EasyManua.ls Logo

Wheels for Pets Walkin' Wheels Medium - User Manual

Default Icon
28 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
Walkin’ Wheels
®
Medium
Owners Manual
With instructions for optional Fully Supportive
Front Wheel Kit
Walkin’ Wheels® is a registered trademark of Wheels for Pets, LLC
US Patent 7,549,398. Canada 2,641,092
Euro 2050418, Japan 5385584, other patents pending.
HandicappedPets.com • 105 Rt 101A – Suite 18 • Amherst, NH 03031 • (603) 577-8854
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Wheels for Pets Walkin' Wheels Medium and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Teaching Your Dog to Use Walkin Wheels

Setting Up the Dog Wheelchair

Adjusting the Knuckle

Adjusts the leg position of the wheelchair by loosening and tightening dial caps.

Angle of the Legs

Setting wheels straight or angled back for stability.

Adjust Length, Width, and Height with Snap Buttons

Utilizing snap buttons to easily modify wheelchair dimensions for optimal fit.

Adjusting the Length

Procedure for adjusting the wheelchair's length using extenders.

Adjusting the Width

How to adjust the wheelchair's width for proper fit around the dog's body.

Adjusting the Height

Setting the correct wheelchair height for the dog's comfort and function.

Front Harness Attachment

Connecting the front harness to the wheelchair frame using extenders and clips.

Adjusting the Front Harness

Steps for fitting and adjusting the front harness for a secure and comfortable fit.

Checking Proper Wheelchair Adjustment

Key checks to verify the wheelchair is correctly fitted and adjusted for the dog.

Assembling the Fully Supportive Wheelchair

Attaching Legs to Extenders

Attaching the leg components to the extenders, ensuring correct orientation.

Inserting Strut and Caster Assembly

Connecting the front strut and caster assembly into the leg component.

Putting Your Dog Into the Wheelchair

Overview

The Walkin' Wheels Medium dog wheelchair is a mobility aid designed to support handicapped pets, allowing them to exercise and maintain physical therapy. It is suitable for dogs with hind leg weakness or paralysis, and with an optional front wheel attachment, it can also support dogs with weakness in all four legs. The wheelchair is highly adjustable to ensure a proper fit for various dog sizes and conditions, promoting a natural standing position and comfortable movement.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Walkin' Wheels Medium is to provide mobility and support for dogs with impaired leg function. It helps pets regain independence, allowing them to walk, run, and play, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. The design enables dogs to urinate and defecate while in the wheelchair, ensuring convenience for both the pet and owner. The wheelchair supports the dog's weight, reducing strain on their legs and spine, and can be used for daily exercise, rehabilitation, and long-term mobility assistance.

Usage Features:

The Walkin' Wheels Medium wheelchair features a lightweight aluminum frame with snap buttons for easy adjustment of length, width, and height. The frame is shipped flat and requires initial assembly, primarily involving setting the legs perpendicular to the frame by adjusting the knuckle assembly. The knuckle assembly allows for precise positioning of the wheels; for active dogs, the wheels can be angled slightly back for added stability.

Length adjustments are made using extenders, with two sets (15" and 26") provided to accommodate different dog lengths. The extenders should be positioned at the center of the dog's shoulder blades and remain parallel to the ground. Width adjustments are made via width connectors (6" and 9" options), ensuring at least 1/2" clearance on each side of the hips. The correct width is determined by the widest part of the dog, usually the chest.

Height adjustment is crucial for proper fit. If the dog has some use of its back legs, the height should be set so the toe pads touch the ground, allowing for natural walking motion. For dogs with very weak back legs or those that knuckle under, stirrups are provided to keep the paws off the ground. The stirrups attach to the back of the wheelchair and are adjustable to ensure a snug fit, lifting the dog's legs several inches off the ground. It is important to release the stirrups first when taking the dog out of the wheelchair.

The rear support leg rings are designed to support the dog's hindquarters, creating a firm "seat" or saddle. They attach to the wheelchair frame with black plastic harness clips that fit over shoulder socket screws. The leg rings should hang no lower than 1" below the frame and feature a Velcro center connector that can be adjusted to avoid pressure on the dog's genitals.

The front harness attachment is a key component, securing the dog's front end to the wheelchair. The extenders from the wheelchair frame clip into D-rings on the front harness, positioned just behind the shoulder blades. The front harness itself consists of a black strap that goes under the neck across the chest, a blue strap over the shoulders, and a red strap behind the front legs. Comfort sleeves are included and can be cut to size for smaller dogs, with excess straps tucked in.

For additional belly support, an optional belly belt is available. This is useful for dogs with downward-bowing spines, overweight dogs, or those with spinal or disc issues. The belly belt attaches to the extenders and is adjusted to sit in the middle of the dog's belly.

The wheelchair offers different wheel options: foam wheels (4", 8", 12", and 16") and air tires (12" and 16"). Foam wheels are lightweight, durable, and suitable for all terrain, offering a smooth ride without going flat. Air tires provide more shock absorbency and are recommended for active dogs and off-road hiking, though they require 30 PSI air and may need tube or wheel replacement if punctured.

The optional Fully Supportive Front Wheel Kit converts the rear wheelchair into a four-wheel system for dogs with front leg weakness or general four-leg mobility issues. This kit includes front extenders, struts and casters, legs, a chin bar with extension pieces, an Allen key/wrench, front bar screws, a chin bar comfort cover, and front leg rings. Assembly involves attaching the legs to the extenders, inserting the strut and caster assembly into the legs (ensuring correct left/right placement), and attaching the chin bar. The chin bar adds stability and rigidity and is inserted into the front extenders. Front leg rings are then clipped on, similar to the rear leg rings.

Maintenance Features:

The Walkin' Wheels Medium is designed for durability and a long lifespan with proper use and maintenance. The wheelchair frame is made of aluminum and will not rust. For cleaning, the entire wheelchair can be hosed off if dirt or sand gets inside. All components are removable for thorough cleaning. Oiling is not necessary for the moving parts.

Optional set screws are provided for noise reduction. These screws tighten the wheelchair frame, reducing rattling noises and keeping adjustments secure. It's important to loosen or remove these set screws before making any adjustments to the wheelchair.

Replacement parts for wear-and-tear items such as wheels, harnesses, and stickers can be purchased from the manufacturer's website. This ensures that the wheelchair can be maintained and extended for a lifetime of use.

The product comes with a five-year guarantee from the manufacturer against defects in material or workmanship of the frame, excluding normal wear and tear of the harness and wheels. If any part of the frame breaks, the manufacturer will repair or replace it at their option, though shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. The warranty is non-transferable.

Wheels for Pets Walkin' Wheels Medium Specifications

General IconGeneral
Product TypePet Wheelchair
SizeMedium
Weight Capacity26-49 lbs
AdjustableYes
ColorBlue
AdjustabilityFully adjustable
Adjustable StrapsYes
MaterialAluminum
Wheel Size12 inch
Wheel TypeFoam
Harness MaterialNeoprene