With age, the dog increasingly needs the help and support of its owner, especially if diseases of the paws have developed that impede the independent movement of the pet. Many dog lovers have found a way out with a special item to support the animal's limbs called a walker.
A walker is a supportive device that does not injure the dog's skin, is easily removable, maintains body balance and helps the animal walk.
Veterinarians recommend using a walker under the following circumstances: arthritis and arthrosis of the limbs, paralysis, rehabilitation period after surgery, as well as weakness of the limbs in aging dogs.
Features of the device
The walker consists of straps and a corset with fasteners, the fastening mechanism is the simplest - a clip. The animal moves with the help of a working pair of paws (hind or front), while patients are fixed in a walker, which literally rolls after the dog. When choosing a walker, you need to take into account the height of their wheel, as well as the distance from the floor to the animal's peritoneum.
It is recommended to buy ring walkers for disabled dogs, which completely lack motor activity of the paws. In such walkers there are no straps for which the owner can support the dog, the whole system looks like a two-wheeled structure. With the help of the wheels, the dog can move freely and evenly, using only the front legs. But these wheeled walkers have their drawbacks: the dog will strain, because the main center of gravity falls on the chest, on which the front of the device is attached.
Therefore, such a device should be used on active animals that can withstand loads, but for old, weak and immobilized dogs, this mechanism will be an unbearable burden.
Belt walkers are used for weakened animals that can move their limbs, but loads are not recommended for them (for example, in case of joint damage). Thanks to such walkers, the owner literally carries the dog, lifting its limbs with the help of belts. The advantage of the device is that motor activity and muscle tone are preserved, the dog can move its paws by itself. This is the best option for the rehabilitation period after an illness or surgery.
Issue price
The cost of small walkers is about 1000-1300 rubles, devices for large-breed dogs will cost from 1500 to 5000 rubles. Devices without supporting belts for small dogs cost from 2400 rubles, the larger the dog, the more expensive the device.
With the help of walkers, the problems of injuries and senile weakness of dogs were solved. If earlier even a young animal fell ill and could not move on its own, it only had to move around the house helplessly and lie down all day, which caused problems of obesity and bedsores, pulmonary edema and erasure of movable legs. A frequent way out of the situation was the euthanasia of the animal. Now, if the owner is ready to extend the life of his pet, buying a walker will be a real salvation. Walkers will help your dog live a full life, walk on the street and actively participate in life.
