Dogs with physical disabilities require extra care and support. If your canine companion is injured or has a chronic mobility issue, improve her quality of life by investing in one of these tools!

As a pet parent, few things are more important than making sure your animal companion gets the help she needs when that need is most dire. Such is the case when a dog has a disability, or is paralyzed. Dogs with physical disabilities face a number of challenges that other canines don’t, which puts a lot of pressure on their caretakers to keep them as comfortable and happy as possible. If your pup has a disability, these three solutions can help you improve her quality of life!

1. Dog support towels

For light and temporary support, a dog support towel can be quite helpful. Simply wrap it around your dog’s underbelly and use it to hold her up. This can be done with regular towels as well as those specifically manufactured for this purpose. Support towels provide noninvasive support and are perfect for temporary injuries.

2. Slings and harnesses

If your dog’s disability is more permanent, you may want to try a sling or harness. Like support towels, they fit around your dog’s midsection, but are more durable and ideal for longer-term injuries. They can provide specific support to front or rear legs as needed.

3. Dog wheelchairs

Last, but certainly not least, dog wheelchairs can do a great deal to improve a dog’s quality of life. They can allow a dog greater range of motion than towels and harnesses because they offer them the most important of attributes – freedom. Dogs want and need to roam free, and wheelchairs allow them to move without being tethered to their humans via a towel, harness, leash, or anything else.

Different dog wheelchairs are able to offer a great deal of bodily support to your dog’s front or rear legs, or both at once. The combination of metal and rubber make wheelchairs a durable option that will often last a dog her entire lifetime.

Making the adjustment

No matter which of the above options you choose for your dog, she may need a bit of time to adjust to it. After all, it is a huge change. Dogs experience the world to a great extent through their noses and tongues, so allow your pet to sniff and lick the towel, sling or wheelchair, and give her treats to help her form positive associations.