Frontpage » K-9 Carts: Usability

• Is my cat or rabbit able to use a litter box while in the cart?
  No. Cleanliness of your cart can not be maintained with a litter box.
• Is my pet able to use the cart indoors?
  Size of the animal and your house will dictate whether indoor use of the cart is feasible. Large carts can be quite destructive for inside use. All animals should be accompanied on a leash or contained in a fenced area under supervision while using the cart
• Is my pet able to go to the bathroom while in the cart?
  Yes, all animals will learn to urinate and defecate in the cart. If carts are used inside and elimination is not voluntary, a diaper or catch-it-all for elimination are available as an aid. (See accessories).
• Will my pet be able to rest and lie down in the cart?
  As previously stated, small, short-legged animals can lie down readily on an elevated cushion or bed to maintain proper body alignment while resting. If a pet is regularly in the cart for long periods, the pressure points should be monitored for pressure sores. Surprisingly, larger animals are able to rest their forequarters while in their cart provided a large cushion or bed is made available.
• How long is my pet able to stay in its cart?
  Almost all animals will need some conditioning when first introduced to the cart. Begin with a short time interval, perhaps as little as 5 minutes, to test the animal’s strength. A long period of disability without exercise requires small increments of time in the cart in order to achieve physical conditioning. Once strength is obtained, there is no limit other than the owner’s schedule to monitor the pet. A pet's size plays a part in exercise time. Large animals require more attention, because exercise is limited to outside activity. Smaller animals can spend more time in their carts, because of the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor use. The smaller dog is capable of lying down on a pillow in the cart when tired (see photo gallery). Larger dogs are unable to do so comfortably; therefore they should be removed from their carts when fatigued. Occasionally large dogs will be able to lie down in the cart if a padded platform should be provided.
• How difficult is it to put my pet in and out of a cart?
  

  Placing your pet into the cart is relatively easy- even for large dogs in two-wheeled K-9 Carts. Simple instructions are provided with each cart. Detachable leg ring slings now allow two entry methods, i.e., classic and leg sling method, into a K-9 Cart. The "classic" method involves lifting the dog’s rear quarters for insertion into the leg rings that are already attached to the K-9 Cart. The "leg sling" method involves first placing the hind limbs into the detachable leg ring sling, which is similar to our K-9 EZ Sling. The leg ring sling is then used to lift the hind quarters into the cart. The latter method is especially useful for larger breed pets (and saving your back!) Many owners find that the detachable leg ring sling can also be useful for going up and down a few stairs or short trips outside. Four-wheeled carts can be more difficult due to the lack of front limb strength. We encourage you to contact us should you have any problems understanding the instructions that are provided with each K-9 Cart.

   

• How long does it take for a pet to adjust to using a cart?
  Adjustment of your pet to cart is, in general, not a problem. When a problem occurs, some of the following factors might be present:
  1. animal has minimal disability, and the cart is considered a nuisance. The more disabled the pet, the more readily the cart will be accepted.
  2. Weakness in forequarters results in discouragement due to lack of strength. Solution: your pet may need a 4 wheel cart instead of a two wheel. Two wheel carts can be modified for 4 wheels; please call for assistance.
  3. Mental stubbornness—especially noted in cats. The key to success is lots o f patience and short trial periods (e.g., 3-5 minutes) initially in the cart. Some animals feel threatened and need a longer period for acceptance.
• How do I know if my pet is a candidate for a cart?
  The need for a cart begins in the simplest terms as the inability of a pet to get up without assistance. Once up, foot dragging causes abrasion to a front or rear foot - a further extension for the need for a cart. Once an animal is not walking, muscle atrophy becomes the enemy. Every effort should be made to regain walking as early as possible to prevent muscle deterioration.
• What do you recommend for a puppy or kitten?