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Just because a dog is wheelchair bound doesn't mean they can't live life to the fullest - they absolutely can. As long as they have a human who's willing to help them out and accommodate them, they can do just about anything a fully mobile dog can do!
Tht includes romping through puddles. If there's one thing a dog is going to do, it's romp through a puddle, especially after they (or your car, your carpet, your bedding...) have just had a bath. On Saturday, August 10th, one wheelchair using Pug was caught living his best life:
Frank and Brenda the Pugs go for walks together often, but it's a special day when there's a puddle around. They're dogs, after all! Shoutout to the comments on this video - I was cracking up, and Frank's mom was, too!
Related: Pug Insists on 'Holding Hands' with Mom in the Car and It's Too Sweet
Frank has a degenerative spinal condition; he's been diagnosed with it for 5 years. In that time, his mom has tried everything, from surgeries and medications to physical therapy and other holistic-type methods. She's found that what works best for him is to use the wheelchair on long excursions like this one, but she lets him walk around the house without it.
Eventually, he will completely lose feeling in at least his back legs, but possibly even the front ones in time. Luckily, he actually enjoys his wheelchair, and his mom has been helping him learn how to navigate life on wheels while it's still a little bit easier.
How to Help a Wheelchair Dog Adjust
This is something that a lot of people never think about; it seems a little unnecessary. If your dog isn't in a wheelchair, they don't need to be trained to use one, and we don't like to think about horrible things happening to our sweet pups. But, you really never know what could happen.
If you've just found out that your dog needs a wheelchair, you should:
- Take their measurements so you can get one that fits them specifically.
- Some vets will offer to put together a package for you!
- If needed, install ramps in your home (they can often be simple, wide plank you can install yourself).
- If you can, start practicing getting them into and walking around with the wheelchair before they need to wear it full-time.
- Don't show your frustration: they may have accidents or refuse to use their wheelchair at first.
- Be patient and use lots of treats and praise.
The biggest thing you can do to help a dog adjust as seamlessly as possible is to do so quietly. Don't make a big deal of accommodating them, and don't change things too drastically - it could throw them off. Nothing will stand in Frank's way, though. He's obviously too good for that!
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