It’s sad thinking about our beloved pets becoming paralyzed or having limb injuries that give them mobility issues. Whether the problem results from old age, an injury, or paralysis, it’s completely normal to worry about your dog’s quality of life.
One fundamental question to ask when your dog is paralyzed is whether or not they can go to the bathroom on their own. If you have a dog wheelchair, you might be wondering how your canine friend will be able to relieve itself.
If your dog has recently been paralyzed or it’s recovering from hind legs injury, you’re in the right place. We’ll talk about how a dog can go to the bathroom even while in a wheelchair.
Can Dogs Pee or Poop While in a Wheelchair?
Yes, a dog can pee or poop while using a wheelchair. These dog wheelchairs are specifically designed to make pets relieve themselves without the waste ever touching the frame of the wheelchair.
While the dog may not squat or lift its leg, it can simply spread its legs, and urine or feces will fall onto the ground.
However, this may take time to learn. As a pet parent, it’s up to you to train your dog to be able to go to the bathroom while on a handicapped dog accessory.
Related: How to help a paralyzed dog poop
How to Train Your Dog to Go To The Bathroom While on a Wheelchair
You need to train your dog to pee and poop with a wheelchair. A paralyzed dog or a dog suffering from limb injuries has mobility problems and will most likely lie down most of the time. This inactive lifestyle will lead to digestion problems since your dog is not moving.
Exercise and the constant movement of the body can help move urine and waste internally, so a wheelchair can aid in your dog’s ability to go to the bathroom.
Here are some tips on how to train your dog to pee and poop while using a wheelchair:
Bring Your Dog to a Potty Location
Introduce a potty location to your dog. Or, if your dog has a favorite potty spot in your home, bring your pet there to signify that it’s time to pee or poop.
Exercise Your Dog
Walk your dog, play with it, and give it plenty of exercise. The more it moves with its wheelchair, the more comfortable it will be to use it, and thus, will get used to going to the bathroom while using the accessory.
Stick to a Routine
Your dog should be able to pee at least four times a day and poo at least once or twice a day. Create a bathroom routine so your dog’s body can get used to the schedule. First thing in the morning is an excellent time for your dog to pee and poop.
Give Your Dog Positive Reinforcement
If your dog has successfully gone to the bathroom while using its wheelchair, give it praise or give it a treat. Most dogs respond well to food, so a snack, such as a dog cookie or fruits, will make going to the bathroom a positive experience for your dog.
If your dog can’t control itself, a dog diaper, urine absorption pads, or a unique bed that’s easy to clean might be a good idea. Or, if your dog is suffering from constipation, a little help from you would be needed. Rubbing your dog’s belly and butt area, as well as sticking your finger inside its butthole, can help stimulate bowel movement.
Related: How to help a paralyzed dog pee
Conclusion
A paralyzed dog is not easy to take care of, but with the help of a handicapped dog accessory like a dog wheelchair, you can help improve your canine friends’ life.
One of the many issues a dog with mobility problems faces is going to the bathroom, which can be dreadful during the first few days. Fortunately, with patience, practice, and perseverance, your dog will quickly relieve itself on its own once it gets used to using the wheelchair to move around.
If you’re still having issues despite training your dog, it may be time to call your vet to check if there are other medical reasons why your dog may have difficulty going to the bathroom while in a wheelchair.
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