Help Senior Dogs With the Best Dog Lift Harnesses

When your dog has difficulty getting up and walking, it’s extremely upsetting. The causes for this might be short-term or long-term. Regardless, a dog lift harness can help your dog move more easily and reduce their pain while moving. Below, we’ve put together a detailed buyer’s guide to answer all your lift harness questions so you can choose the right one to better your dog’s quality of life.

What Is a Dog Lift Harness?

A lifting harness is any tool that helps your dog move. Typically, they come in the design of a full-body harness or a sling that goes around your dog’s abdomen to help lift their back legs. While you could use a towel, commercial harnesses are far more comfortable for you and your dog, especially for long-term use.

Whether your dog is suffering from chronic degenerative discomfort, such as arthritis, or an injury, a lift harness will make it easier for them to move around. The most significant benefit of using a harness is that it reduces or eliminates your dog’s discomfort while moving from a standing to a sitting or lying down position.

How Can a Lift Harness Help Your Pet’s Well-Being?

We all feel the ache in our hearts when we see our dog struggling to get around because of old age. A dog lift harness can alleviate their discomfort and help them move around pain-free, allowing them to enjoy life more. When selecting a harness, it’s critical to know what issue you’re addressing.

Front leg

Small dogs are more likely to suffer from neck and spinal problems that impair their front legs. Leashes can be attached to these harnesses, which resemble walking harnesses.

Back leg

For both small and large dogs, back leg issues are a regular occurrence due to spinal and hip problems. These issues are often also seen in athletically eager young dogs with torn knee ligaments.

Occasional lifting

Middle-aged dogs that are just beginning to suffer from arthritis may require a little extra help getting up or down the stairs. Dogs who have undergone surgery and who need short-term assistance may also find a harness helpful.

Conditions That Might Require a Lift Harness

Hip dysplasia-induced discomfort

When a dog is born with a shallow hip socket (the traditional ball and socket joints), the femur bone moves too much inside the joint causing the cartilage to wear down. Attempting to stand or go up and down stairs is more difficult as a result of this hip discomfort.

Arthritis

Arthritis commonly develops in the joints of older dogs. Standing up and laying down requires a lot of effort and leg strength, which might cause your dog to be unable to participate in family activities.

Injury

Short-term injuries can cause your pup discomfort while they heal. The use of a lift harness may greatly improve your pup’s healing process by reducing their pain and making it easier for them to stand and go outside.

Surgery

With most surgeries, dogs should usually be up and walking around within a few hours after their operation, provided they take the necessary precautions. A lift harness can make it easier to help your dog stand up while they’re recovering. It will also help you get your dog moving in a safe, controlled way.

Old age

Many elderly dogs struggle to get around because of a combination of ailments, such as arthritis and muscular weakness. The more regularly they can get up and walk, the less pain they’ll experience in their muscles and joints. A correctly suited harness can make a world of difference for these dogs.

How to Choose a Dog Lift Harness

When shopping for a dog lift harness, look for one that can securely and comfortably hold your dog’s weight. There are so many different types of slings to choose from that it may be hard to tell which ones truly do this. As a result, a decent lift harness must have certain features.

High-quality, comfortable material

The material should be sturdy, long-lasting, and adaptable all at the same time. This way it can support your dog’s weight and stay in place for a long period. Keep in mind that your dog will not want to use the harness if it isn’t comfortable. A sling that rubs against your dog’s skin might cause even more pain and suffering. The side of the sling closest to your dog’s body should be lined with a soft material such as sheepskin or a poly nylon mix.

Always look for cushioning on the sling, especially where it comes into contact with your dog’s tummy. The edges should also be examined as a rough edge could cause discomfort. Lastly, do not neglect your own comfort. Make sure the handles and straps are made of materials that won’t cause your hands any pain while you help your dog stand up.

Weight capacity

Slings and harnesses aren’t a substitute for lifting or sustaining a significant amount of weight. An ideal dog harness will distribute your dog’s weight evenly while also letting you hold them at a comfortable height. For this reason, the finest harnesses include a variety of carrying options, such as several straps and loops. Ensure that the sling does not displace the dog’s weight or put unnecessary stress and strain on other parts of the dog. Other muscles and joints might be damaged or worn out as a result of this.

Correct fit

A correctly fitting harness is a must-have. If the harness is too loose, your dog may slip out or the harness may fail to function properly and provide minimal support. The blood circulation to their limbs may be compromised if the sling is excessively tight, which might cause friction or inflammation. To guarantee that you get the correct size, consult the manufacturer’s size chart against your dog’s measurements. Before taking your dog out in the harness, it’s a good idea to try it out in a quiet, enclosed area of your home.