Support Your Dog’s Recovery With the Best Dog Elbow Pads
If your puppy is suffering from an injury or condition affecting its leg, the veterinarian may recommend wearing a dog elbow pad. A dog elbow pad is very similar to the elbow pads humans wear. It supports your pup’s leg, helping it recover from health issues, and can also help prevent injuries from worsening. It is shaped like a tube, usually with a sling to keep it from moving down the dog’s leg. Your dog’s veterinarian may suggest using an elbow pad for a dislocated elbow, sores, arthritis, dysplasia, hygroma, or any other such condition, so pay heed to their advice and take measures accordingly.
With so many options available on the market, choosing which elbow pad will be most helpful for your dog can be challenging. To help you with that, we’ve made this buying guide to buying the most beneficial dog elbow pads in 2024. This guide will tell you all you need to know to make a good decision for your canine friend’s health.
How to Buy a Premium Dog Elbow Pad: A Buying Guide
We wanted your canine friend to have a comfortable and well-made elbow pad to wear so that it can be in as little pain as possible. Read through our buying guide below on buying the optimal dog elbow pads for your cute pup:
Why Dog Elbow Pads Are Used
Now you may be wondering why dog elbow pads are used. No, they are not the same as biking elbow pads, and as far as we can tell, dogs cannot ride a bike which admittedly would have been an incredible skill for your pup to have. Instead, these dog elbow pads are usually used for health-related reasons.
If your pup has undergone surgery, it may need to wear an elbow pad during recovery. Other elbow conditions such as arthritis, dysplasia, or hygromas may also warrant the use of elbow pads to promote healing. Dog elbow pads provide support to the elbow and act as a barrier between the affected area and the environment.
They can also help prevent your pup from licking the affected area. Since elbow pads usually feature some form of cushioning, they also make it more comfortable for your pup to lie down or sit. Please note that an elbow pad should only be used per the recommendation of your dog’s veterinarian.
A doctor will have a much better understanding of whether your pup needs an elbow pad or not since wearing one could have adverse effects in some cases. Make sure to consult your veterinarian before strapping a dog elbow pad on your canine friend.
Types of Dog Elbow Pads
You will find two common types of dog elbow pads on the market:
- Strap dog elbow pads
- Pull-over dog elbow pads
The major difference between them is how they are designed and what enclosure system they utilize to stay in place. It is generally a good idea to go with your doctor’s recommendation.
Strap dog elbow pads
As is evident from the name, a strap dog elbow pad utilizes a strap to keep the elbow pad in place. This strap goes over the dog’s body and is excellent for providing stability to its elbow and still being comfortable without hindering movement. This type of dog elbow pad usually uses velcro or buckles to open or close.
Pull-over dog elbow pads
Pull-over dog elbow pads are simpler than strap elbow pads. The fabric used to make them is usually elastic, which holds the pad in place. This makes it easier to put on or off than strap elbow pads. You simply have to pull them over the leg, and you are done, but it also means that they can sometimes slip out of place.
Things to Look Out for When Buying Dog Elbow Pads
Here are some things to look out for when shopping for dog elbow pads.
Size
An obvious thing people often overlook when buying a dog elbow pad is the size. Be sure to measure the circumference of your pup’s leg before buying an elbow pad so that it fits properly. If you get one that is too big or small, you may not be able to put it on.
The size of a dog’s elbow pad can usually be found in the product description. Also, make sure that the strap of the elbow pad is long enough to go over the back of your dog if it’s a larger breed. The length of the strap is also usually stated in the product description.
Material
Another thing to keep in mind when buying a dog elbow pad is the material it is made out of. This way, you can avoid getting one you or your pup are allergic to. Always go for an elbow pad made from a soft material such as neoprene or nylon. If you want to find out what material is used to make the elbow pad you are buying, you can check the product description or the FAQs.
How We Chose Our Favorite Dog Elbow Pads
Here are some of the things we kept an eye out for when picking dog elbow braces for our list:
Breathability
The breathability of the elbow pad is an essential factor to consider. If it is not breathable enough, sweat can build up, and the temperature inside the pad can rise, potentially causing your dog to overheat. The dog elbow pads we chose are very breathable, allowing the skin underneath to get some fresh air even when it is worn for long durations. You can check if an elbow pad is breathable or not by reading the reviews or product descriptions.
