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Do dog wheelchairs weaken legs?

664 views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  resideoautolab 
#1 ·
My 15 year old Samoyed with arthritis can still go for slow walks. He falls about 4 times a day, especially when he jumps or rotates too fast. I help him up but he can push himself up. He eats good, sleeps about 22 hours a day. Someone suggested a dog wheelchair to improve the dog's mobility. I think a dog wheelchair can help healthy and young dogs with mobility issue. But I don't think a dog wheelchair is a good idea for my dog. First of all, dog wheelchair is like a crutch for people. As long as leg bones are good, weight bearing stimulates and maintains muscle mass. Continuing to use crutch will weaken the leg. That's why I think my dog should not use dog wheelchair. For the remainder of his life, I want him to maintain the leg muscles he got. I would like to know if anyone has any different views?
 
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