Helping dogs with their Health Harness: Get the Best Support for Your Dog

When our fur buddies start to age, they experience changes both mentally and physically. I know you want your dog to be as much as healthy as possible, just like they were in their active years. However, sometimes, it’s not the case.

Not only the aged ones but younger pups can also suffer from injury and could be recovering. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t thrive ever! That’s why to help them you out you can use health harnesses. These are like support harnesses. Today I’ll talk all about helping dogs with their health harness.

So, let’s get started.

Different Dog Health Harness Categories

If you don’t have any knowledge about harnesses for health issues, then choosing the best one would be a bit tough choice. I’m giving some insights on which harness would be better for what kind of diseases or health conditions. Check them out!

• Hind End Sling or Rear End Harness:

This type of harness is meant for those dogs that have hind end weakness or hind end paralysis. The condition doesn’t really let them walk around on their own. However, their front paws would be functional. That’s why these harnesses fit around the dog’s hips, and back ends to support them.

So, when you assist them with these harnesses, you’ll be able to help them walk around with their front paws. Furthermore, these harnesses help you to lift them high enough so that their rear paws don’t drag.

• Lifting Harness:

It’s a harness designed for dogs that can walk around on their own but still needs some help doing difficult tasks such as climbing stairs or getting into the car. If your dog suffers from severe arthritis, then you should definitely get these harnesses. Moreover, if he is recovering from any kind of back surgery, you can also help him out with this kind of health harness.

• Full Body Harness:

The full body harness will help your dog’s hind and the front shoulders. Furthermore, this type of harness is great for dog’s that are recovering from surgery or with end-stage paralysis. Because in that case, your dog will need both front and back support to walk around.

• Amputee Harness:

If your loving dog lost one of its legs somehow, this harness could surely help you out. The harness will offer additional support for the torso where your dog will need support the most.

• Back Brace:

Back brace isn’t really a harness but rather a support for your dog if he/she suffers from Intervertebral Disc Disease. It offers full support so that he can move around freely.

Important Features to Consider Before Buying Health Harnesses

Before you buy any of the harnesses for your dog, you need to look for some features. These features will determine the safest dog harness for your dog. So, let’s see what they are –

• Size:

First of all, let’s start with the size of the harness. You’ll always have to make sure that you choose the right size for your dog. In case of any mismatch, your dog might suffer more than getting the support it needs. So, be extra cautious.

Remember that the harness shouldn’t be a too tight fit. Also, it should never rub or buckle any part of your dog’s body. You also need to be able to put it on easily.

Typically harnesses come in extra small to extra-large sizes. So, to determine what size you need, you need to know how large your dog’s chest or rib cage are. Typically anything within 20 inches will be suitable for the small size, 20-28 inches is for medium size, and 28-40 is for large size and everything more from that is for extra-large size.

If your dog is in between two sizes, then it’s always best to go for the upper size. However, make sure you consult with your vet first.

• Materials:

The harness should be made of any durable and strong material so that it can support your weight. Most of the time, you will help your dog using the health harnesses, so it needs to be extra sturdy. Typically the outer layer of nylon is a good choice.

Furthermore, it should include some form of padding on the inside so that your dog feels soft touches, not rough ones. You do not want to irritate your dog’s skin. As you’ll be supporting or carrying a lot of weight in many cases, go for padded handlers. Another great option is, mesh harnesses because they are best Frenchie harness to support their breathing issues.

• Types of Harnesses:

Well, before you really go buy one you need to determine which harness your dog actually needs. It’s because as you know already, every kind of health harness is for specific health purposes. So, it’s best to ask your vet to know which type would be perfect for your dog.

• Adjustable Height:

Some harnesses come with a really small height, and if you have a back problem, it would be a bit trouble to bend down simultaneously and assist your dog. That’s why go for the harnesses that come with adjustable slings. This way, you can adjust the height to your comfort zone and still assist your dog in every way.

Should You Keep The Harness On All Day?

Even though health harnesses can be worn over a longer period of time, however, many experts suggest to take it off now and then. The problem with wearing anything external for a longer time may result in hot spots or skin issues. It won’t matter how much comfortable that harness is, it would still be problematic if you keep it on for days.

So, make sure to take it off time to time and let your dog’s fir breath and rest. Also, if you see any sign of discomfort such as chewing the harness, then take it off immediately.

Conclusion

Dogs are our best pals. Their love is unconditional and unexchangable. So, when they need our help the most, we should try our best to support them with their aging or any physical issues. Health harnesses can really make a difference if we are willing to pick the right one. Now that you know all about them, it’s time for you to help your best bud out!