Ease-of-use
You don’t want to spend a good five to ten minutes just putting on an elbow pad if your dog is being fidgety. Instead, the elbow brace should be easy to put on or take off to make your and your pup’s life easier.
The elbow braces we chose had a simple and easy-to-use enclosure system, which means you can put them on your dog quickly. The ideal way to check if a dog elbow brace is easy to use is by going through the product reviews.
The Top Dog Elbow Pads of 2024 in Detail
NeoAlly Dog Elbow Pad
– Best Overall
First up on our list is the dog elbow pad by NeoAlly. It comes in five sizes to achieve a snug fit that is comfortable to wear. It also comes in the right and left leg type variations to provide a more customized shape to the pads, with an additional pad option that can go over both legs to provide optimal support.
The material used to make these dog elbow pads is nylon and perforated neoprene to ensure maximum comfort for your pup. It has an elastic strap that keeps the pads in place by going over the body. The adjustability and comfort get these dog elbow pads the best overall award on our list.
- A comfortable and tailor-like fit
- Made using breathable material
- Available in five different sizes
- Can’t be used with the hind legs
NATURE PET Dog Elbow Pad
– Most Versatile
Next, we have the dog elbow pad by NATURE PET that comes in red and gray. It also comes in two size variations, small and extra small. It is made with neoprene to provide good compression while also being comfortable to wear. Velcro strips are utilized to make it easy to open and close the pads while also allowing you to adjust how much compression is applied.
Another great feature is a versatile inside pocket where you can place cooling or warming cushions and gel pads if needed. This dog elbow pad is also washable, so you can keep it clean and ensure it does not start to smell over time.
- Two color options
- Has a versatile inner pocket
- Velcro enclosure system provides a customizable fit
- More size options would have good
YUYUSO Dog Elbow Sleeve
– Easiest Maintenance
Want something that fits more loosely instead of applying compression? Well, YUYUSO has your back with their dog elbow pad. The pad hangs loosely as your pup stands and provides comfort when it sits or lays down, which makes it perfect for a calloused elbow. You can get the pad in small and large sizes.
This elbow pad is filled with cotton for comfort and utilizes a buckle to stay in place. The buckle is also adjustable to allow for customization in strap length. The loose fit means that air isn’t blocked from reaching the skin, nor are the pup’s leg movements hindered. Your furry friend can go around having fun like usual with the help of this elbow sleeve.
- Easy to clean; machine washable
- The buckle is easy to adjust
- The material used is breathable and soft
- It could benefit from more size options
Vakly Dog Elbow Pad
– Most Versatile
Vakly has brought us this simple yet useful dog elbow pad that comes in a pair. It can be used both for the elbow and the heel, making it more versatile in its usage. The knitted design is latex-free, making it a good choice for those who have latex allergies. It is also easy to wear since it features a pull-over design with enhanced stretchiness.
Foam padding is added inside to provide more comfort to your pup while wearing it, and you can also wash it easily to keep it clean and odor-free after every use. It is resistant to wear and deterioration, so you can rest easy knowing that it will last a long while without losing its elasticity.
- Includes a foam pad for increased comfort
- The pack includes two dog elbow pads
- Easy to keep clean
- Not suitable for dogs with thin legs
People Also Asked
A: A good elbow pad should not hinder your pup's movements in any way. If you think that the elbow pad you bought is affecting your dog's movement, then it may be because the pad’s size is wrong. It could also be strapped too tight so try loosening it up a bit.
A: You can find cleaning instructions in the product description or the instructions with the elbow pad. If the pad you bought is washable, you can wash it just like any other piece of clothing.
A: No, you cannot put elbow pads designed for your dog's front legs on its hind legs. Instead, you should go for a pad that is specially designed for the hind legs of dogs to get a good fit.
A: The elbow pad should be taken off every few hours. It is generally not a good idea to have your canine friend wear an elbow pad all day long or overnight unless the veterinarian has recommended you to do so.