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.
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).
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.
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!
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…
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
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.
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.
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!!
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
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
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!
I definitely would not leave him in his cart while you are away. They can get caught or even turn over the cart. That would be very bad. He could get stuck all day. I don’t leave Barney in his cart all day, just a few hours. I put him in it about 9;30 or 10:00 in the morning and take him out about 2:30 or 3:00. Sometimes, I even may put him back in his cart later in the afternoon if he wants go go for another walk or something. It works great.
My daughter has a pekingese…7 lbs also with back paralyzed legs…she is known as a “sleeve” peke cuz of her small size…has anyone used this cart on a dog this size? she is only 6n and a wonderful pet
We build carts custom, so small size is not a problem. We’ve built carts for dogs as small as 2 lbs. Measure the dog according the chart on the website and we’ll do the rest.
our daschund Muscleman ruptured a disc and it has now calcified over and he is unable to use his back legs, surgery is very expensive and is not guaranteed,,, if I order a cart how long until I get it ???