If you have a handicapped pet, there are alternatives to putting him down to alleviate his suffering. Pet mobility aids such as slings, splint and harnesses can help your pet move about.
It will break the heart of any pet owner to see his handicapped pet suffering from being unable to walk and this is where pet mobility aids can help the dog lead a more active life. Just as humans have braces, walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility aids to help them live with their handicap, nowadays there is specific equipment and accessories made for pets that help them move about.
Orthopedic conditions such as Degenerative Myelopathy, Arthritis, Hip Displacement and other similar musculoskeletal conditions could make it painful for your dog to walk and sometimes it could end up losing the use of its legs. Exercise is very important for your pet's health and unless he is walked every day, you may reach a situation when you have to consider putting him down. Before you take such a drastic step, it is a good idea to explore the various pet mobility accessories available that might aid him in going outdoors for his daily walk. Even in cases such as a fracture, these devices can play a part in your dog's physiotherapy by helping him regain use of his muscles quicker.
For example, a rear support harness is a useful pet mobility aid for helping your dog walk with your support and assistance. The harness has soft padding on the sleeves that are slipped on the rear legs with a handle or leash attached at the back with which you could physically lift the dog's rear end. This also helps the dog urinate or defecate more comfortably without getting other parts of his body soiled. It also has positive psychological benefits on your pet as it offers them some dignity and prevents them from going into depression from being unable to control their limbs. There are similar harnesses available for supporting the front legs. A belly harness helps to lift up your dog from the center and is useful if all his legs are weak.
There is a range of pet mobility aids such as slings, harnesses and splints that provide support to your pet's limbs to help both you and your pet deal with his handicap better.
While slings and harnesses are useful when the muscles of the limbs are weakened as they help in lifting the legs, splints are usually used for lower leg injuries such as a fracture to provide support to the limb and make the healing process faster.
There is no doubt that pet mobility aids are a godsend to both owners and pets as it provides an alternate solution to euthanasia for your pet.
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