Animal Ortho Care Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair Instruction Manual

Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair
Instruction Manual

Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair

1. Wheel Struts x2
2. Belly Belt
3. Extra Screw
4. Hex Key
5. Zippered Carrying Case
6. Measuring Tape
7. Wheelchair Frame
8. Harnesses
9. Frame Struts
10. Front Leading Leash
11. Stabilization Bar (XL only)
12. Rear Lifting Leash
13. Stabilization Strap (L only)

NOTES
SKU SPECIFICS
Depending on the size of wheelchair you have purchased, one of the following additional options may apply:
Medium and Smaller
Shorter pets may only require one strut per side when adjusting the wheelchair height. In these cases, loosen and remove both sets of struts from the frame, then attach the struts with the wheels directly to the frame.
Large
This wheelchair includes a strap that can be attached to the back of the wheel struts to provide additional stabilization. Attach one end of the strap to one side of the frame before adjusting the frame width to fit your pet. Once you have tightened the width adjustment screws, connect the other side of the strap to the frame and tighten the strap until it has only slight slack.
Extra Large
This wheelchair includes an additional stabilization bar that attaches to the bottom of the frame struts. To attach the stabilization bar, loosen the screws on the back of both the frame and the stabilization bar. Collapse the frame to its minimum width. Attach one side of the stabilization bar to the frame and tighten the blue knob. Attach the other end of the stabilization bar to the frame, then set the width of the frame and stabilization bar together so the fit is appropriate for your pet. Once the fit is correct, tighten the other blue knob to secure the stabilization bar in place.
Medium and Smaller Large Extra Large

ASSEMBLY

HARNESS

1. Remove the front harness from the frame by pulling down on the button and pulling the metal ring free. Repeat this process for the other side of the frame.
2. Remove the back harness from the frame by pulling the metal rings free of the plastic clips. Repeat this process for the other side of the frame.
3. Tighten and loosen the strap on each harness to adjust the harness fit.

FRAME

1. Loosen the blue knobs on both frame struts so that they hang loosely but do not detach from the frame.
2. Affix a wheel strut to each frame strut and tighten the knobs. Note that there is a spring that sits between the interior of the knob and its attachment point to the frame or the other struts. If it falls out while you are removing or attaching a strut, place it back into the socket before tightening the adjustment knob.

WHEEL & FRAME

1. To adjust the height of the wheelchair, loosen the blue adjustment knobs.

2. Rotate the struts to their desired position. Ensure corresponding numbers match. Tighten the blue knobs completely.

3. After adjusting the wheel struts, they should After adjusting the wheel struts, they should either be vertical or angled towards the front of the frame. The angle of the struts will vary depending on the height of your pet.

4. Loosen, but do not remove, all the hex screws using the included hex key.

5. Push or pull the bars to the desired length and width and ensure both hex screws are set to the same number. Tighten the hex screws.

6. If your pet’s rear legs are paralyzed, you can support them using the padded foot straps. The strap length can be adjust by pushing the toggle button. If you will not be using the foot straps, you can remove them.
   Loosen the rear hex screws completely and remove the straps and hooks, then tighten the screws again.

7. Adjust the frame length using the two extendable frame bars. Once the bars are in their desired position, tighten the hex screws.Your wheelchair should look similar to the diagram pictured above.

On the fi rst day, please fully review the assembly instructions before you begin fitting the harnesses and wheelchair to your pet, and refer to the instructions throughout the process. Take regular breaks  in accordance with your pet’s needs. Reward your pet frequently throughout the process.

1. Begin by visually comparing the size of the frame to the size of your pet. Follow previous instructions to adjust frame size. Remove the harness from the frame. Place the frame around your pet to ensure the pet will fit within the frame. Do NOT place harnesses on your pet until you’ve determined that the frame will fit, as this can impact viability of a return and replacement. If the frame seems unlikely to fit, contact Animal Ortho Care for an exchange.
   frame seems unlikely to fit, contact Animal Ortho Care for an exchange.

2. If the wheelchair appears to be the appropriate size proceed with setting the wheelchair near your pet’s favorite area so they can get used to its sight and smell.

3. Place the front and back harness on your pet. Tighten the straps on each harness until they fit your pet snugly.
   The buckles will sit on the left side of your pet.

4. The front harness can be used in conjunction with the included walking leash. The rear harness can be used with the included lifting leash to provide extra support.
   Once you have the front and back harnesses adjusted and feel that your pet has acclimated to them, remove the harnesses.

For the second day it is strongly recommended that you have at least two people working together to position your pet within the frame. Begin the fitting process by loosening all the frame bar hex screws and blue strut knobs. The frame bars should be able to slide freely and the struts should be attached but able to swing freely. Follow assembly instructions for sizing.

1. Option 1: Attach the harness to the frame, then place your pet’s feet in the harness. Raise the frame and clip your pet into the harness.
   Option 2: Place pet in harness. Adjust the width and length of the frame until your pet’s hips and shoulders fit comfortably within the frame. Clip harnesses to the frame. Angle the struts so that the wheels are in line with or slightly in front of your pet’s hips.

2. If you are using the foot straps to support your pet’s paralyzed legs, place their rear feet in the straps. The straps should be adjusted so that the rear feet hang low but do not touch the ground.

3. Wrap the hook and loop portion of the belly belt around the outside of both sides of the frame and secure it. Ensure that the belly belt is snug enough to support your pet’s weight. Give them a few moments to become familiar with the feel of the harnesses and frame. After a short time, remove your pet from the wheelchair to give them time to rest.

Option 1:
Unbuckle the harnesses and lift the pet from the frame.

Option 2:
Remove belly strap, unclip the harnesses from the frame and pull back the frame. If you have diffculty unclipping the harnesses, temporarily reduce the width of the frame to reduce tension on the clips.

1. After the rest period, place your pet back into the already-adjusted harnesses and frame.
2. If the fi t is good and your pet seems comfortable, you can now begin encouraging your pet to move while wearing the wheelchair.
3. While some pets take to the wheelchair quickly, others require more time. Pay attention to your pet’s reactions and vary your pace accordingly.
4. Praise and reward your pet regularly for using the wheelchair.
5. Once your pet is accustomed to the wheelchair, use it for 1 hour of activity at a time.
6. Provide at least a 15-minute break between activity times. Some pets also need longer breaks.

SAFETY ADVICE
Always monitor wheelchair use. Never leave your dog unattended while using the wheelchair, as there is a risk of tipping or injury.
Install ramps throughout the house for easy access to elevated areas such as beds, couches, steps, etc.
Exercise caution when your dog is running, as moving or turning too quickly may cause tipping.
Avoid pools and other large water sources.
Dogs cannot swim while using the wheelchair.
Provide breaks from the wheelchair so your dog can sit or lay down. Exhaustion may occur without breaks, and injury may result if your dog attempts to sit or lay while using the wheelchair.
Check your dog’s body after wheelchair use. Be on the lookout for rubbing caused by the harnesses, frame, or wheels. Also ensure your dog’s fur is not being caught in the wheels or frame.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

The wheelchair requires minimal cleaning and maintenance.
The harnesses and belly belt are machine washable.
Periodically check the adjustment screws and tighten them as needed.
Wipe the frame and wheels with a towel as needed to remove dirt or water.

ANIMAL ORTHO CARE
1251 RED FOX ROAD
ARDEN HILLS, MN 55112
Phone: 651.440.9321
Email: [email protected]

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