What Is A Bailey Chair

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
12 min read

In order to care for a dog with megaesophagus, you should be familiar with the Bailey chair. This device is meant to maintain your dog in an upright position, relieving any pressure points it may be experiencing.

If you know what a Bailey chair is for and how to properly use it, you can make your dog’s life much more pleasant.

The Bailey Chair

Another name for this seat is “dog high chair” or “dog feeding chair.” It resembles ones that infants utilize.

Dogs with Megaesophagus or Myasthenia Gravis, among other conditions affecting digestion and muscle function, are the intended recipients. The Bailey chair improves your dog’s eating and drinking experience, reducing the likelihood that your pet may waste food or water.

Why Does Your Dog Need A Bailey Chair?

Dogs with Megaesophagus have trouble getting their stomachs to digest the food and water they consume. Instead, it lingers in the gullet, the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach. Your pet may vomit up the undigested food if this happens.

Using the force of gravity, food and liquids can enter the stomach from a Bailey chair. It’s not fair to put unnecessary strain on your dog’s frail muscles.

Your dog will get the nutrition it needs because of the efficient digestion. In this way, they can continue to be the content and healthy dogs you’ve come to love.

DIY Bailey Chair for Dogs with Megaesophagus - Handmade with Ashley

What Is Canine Megaesophagus?

When a dog has megaesophagus, their esophagus or gullet becomes enlarged and rigid.

With a well-functioning esophagus, the brain may trigger the swallowing reflex to move food down the esophagus and into the stomach. However, when the gullet is expanded, food and liquid become trapped in the tube and are unable to enter the stomach. If your dog has a blockage in its throat, it may vomit after eating.

Don’t mistake regurgitation for actual vomiting. The former is characterized by more severe symptoms, such as intense retching and heaving, and is frequently brought on by nausea.

The passive nature of regurgitation contrasts with the active nature of spitting up. Rather from showing signs of nausea, your dog will just vomit up the undigested food and liquid.

Although megaesophagus is typically inherited, it can also develop in older dogs. These dog breeds are especially at risk:

  • Newfoundland
  • Dane, Great
  • A German Shephard
  • Greyhound
  • An Irish Setter
  • Retriever from Labrador
  • Greyhound
  • Shar-pei

Cats, including Siamese, are not immune to megaesophagus.

Can dogs live with it?

If your puppy is diagnosed with Megaesophagus, don’t fret; he or she can still enjoy a long and healthy life. A Bailey chair is the ideal purchase because you will only need to assist them during mealtimes. And modify their diet by serving several smaller meals rather than one huge one.

Even if your dog has this illness, he or she can still enjoy normal activities like running and playing with other dogs. Never forget to shower them with affection.

Can it be cured?

Keeping your dog upright is the greatest treatment for megaesophagus right now. However, new surgical treatments and cures are in the works.

However, a Bailey chair is the most non-intrusive and convenient option for dog food administration. In a nutshell, it will be decisive.

Step-By-Step Process How To Train Your Dog To Use A Bailey Chair

A little amount of practice is all it will take for your dog to become a Bailey chair pro. To learn your dog to utilize this seat properly, you will need time and patience.

Step #1. Familiarize your dog with the chair

Don’t move the chair from the spot where you regularly give your pet its meal. Let the dog investigate the new gadget with his nose and his nose only.

Step #2. Praise your dog and give treats when it shows interest in the chair

Be careful to give your dog lots of positive reinforcement and treats whenever it approaches the chair. The dog’s association with the chair will be strengthened through these techniques.

Step #3. Lure your pet inside

Please consider letting your pet inside. You should never try to push your dog to do anything.

Make it a game-like experience that people will like participating in. Get your dog used to the idea of being indoors by keeping him there for longer and longer stretches of time.

Step#4. Feed your dog in the chair

As soon as your dog seems relaxed in the vicinity of the chair, feed him a modest amount. Finally, lock the door and spend the next half an hour with your dog to ensure a smooth digestion process. Next, compliment your pet and have a conversation with it.

