Dog Mobility Guides

Practical, sourced guides for dogs with weak or failing back legs: what's happening, how to care for them day to day, and how to get them walking again.

Start here

Why is my dog losing use of their back legs?The common causes, what the signs mean, and when to see a vet. Caring for a dog with weak back legsBathroom help, stairs and floors, slings and harnesses, and the first days. How to measure your dog for a wheelchairOne measurement, the size chart and our fit finder. The OldPal rear support wheelchairFive sizes across nine height ranges, with the Fit Guarantee.
Adult brindle Boxer standing at the bottom of wooden back porch steps, leaning weight onto its front legs
Using a Sling for a Dog With Bad Back Legs
How to choose and use a sling for a dog with bad back legs: types, fit checks, safe lifting on stairs and at the car, and when a wheelchair works... Read more...
Senior golden retriever standing on grass with weak back legs slightly lowered near a garden step
Harness for a Dog With Bad Back Legs: How to Choose and Use One
A harness for a dog with bad back legs takes weight off weak hips so they can walk and potty. How it works, harness vs collar, sizing, and when to... Read more...
Senior Labrador with weak back legs standing at the bottom of a carpeted staircase indoors
Dog With Bad Back Legs and Stairs: How to Keep Them Safe
A dog with bad back legs and stairs is a risky mix. Learn how to gate, sling support, go down one step at a time, and plan a day with... Read more...
Dachshund with IVDD resting on a blanket at home, a common setting for bladder and urination problems
IVDD Dog Not Urinating: Why It Happens and What to Do
If your IVDD dog is not urinating, call your vet today. Learn why bladder nerves fail, what leaking means, and what urinary recovery can realistically look like. Read more...
Senior golden retriever standing at the foot of a wooden ramp leading up to a back porch
Using a Ramp With a Dog Wheelchair: What Actually Works
How to pick and use a dog wheelchair ramp: the right width, length and grip for cart wheels, plus setup at the door, the car and calm ramp training. Read more...