Tips For Dog Owners Who Reside in a Wheelchair

Difficulties can arise when it comes to being able to care for yourself or your pets if you are confined to a wheelchair.  Living life in a seated state means anything you need that is further away than your arms can reach is going to cause a problem.  However, if you give  some of these suggestions a try, you can do what you need to, to care for your dog.:

1. Find yourself a device that has a long handle and a grasping claw, or “jaw,” on one end.  Such a tool not only will help you reach the dog food can off of that cupboard shelf, but can also be handy in the grocery store to reach anything too high or too low.

2. Other useful tools to use can be things such as long handled tongs, like you would use to flip those steaks on the grill, or sturdy spatulas (again the outdoor grilling kind), to grab and lift food dishes on and off of the floor.   Even a dustpan with a long handle can do the job. 

3. It’s essential for your pup to have water available at all times.  So, don’t throw out those empty milk jugs.  Have someone fill them with water for you and leave them on the floor next to your pet’s water dish.  They’ll be there waiting whenever he needs a refill, and all you have to do is grab and pour.

4. Does your fridge have a soda chute? (It’s that thing that you stack sodas in, and when you pull a can from the bottom, another drops into it’s place).  Take it out of the fridge and put it in a cabinet stocked with your dog food cans.  That way, you won’t have to chase those pesky cans that have found their way to the back of the cabinet and out of reach.

5. If you have trouble getting to your vet, locate a mobile vet that will come to you!

6. If getting to the vet isn’t the problem, but getting you, the wheelchair, AND the dog out of the car and into the vet’s office, call ahead and ask someone to come out and assist you.

7. There are plenty of dog food dishes that are set in raised stands, so that you won’t have to reach all the way to the floor to set and retrieve the bowls.

8. Pet poop scoops with long handles are readily available at your local pet supply store.  This will make it easier to clean up after your dog.  Keep a plastic bag handy to dispose of the waste.

9.  Retractable pet leashes are ideal for you to be able to take the pooch for a walk, and allow him to go explore the grass and trees while you stay on the sidewalk.  Retractable leashes come in a variety of sizes and lengths to suit your needs.

10. Install a tie-out in your backyard so that will reach to your back door.  You can hook up the tie out from the door and your dog will be free to roam the yard to take care of his business.  50 feet is a good length for ample exploration space.

11. If you know any responsible children in your neighborhood, offer to pay them a few dollars to come in and give your dog a bath for you.

Article by Kim Irvin Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on elevated dog bowls online.