How to Build a Doggie Wheelchair
If you have a dog that has become disabled and no longer has the use of its hind legs, a doggie wheelchair will help your beloved furry friend to still be mobile. You can make your own doggie wheelchair fairly inexpensively with a few materials and a little bit of elbow grease. Your dog will be back on the move in no time at all.
Supply List
- PVC piping
- 4 PVS T's
- Glue for PVC
- 1 Yard of canvas material
- 4 wheels
- Measure the width of the dog using a standard tape measure. You need to know the exact width of the dog to ensure that the wheelchair will comfortably fit it.
- Determine the weight of the dog. The weight of the dog will determine the height of the wheelchair so that the dog can easily reach the ground with its back legs while comfortably resting the front part of its body on the wheelchair base.
- Purchase PVC piping according to the measurements you have made. Add 6 inches to the dog's width to allow for a comfortable fit. You will also need to purchase 4 PVC T's and elbows to secure the PVC piping together.
- Cut down the PVC piping to create 4 poles that are the height of the dog. These will act as the main supports for the doggie wheelchair.
- Cut 2 cross-pieces to go across the front and back of the doggie wheelchair.
- Measure the canvas so that it will tightly stretch across the frame of the doggie wheelchair. Allow an additional 4 inches on either side to accommodate the loop you will be creating.
- Fold over the edges of the canvas to create an opening that is large enough for the PVC pipe to slide into.
- Secure the fabric using a sewing machine to create a pocket on either side of the fabric.
- Slide the canvas onto the two supports on the right and left side of the structure.
- Secure the legs to the top of the base using the PVC T's. Use a moderate amount of PVC glue to ensure that the pipes are attached together well and will be able to hold the weight of the dog.
- Secure the wheels onto the bottom of the 4 legs of the doggie wheelchair using the PVC glue you have purchased.
- Allow the doggie wheelchair to dry overnight so that the glue has time to cure before using it.