Everyone wants their pets to live out their lives in comfort and good health, and we do everything we can to make this possible. But even if you give your pet the best food, best veterinary care and best pet insurance, life sometimes has its own plans.
Having a pet with a disability can interrupt the regular flow of life, but it doesn’t have to be any less rewarding for either the pet or the pet parent. The key is to learn to adjust and educate yourself about how to give your pet the best quality of life despite his condition. Here are some tips for taking care of pets who are a little different.
Blindness
Blind pets need time to become familiar with your home so that their brains can make a mental “map” of the area. With this map, they will learn to navigate the different rooms with ease. If your pet has limited sight, try to keep all furniture and objects in your home fairly stationary. Moving the couch or shifting a chair can confuse the mental map, causing your pet to stumble or trip. If your pet used to have full vision and is already familiar with your home, this mental map is probably already in place.
Cats who have limited sight may need to have special perches that are close to the ground, so that they don’t harm themselves jumping on and off of high places. Changes to these items will have to be gradual in order for your cat to acclimate herself to the new spot. You will find that kitty will settle in quickly, and it may even be difficult to tell that she isn’t the eagle eye she once was! Dogs with limited sight may benefit from a guided walk through an unfamiliar area on a leash, to help them learn their way around. As with anyone who is blind, your pet may walk into corners of furniture or items, so wrapping sharp edges with padding, even for a short time, may help cut down on injuries.
Deafness
You may be surprised to learn that deaf pets can actually learn sign language! Many breeds of dog have genetic predispositions toward glaucoma and cataracts, and you may find yourself with a dog who doesn’t just ignore you when you call him, but actually doesn’t hear you. Teaching a dog to use hand signals as commands is just as effective as voice commands, and it helps keep that bond between you close. Cats…well, they don’t often listen to their humans even when they can hear, so hand signals may not be the easiest way to communicate! Deaf cats can, however, benefit from visual signals like laser lights or toys that are colorful and crazy. With a little time and practice, you will develop a system for communicating with your cat that is right for you.
Tripods
For our furry friends who are missing a limb, life can be just as amazing as when they had four legs! Most dogs and cats can adapt quite well to losing a leg; in fact, they probably acclimate themselves to their new status much easier than their owners! Veterinarians have a saying that, “All dogs have three legs and a spare,” and this is very true. Without any social stigma or feeling sorry for themselves, they adjust to life on three legs, then it’s off to play! If you have an older pet whose mobility is actually limited by the loss of a leg, offer fun games that don’t involve running around, such as finding treats hidden in puzzle toys. These can build mental acuity as well as help a disabled pet feel as special as we know they are.
Orthopedic Conditions
For older pets, or any pet who has developed arthritis or dysplasia of the hips or elbows, orthopedic beds made from special memory foam can be found in many sizes and colors. These will help cushion the joints and lessen discomfort. Using ramps or steps to help a pet get in and out of a car, or up on the bed where they can cuddle with their humans will allow your pet to feel just as pampered as ever. Shorter, less taxing walks on flat surfaces will help keep them in shape without over-exercising.
Paralysis
Sometimes it’s not a missing leg that can sideline a beloved pet, but the loss of usage of the legs they do have. Many pets who have partial or total hind end paralysis can be fitted for wheelchairs, and you might find that your pet is even faster and more energetic with their new “wheels.” These special carts are usually either custom made to fit your individual pet, or made in such a way that they are adjustable to your pet’s needs. A few links to check out are Eddie’s Wheels and Walkin’ Wheels.  Walkin’ Wheels even make something called a “drag bag” for when your pet isn’t in his cart. This special bag helps prevent injury to the back legs from being dragged across rough terrain; let’s face it, nothing will stop some dogs from going exactly where they want to!

If you get a pet with special needs, or he develops a life-changing condition along the way, talk to your vet to formulate a treatment plan that fits your (and your pet’s) lifestyle. Disabilities aren’t the end to a pet’s life. Sometimes you just have to adapt to a new way of thinking.