K-9 Cart Company East FAQ

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Q:	Why are your carts better than others on the market?

A:	The K-9 Cart is the only pet wheelchair designed by a Veterinary Orthopedic Specialist. We have over 45 years of experience in attending to the needs of the mobility-impaired pet. K-9 Carts are guaranteed to fit. K-9 Carts have the finest support system available. Our veterinary medical background and long-term design experience provides a real added bonus to our high quality service commitment. Our mission at K-9 Cart Company East is to restore dignity and renewed mobility resulting in improved quality of life for both pet and owner.

Q:	What are your carts made of?

A:	All carts are custom built using light-weight aluminum tubing with connecting plastic fittings. Comfortable padding is provided where needed. A K-9 cart, when properly fitted, is balanced creating minimal stress to the pet. Support is provided in each cart for either rear limb walking or total support of the rear limbs. Wheels are fitted with bronze bushings or ball bearings. Tires are foam-filled and will never go flat. The size of the wheel is determined by the type of disability, terrain, and size of the animal. The carts are washable and essentially maintenance free.

Q:	Are your carts adjustable? What if my pet outgrows its cart?

A:	Good fitting begins with the accuracy of measurements you provide (please refer to our measuring instructions). With few exceptions, all carts are adjustable in height and length. Width adjustments are seldom necessary, since your pet's width is easy to measure. If necessary, width adjustment can easily be made at our shop. Please call with questions and send photos of your pet to help us with any fitting problems.

Q:	I have a puppy/kitten. What do you recommend?

A:	It is is essential to encourage activity as soon as possible to enhance body growth and the level of function to which your young animal is capable of. We suggest that a sling be used to assist walking at the earliest age (3-4 months). Slings are available for young animals, are adjustable, and can be found under the accessory listing on the website menu. Appropriate-sized carts are provided at 3-4 months that can be adjusted. Please call for further information.

Q:	How much do the carts weigh?

A:	The weight of a car varies from less than 1lb. for very small animals to 12 lbs. for pets >100 lbs. Four-wheel carts are heavier, but totally supportive for all four limbs. We have put forth a major effort to design light carts that reduce the burden on an already disabled pet. The specific needs of each animal must be considered in the assembly process as we custom fit each pet.

Q:	How do I know if my pet is a candidate for a cart?

A:	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.

Q:	Will my pet become dependent on the cart?

A:	Animals tend to function at their full ability. Avoiding certain activities can be related to previous experiences of discomfort. We don't believe that disability in animals is ever related to mental state as a single cause. There are few “wimps” in the animal world.

Q:	What if I buy a cart and it does not fit my pet?

A:	Proper fit of your cart start with accurate measurements. There is nothing more discouraging than either producing or receiving a cart that is not usable due to poor measurements. Please take the time to be accurate as possible—call for help if needed. Much of our recent redesigning has been directed at enhancing adjustability. The only dimension not adjustable is width (so accuracy is especially important here.) All other dimensions have considerable adjustment allowing for some error. Width measurement is easily corrected and modifications can be made at our shop, if necessary.

Q:	How long does it take for a pet to adjust to using a cart?

A:	Adjustment of your pet to cart is, in general, not a problem. When a problem occurs, some of the following factors might be present: a) animal has minimal disability, and the cart is considered a nuisance. The more disabled the pet, the more readily the cart will be accepted. b) 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. c) 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.

Q:	Will my pet get sores from using a cart?

A:	No! This type of problem is almost non-existent. Please call us to discuss any problem. Undersized fitting can be a problem. However, the leg rings can be widened or additional padding added, if needed. An alternative is to use artificial or real sheepskin as a lining over the existing padding for the leg rings, especially if leg rings are causing abrasion.

Q:	How difficult is it to put my pet in and out of a cart?

A:	This is only a problem for large dogs. Lifting the dog’s rear quarters for insertion into the leg rings creates can be difficult at first. Instructions that accompany our carts provide an aid to this effort. The use of our K-9 E-Z sling (see accessories) with detachable cables helps considerably in lifting your large pet.

Q:	How long is my pet able to stay in its cart?

A:	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.

Q:	Is the cart washable?

A:	Yes! Our carts are made of aluminum tubing, high impact plastic, and stainless steel screws, and, therefore, can be cleaned without fear of rusting. It is important to keep your cart clean and hygienic by wiping it off regularly.

Q:	What if I need to replace a part or a part breaks on the cart?

