What warning signs indicate that your animal might be developing a handicap:

• Has been in an accident
• Inability to stand up without assistance
• Difficulty going up stairs, or getting into a car
• Difficulty walking or running, is limping or whining
• Uncontrolled or accidental urination, urinating in bed
• Hesitancy to walk across a slippery floor
• Unusual growths on any part of the body
• Changes in weight, eating habits, or temperament
• Weakness due to recovery from a medical procedure

If you observe any of these signs:

1. See your veterinarian. As an animal health care professional, he or she can diagnose the problem and offer advice.
2. Research the condition. To give your animal the best support possible, become an expert in the affliction. In your studies, you may find information that will be invaluable to you, your veterinarian and your animal.
3. Get support. The Internet provides unlimited forums, mailing lists, and support groups about dealing with and caring for handicapped animals. As a member of these groups you can dialogue with people who have experienced your
situation, and be of help to others.

Products to get him moving

Some of the most popular support products for handicapped animals are readily available in stores and through the Internet. Many can be shipped overnight at reasonable cost.

• An important category of handicapped animal products provide support for the back end of the animal. This allows the dog to walk, get exercise, and play.

• The rear end support leash is a nylon strap with two large loops at the end. The loops go around the back legs of the dog and allow you to give support for the back end. With this, the caretaker is able to support some of the animal’s weight. Neoprene comfort sleeves add padding under the dog’s back legs. Typically, these cost between $40 and $50. One size fits almost all dogs.

• Most dogkart owners attract a lot of attention when they walk down the street. It’s quickly becoming commonplace, though, to see a happy dog in wheels running through the park, chasing a ball or playing with other dogs. A dog wheelchair uses wheels to support the back end of a handicapped dog while the healthy front legs provide the propulsion. Dogkarts are custom built based on careful measurements. Different models provide support in several ways and some research is required to choose the right cart for your animal. Carts come in rear, front, and quad support and can be used for any animal.

With the help of products and services for handicapped animals, and the love and care of their families, elderly and disabled critters all over the country are living longer and enjoying happy, active lives.

Mark Robinson is the creator of HandicappedPets.com, a website for the caretakers of elderly, disabled, and injured animals. The website includes all the products, services, and support that a family needs. Mark is a noted speaker and an advisor to the board of directors of the National Cancer Society for Animals.

Useful resources
HandicappedPets.com (all products for elderly, disabled, and injured animals)
DogKarts.com (carts and wheelchairs)
BottumsUpLeash.com (holds a dog up from the rear end)
SeniorPetSupply.com (products for elderly animals)
PetBoots.com (various brands of boots for animals)
K9Brace.com (orthotics and prosthetics for Animals)
HandicappedPets.Net (animal care discussion board)