Support Your Pet’s Joints With the Best Dog Knee Braces

When it comes to your pet, you want to provide them with the best care you can. Sometimes, this means buying a knee brace for them. In this guide, we’ll talk about what a knee brace is, how effective they are and how you can choose the right pair for your furry friend. So, let’s get started.

How Do You Know if Your Dog Needs a Pair of Knee Braces?

A dog can sustain knee injuries in several ways. Some are the result of direct trauma, while others are the result of different health problems. Here are some common symptoms of knee problems in dogs:

Lameness

Lameness is a kind of pain and discomfort that causes a dog to limp or walk with difficulty. The main cause of lameness is arthritis; however other conditions like leg injuries or ruptures by stepping on objects like rocks or sticks can also result in lameness.

Torn ACL and swelling

Torn ACLs are common in dogs, especially large or giant breeds that are more prone to developing joint problems. Take a look at your dog’s knees to see inflammation. The skin will feel hot, red, and inflamed as well, indicating that there is some sort of infection going on. If you notice that your dog is in pain and reluctant to jump, we recommend contacting your vet for an examination and then getting them knee braces accordingly.

Dog’s age

Keep in mind that if it’s an elderly dog, the problem may not be in the knee at all — it might be related to some other problem in the body. For example, dogs with heart disease often have trouble walking because they tire easily and experience shortness of breath when they exert themselves.

How Do Knee Braces Differ From Hock Braces?

It’s difficult for owners to determine which brace is required for their pet. Here is an overview of different braces and what they can do for your dog:

Hock braces

The hock is the back of the dog’s ankle joint. Arthritis and injuries can cause pain and difficulty moving and exercising. Hock braces are used to treat dogs with these problems. They have a hinged design that wraps around the hock joint and holds everything in place. This keeps the joint stable by limiting the movement of the leg, allowing your dog to heal properly. It also provides compression to reduce swelling and pain.

Knee braces

Dog knee braces, on the other hand, are used to treat cruciate ligament damage, knee strains, and sprains in dogs. They go over the knee joint and provide support for dogs that are having difficulty moving around due to pain. Because it offers stabilization and support without restricting movement, a dog knee brace can be an effective alternative to surgery.

How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Knee Braces for Your Pooch

Hock Braces

The right knee brace can protect your dog’s sore joints, help them recover from injury, and speed up the healing process. Here are some things that you should consider before buying a knee brace for your furry friend:

Fitting

The purpose of dog knee braces is to stabilize a joint and prevent further injury. If it’s too loose, it will slip or bunch up around your pet’s leg or paws as they go about their day. If it’s too tight, they won’t be able to walk without pain. Be sure that the brace comes with Velcro straps or an elastic band, so you adjust it according to your pet’s unique build.

Material

The material used in a dog knee brace can make a big difference in comfort and effectiveness. Knee braces made from natural materials such as neoprene and cotton provide superior support and relief compared to synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester which can cause skin irritation. However, some synthetic materials such as polyester provide greater durability than natural materials, such as cotton and neoprene, at a lower cost. You should choose a material that will be comfortable for your dog to wear and durable enough to last through a range of activities.

Comfort level

Comfort is extremely important for a dog wearing a brace all day, every day. You need to make sure that the brace is comfortable enough, so they don’t mind wearing it for extended periods of time. A comfortable fit will also prevent chafing or irritation of the skin.

Size

A good number of people who want to buy knee braces for their dogs end up getting the wrong size. As a result, their dogs do not get the comfort and support they need. To avoid this problem, measure the circumference of your pooch’s leg just above the knee joint. You can also measure around your dog’s paw to see if they’ll be able to fit into the brace. This way, you will be able to choose the right size for your furry friend.

How Much Do the Knee Braces for Dogs Usually Cost?

The cost of these braces can be anywhere between $20 to $100, according to the type of material, the design they have, and the brand. If you want something more modern and comfortable for your dog, then you might want to invest in a designer product that usually costs between $50 and $100 because they are made with high-quality materials and have a stylish design that looks great on your dog.

The most expensive options are considered to be the most reliable ones too. However, you should remember that you do not need to pay top dollar to get good quality. The cheapest versions of dog knee braces are usually made of hard plastic and metal. They might not be very stylish or fancy-looking, but they will definitely do the job.