A:	All of our parts are replaceable. Very active pets will tend to place heavier wear on their tires; however, new tires are available at a nominal price. A structural problem is best photographed, if possible, to aid in proper replacement. The longest record for a pet in a cart with minimal replacement of parts is 13 years.

Q:	Will my pet be able to rest and lie down in the cart?

A:	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.

Q:	Is my pet able to go to the bathroom while in the cart?

A:	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).

Q:	Is my pet able to use the cart indoors?

A:	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

Q:	Is my cat or rabbit able to use a litter box while in the cart?

A:	No. Cleanliness of your cart can not be maintained with a litter box.

Q:	Can my pet go up and downstairs in a cart?

A:	Assist your pet by lifting the cart in the rear to provide a smooth transition over the threshold or down 1-2 shallow steps. However, navigating upstairs in the cart requires a gradual ramp to provide stability.

Q:	Will my pet be able to use its doggy door while in its cart?

A:	No, not unless the bottom of the doggy door is level with the floor. The door must be very flexible and multi-panel for ease of passage.

Q:	Will I be able to leave my pet alone in its cart when I am not home?

A:	No, we do not advise leaving your pet in its cart alone. Supervision is always recommended.

Q:	Is there a walking and non-walking cart version of the new K-9 Cart?

A:	No, the new K-9 Cart has the ability to accomodate pets that still have some hindlimb motion as well as pets that are entirely paralyzed in one or both limbs. All carts are shipped with sling supports that elevate the feet off the ground to protect them from abrasion. Depending on your pet, you can test whether the cart performs better by allowing them to walk or not. If there is any knuckling of the rear toes when walking on hard surfaces, it will be necessary to put your pet’s rear limbs in the leg slings. On grass and other soft surfaces, your pet’s rear limbs may be down in a walking position provided there is close monitoring for abrasion of toes.

Q:	Do I need special wheels for outdoors or bigger carts?

A:	The foam-filled wheels were custom made for K-9 Carts. All but the smallest tires, have knobby tread to assist with traction outside. Wheel choice is based on the ability or strength of the pet. Large wheels are suggested for use on rough terrain. Small wheels enable the small or weaker animal to walk more easily. Occasionally we provide two different diameter wheels for optional use.

Q:	Do you have anything for a pet that has a problem with the front legs?

A:	At present, we are providing 4 wheel carts for this type of disability. We are researching a method of using two primary wheels in front but have not been successful yet.

Q:	Are you able to help a pet that has no use of either front or rear legs?

A:	Yes, we have made up many quadriplegic carts over the years especially for rehabilitation. The new lightweight cart was designed with just these special needs in mind. This type of cart gives total support to the pet while allowing you to work with the legs. Cats who suffer from cerebellum problems receive benefit from this type of cart as it stabilizes them and prevents them from falling over on their heads or side. Also some of the common neurological conditions, which are progressive resulting in both rear and front limb disability, benefirt from four-wheel carts. Four-wheel carts are provided for in all sizes of our K-9 carts. Once inability to walk on both front and rear limb occurs, we are unable to provide help. However, we recommend that you call us to discuss options for any special needs pets.

Q:	What if my pet has special needs not covered on your web site?

A:	Every animal is different to some degree in their disability. Therefore, our service has to be very creative in selecting the best supportive system for the animal. Our 45 years of experience at K-9 Cart Company East enables us to offer a very dedicated and far reaching service. Each year brings new ideas and application to our cart services. Please call us to discuss any concerns you have about your particular pet.

Q:	How long does it take to get one of our products?

A:	Each cart is custom made for your pet. Thus, we usually ship out cart orders within 3-5 working days of receiving a completed order. Accessories are very often shipped out the same day. We have a variety of shipping options depending on how quickly you'd like to get your product.

Q:	How do K-9 carts work on different type terrain?

A:	Carts work well on most surfaces as carts just follow along behind where your pet normally goes. For some pets they will not work on a pebbly beach or in winter on an unplowed snowy pathway. If you walk through woods or hiking trails, you will have to be prepared to rescue them if a wheel becomes caught in a hole or tree root.

Q:	Do you make carts for pets other than dogs, cats and rabbits?

A:	The majority of K-9 carts are made for dogs, cats and rabbits-all of which do well in our carts in general. We have also built carts for ferrets, skunks, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, and an opossum.

Q:	I have a question that is not listed above?

A:	Please telephone or e-mail us where one of our qualified sales representatives will have the answer for you!