Bailey Chairs for dogs, canine megaesophagus, megaesop | ORDER NOW | Bailey  chair for dogs, Bailey chairs, Dog chair

Dos And Don’ts When Training Your Dog

It takes a lot of time and patience to train your dog to utilize the Bailey chair. Keep in mind that there are certain actions you should refrain from taking in order to ensure the success of the seat.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you work to train your pet:

  • To proceed cautiously
  • Get the snacks ready
  • Seek veterinary help when needed

Seek veterinary help when needed

  • In the event of a veterinarian emergency, please do so.
  • Never abandon your dog in the yard
  • Canine chair punishment

The 5 Best Bailey Chairs for Dogs

1.Comfy and Fun Bailey Chair from lazyguydiy.com

Cushions in a variety of bright colors and patterns complement the rich dark wood frame of this cozy and entertaining Baily chair. Photos and straightforward diagrams make the directions easy to follow. All the information you need is here, and The Lazy Guy even throws in a few jokes for good measure.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials

  • Plywood
  • Hinges
  • A Set of Pocket Screws
  • Wood adhesive

Tools

  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
  • Cut With a Circular Saw
  • The Use of a Pocket Hole Jig
  • Router
  • Exactly One Square Mile Of Speed
  • Sander

The cushions are not required, but they are a good idea if your dog has grown brittle from megaesophagus. They’ll be a welcome addition to mealtime coziness!

2. Adjustable Bailey Chair from Cuteness.com

Each canine varies in appearance, breed, and size. This plan for an Adjustable Bailey Chair takes this into account, with detailed yet straightforward directions for building a Bailey Chair that can be customized to fit any size dog.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials

  • Plywood
  • Nails
  • Pillow

Tools

  • Cloth Tape
  • Saw
  • Hammer

As a pro-tip, when you’re just starting off with this method, make sure to take precise measurements of your dog. Getting to the conclusion of the project only to learn you miscalculated is a nightmare scenario.

3.Cute and Simple Bailey Chair for Dogs from Ashleygrenon.com

With its comprehensive directions and high-quality photographs, building your own version of this adorable Bailey chair couldn’t be simpler. You may even have your own name engraved on the front of it, and it comes with a metal bowl holder.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials

  • Plywood
  • Tossing Dish Made of Stainless Steel
  • Screws that fit into a pocket-sized hole
  • A Pair of Door Hinge
  • Floors Made with EVA Foam
  • Spray Can, Clear Gloss Finish
  • Carton Noir
  • Welding Adhesive Spray

Tools

  • Saw Table
  • Router
  • Jigsaw
  • Orbital sanding machine
  • The Use of a Pocket Hole Jig
  • Drill

If you can’t find a silhouette portrait to use, you may always engrave or paint your name on the front.

4.Quick, Easy Bailey Chair Plan from Issuu.com

Two photos show you how to assemble the Quick and Easy Bailey Chair, and the instructions are adaptable to accommodate dogs of different sizes. Instructions are clear and concise, making them ideal for more experienced woodworkers but leaving some room for confusion for those just starting out.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Materials

  • Plywood
  • The Use of Foam Cushioning
  • Wood adhesive
  • Hinges
  • Latch Sets with Hooks and Eyes
  • Brad Nails with a Flat Head

Tools

  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Pencil
  • Hammer
  • Paper Sand
  • Instrument for driving screws

Since these are extremely basic instructions, feel free to embellish as you see fit with things like paint or throw cushions.

5.Bailey Chair Plan with Peg Board and Zip Ties from Keith Kalfas

If you’re just starting out in woodworking and don’t yet have a wide selection of woodworking tools, this Bailey Chair with Peg Board and Zip Ties plan is for you. It’s a simple strategy with low material costs.

Skill Level: Beginner

Materials

  • Hook and Eye Board
  • In a nutshell: zip ties
  • Saw
  • Foam
  • Blanket
  • Bracket

Tools

  • Ruler
  • Razor

Develop a sizable support system. In case your dog has trouble keeping its equilibrium, it’s better that the harness is too big than too small. Later, you can always add foam to make the necessary adjustments.

Another Bailey Chair Done ❤🐶❤ Photograph by Susan Scott - Mobile Prints

Conclusion

Megaesophagus is a serious illness, but with proper treatment, your puppy can make a full recovery. To begin, you must be familiar with the concept of a Bailey chair and how to apply it to your pet. Then, with the right training, your dog can live a healthy and happy life without you having to worry about its diet or whether or not it will regurgitate any of its meals.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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