Reviewing the Best Dog Hind Leg Braces

If you have a dog that is unable to walk on his own due to painful or degenerative joint damage, you may be in the market for a knee brace for him. But while a regular dog harness might help to alleviate your dog’s discomfort, it isn't the right type of brace.

Your dog needs a sturdy, reinforced hind leg brace that will hold his leg in place and keep him in proper alignment.Finding the best dog knee pad can be tricky, however.

You have to figure out what material, thickness, and cushioning will work best for your pet's needs. If you‘re in need of help, our buying guide has all the information you need to choose the perfect product for you and your canine friend.

Hind Leg Knee Braces for Dogs Considerations

The first thing you need to do is decide if you want a brace or a boot.

• Brace

This type of knee brace is worn on the front of the dog. These are generally used when your dog is sitting and is uncomfortable in her current kneeling position. They are fairly heavy and very long. The weight of a dog kneeling on a long brace can cause discomfort for her hind legs. This brace needs to be adjusted often because the pressure on her back legs can become overwhelming.

• Boot

These boots are worn by many pet owners, especially walkers and school dogs. Like a bracing brace, they are used to relieve discomfort when a pet is not comfortable in the kneeling or standing position.: The best type for your pet depends on several factors, including her weight, size, and health.

You should also consider the shape of her feet and whether she has any joint problems. Before buying a knee guard for a walker or school dog, you should wear your walking or pet sitting companion in a size that is at least a quarter of an inch smaller than her actual height.

Finally, the knee cap should fit snugly, so that there is no chance of slipping.

Hind Leg Knee Braces for Dogs Prices

• Inexpensive

For under $25, you can get a basic knee brace with padding for a small dog. The brace might not have full side-slip protection, and it might be made of less-expensive material.

• Mid-range

In the $30 to $50 range, the brace materials are more durable and the sideslip protection is more effective. These braces may be suitable for long-term use on a dog of average size.

• Expensive

At $75 to about $100, there are some higher-quality knee and front leg braces that are made with better material and designed to accommodate a variety of dog sizes.

If you’re paying this much, it's likely because you want the best for your dog.

Bosch Hinge Hoist Knee Brace Buying Guide

The adjustable nature of the hinge is one of its great perks, because every dog owner will have a unique shape and size requirement.

This is particularly important when it comes to dogs with short hind legs. With this adjustable feature, you can create a harness that fits your dog with ease.

• Support 

When it's time to put the knee brace on your pup, don't forget to check how much support the padding provides. The thicker the material, the more sturdy the support.

• Breathability 

The only thing that can spoil the breathability of your knee harness is when your pet is standing. By contrast, a breathable harness will provide plenty of comfort for your pooch even if he or she is lying down.

• Material 

Next to the adjustability, quality material is your most important feature to consider. There are two major materials that are used in the making of dog knee guards – ripstop nylon and neoprene.

Both materials are tough and durable but they are also slightly different. Neopneumatic is made from polyester, while rip stop nylon is a synthetic nylon that is used mainly for making ski gear. When selecting the right material for the best durability, keep an eye out for rip stops.

• Weight 

Kicking your beloved pup around will wear you down fast. It's therefore imperative to select a knee guard that won't be too heavy for you to manage. For that, consider the weight range your chosen product falls into.

A thicker material will be better for heavier breeds such as Doberman pinschers, whilst thinner material suits smaller breeds and smaller dogs.

• Snug Fit 

To ensure that your new knee protection is snug and secure, make sure that you buy one that features a Velcro fastening system to keep it in place. Also, look out to see if the holes in your harness match the existing stitching on the legs of whatever breed you are buying for. These holes should be small enough to fit the paws of a small dog perfectly without the strap slipping off.

• Portability 

 If you're planning on using your hoop for work purposes, then making sure it is lightweight enough will make it easier to take with you. If this is the case, most of them are available in backpack-friendly sizes, so you won’t be lugging them around by the scruff of her neck. Many also fold down for easy storage.

About Hind Leg Knee Braces for Dogs

The purpose of a knee brace is to provide support and comfort to your dog. The most effective braces are designed to fit properly and securely over the entire kneecap and offer a range of motion to allow your pet to get out and move around as needed.

Kneecaps are also important because they play a role in determining the overall length of your pooch’s legs. When your dogs need to go to the bathroom, for example, they need the ability to bend and turn without straining their knees. While a traditional knee pad provides the optimal range-of-motion for a dog, some types of braces will allow for more lateral movement.

Depending on your veterinarian's recommendations, you may want to choose a brace with features that allow you to adjust the fit over time or a model that is built more securely.