEST Doxie cart and actually a great/sturdy product for all size dogs. It really frustrates me to hear you story because some of those trying to CASH in on this business make a horrible product and the costs are outrageous and they do not fit the dogs right!!! I have seen this happen too many times. I am so glad you were able to finally get the right cart for your doxie through Eddie’s Wheels! They have gotten it RIGHT!

  2. Teri MacBlane Reply 20. Jun, 2011 at 1:44 am

    Thank you for your great story! It helped me understand more of what to look for in a cart- my adopted doxie just became paralyzed in the rear legs and we are looking to get him a cart like this. Do you have any advice on how long to wait from diagnose to getting a cart for a dog? We don’t want to move too fast or wait too long either…

    • Debbie Cline Reply 29. Jan, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      Teri,
      I just read your comment and have some questions please. My doxie was diagnosed two days ago with degenerative disk disease and is paralyzed in his back legs, even though his brain is not acknowledging this. Because of this he also doesn’t realize when he needs to urinate. Does your pup have the problem? We’ve been told surgery is no guaranteee so we’re not certain that is an option. He’s an otherwise healthy and very playful/active little guy. Can you tell me anything else about what you’ve experienced with your guy that would help me in making a decision? Please email me as soon as you can.
      VR
      Debbie

      • leslie 30. Jan, 2012 at 6:52 pm

        Your vet can teach you how express your little guy’s bladder – this will help prevent accidents and urinary tract infections. It’s very common for dachshunds to be temporarily incontinent when they become paralyzed. There are also diapers and male wraps for dribbly dogs. Visit http://www.samsdoghut.com or http://www.poochpads.com.
        You should also check out http://www.dodgerslist.com – this online support group for owners of dachsies with IVDD. A great group full of wisdom and good advice.

  3. Patti M Reply 24. Jun, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    Your little Barney could be the twin brother of our little Nick. Finding Eddie’s wheels helped us deal tremendously with the disappointment of an unsuccessful expensive surgery.

  4. Denise Anderson Reply 25. Jun, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    This is to Teri M. : My dachshund ruptured a disc 4 years ago, had surgery with no results. We ordered a chair from Eddie’s Wheels within a week. Riley was too active a dog to lay around and it just broke our hearts. He was SO HAPPY when he got the cart and could get around again! It only took him about 20 minutes to figure it out, and about half a day to learn how to back up in it! Go ahead and get the cart!!

  5. Becky Reply 13. Feb, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    This is wonderful unformation. I just rescued a dachshund that has IVDD. I bought a cart form doxiecart and am not pleased. It is too big and won’t stay on.I am going to check out Eddies… Thank you

  6. kristine Reply 29. Mar, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    does the dog leave these on all day, or do you have to take it on and off. we are hoping that while at work, my dog can be mobile to go potty on her own. she is 80 lbs and we are having to lift her back legs with a lift strap to cart her in and out 4 times a day. lots of work.
    thanks

    • leslie Reply 30. Mar, 2012 at 3:05 pm

      Dogs cannot be left alone for a whole day, stranded in a standing position, while you are at work. Since dogs cannot lie down in carts, you would need to take her in and out of the cart. It IS work caring for a disabled dog, but the cart allows them to resume a normal activity level. Since going for a walk is the best part of the day for most dogs, you may end up getting more exercise too!