Normal strength in the front legs is defined as your pets ability to walk well on the front legs with the back level and the rear legs supported. Front leg strength is extremely important for successful use of the two wheeled cart. A pet's ability to pull itself around does not necessarily demonstrate sufficient forelimb strength to handle a cart. We recommend that you perform a "walking" test to determine your pet's front leg strength. If in doubt as to your pet's forelimb strength and you are in traveling distance of Whidbey Island, WA., please call us for an evaluation appointment or send us a video of how your pet walks with and without the sling support recommended below.
Walking Test
Large Pets -- Take two narrow towels, placing one under each hind leg in the groin area. Keep the back LEVEL, support the rear and make sure your pet will walk along well on the front legs. Keeping the back level will cause the rear paws to drag, so do this on a surface that won't harm the paws. If your pet is able to walk weakly in the rear, then just support the rear keeping the paws on the ground while observing the front limb strength.
Small Pets -- Take a piece of material and cut two holes in it for the legs to go down through. While supporting the rear and keeping the back level, make sure that your pet will walk along readily on its front legs.
Signs of Forelimb Weakness
- Stumbling or knuckling with one or both feet.
- Taking a few steps and stopping or laying back on the front legs.
- Short, choppy steps or crossing over of the front paws.
- Splaying front legs out wide to maintain balance.
If you need a cart for your pet's rear limb weakness and you pet demonstrates front leg weakness, you may want to check the Walkabout™ Harnesses. The Harness will at least give you a helping hand to lift your pet, move it short distances, in and out of a car or up a few steps and outside for elimination. You may need both a front and rear harness. The Walkabelly™, which is an abdominal support sling is recommended for pets that have equal weakness in all four limbs.
