HANDICAPPED PETS- We can care for them.

The below article is written by Mark Robinson, the creator of HandicappedPets.com, a website for the guardians of elderly, injured, and handicapped pets. He started the website several years ago in memory of his friend, Mercedes, who was out down before her time.

When a family member is injured or grows older, the amount of extra care they need changes. Fortunately, advances in medicine and assistive devices help us care for them and make them more comfortable. This holds true when our family includes pets. The deep, loving bond that is created when we choose to care for them evokes lasting warmth.

For some, the process begins with an accident or injury. For others it’s just a slow awareness that stairs are more difficult and leaping into the backseat of a car is nearly impossible. Sometimes it’s a rescue mission and sometimes it happens with no apparent reason at all. But however your best friend becomes handicapped, you’ll need help.

Veterinarians are always the first place to look, but they are by no means the last. A vet has access to the resources needed to understand what has happened and can give you perspective. But only you can gauge your own personal level of commitment. As the animal’s guardian, it is up to you to look into your heart and their eyes and make choices based on what you see and feel.

For me, it began with a pup named Mercedes who left before her time because I didn't know any better. That's why I created Handicapped Pets - for elderly dogs, disabled pets, and injured animals.

The first thing you need to understand is that you’re not alone!

You’re not alone. Thousands of people are successfully caring for Handicapped Pets in innovative and highly successful ways. You'll need products, services, and support from other handicapped pet caretakers. Hundreds of helpful products have been developed especially for Handicapped Pets.

Dog Wheelchairs and carts to help them walk. A cart is an ideal solution if an animal loses the use of its back or front legs, or cannot support its own weight dir to arthritis or spinal problems. In this case, a wire frame with wheels can be attached to a harness and worn by the animal. The fit of the cart is very important. An improperly fitted cart can be uncomfortable for the animal and, in some cases, harmful.

Depending on the style, and on the size of the wheels, carts can be made to handle different types of terrain. Large wheels allow the animal to move more slowly, but over rougher terrain. Small wheels give the pet the ability to maneuver quickly.

Carts cost between $200 and $600.

Harnesses let you help them with handles on the rear of the dog to offer a little extra support.

Dog Boots: Sometimes a handicapped pet will drag their feet causing cuts and sores. This becomes even more pronounced if an animal loses feeling in their legs or feet. Booties can help. Not all animals will accept the idea of wearing boots. It’s important that they be sturdy and fit snugly without cutting off circulation. A quality boot can cost between $10 and $20 each. Boots have a number of other uses and benefits including general protection from sharp stones, hot asphalt, lawn chemicals, and more. It’s a good idea to get your animal used to the idea of wearing boots. Besides, if you take them off when he comes back into the house it will keep the carpets clean.

Pets Beds especially designed for incontinent dog to keep them dry ehrn they are asleep.

Dog Diapers - Disposable and washable for places where accidents can't be allowed to happen (like in bed).

Back and hip Brace for dogs to help them say active.

Seat belt for a dog to protect not only the dog, but also passengers. Accidents can be avoided with a pet restraint. (Stephen King was hit by car in which a jumping dog distracted the driver!)

... and hundreds of other products.

Research, Research, Research!

Once your pet is diagnosed, learn everything you can about the disease or condition, the drugs prescribed, and the solutions that are available. Rimadyl, for example is a drug used for arthritis in dogs. Some believe it is a miracle cure, others consider it poison and point to hundreds of homeopathic alternatives. In any case, making an informed decision is critical. The internet provides hundreds of sites that have information, discussion groups, support groups, and research groups to assist you.

The discussion board at HandicappedPets.com has over 15,000 messages that people have left for one another asking questions, offering advices, a just cheering one another along. It's an easy discussion board -- anyone can post messages.

Recently, I was sent a story about a dog that was thought to be near the end of her life. She would tremble as she walked or refuse to stand up at all. Based on a suggestion on the HandicappedPets.com website, the guardian of the animal scattered small rugs across the hardwood floors. Suddenly the dog was free of what was then understood to be a fear of slipping on the slick floors and was able to walk effortlessly.

Sometimes, the stories are so weet and encouraging that we post them in our Gallery. Our Gallery is the place to go for inspiration -- to get a glimpse into how rewarding it can be to care for an animal that needs you.

HandicappedPets.com was designed as a comprehensive resource to provide the products and information that a caretaker needs. Fortunately, as human medical innovations are modified for animals, more and more products are being designed. The thousands of people who are currently caring for their Handicapped Pets are finding a wealth of products, services, and support. Here are some of the products available on the web. Many are available on HandicappedPets.com.

Awareness

Keep aware of the condition of your pet. Stay in touch with his or her progress and carefully monitor their condition. There may come a time where you decide that the animal is no longer enjoying a quality of life. You, the pet’s guardian and best friend, are the only person qualified to make this heart-wrenching decision. When it is time to decide, though, you’ll know that you waited until the time was right. Now it’s time to look to your support groups again.

Our commitment to our lifelong friends is to care for them as they care for us. You can join the thousands of people getting the help they need to care for their Handicapped Pets.

For more information, you can email Mark: MarkR <at> Handicappedpets.com