Call Us -
01730 622544
Buying a Back Brace for your Dog
-
Whether you have an overweight dog that needs extra support, an elderly dog with an aching back, a dog diagnosed with dog IVDD, or other related dog spine problems, a dog back brace for you dogs will stabilize the spinal column, curtail twisting, relieve stress. Dog back braces provide comfortable, firm, back support for dogs. Dogs come in different shapes and sizes and they all have different personalities. Introduce your dog gradually to the brace. Calmly fit the brace on your dog, perhaps offering a treat before, during, or after wear. Have patience and praise your dog, especially if your dog has never worn a garment before.
The dog back braces available at Zoomadog are the best products available. They are Vet approved, durable and comfortable. Getting the correct fit for you dog's back brace is so important, so please read below how to size up your dog correctly.
- We suggest you introduce your dog gradually to a back brace. Some dogs may require an adjustment period but it won't take long to know how well your dog is responding to the firm support. Once your dog is comfortable wearing the brace it can be worn for longer periods. Generally you can use it during times of activity and remove it when your dog's resting - your dog will enjoy the break. It isn't necessary for your dog to wear it at nighttime while sleeping, unless your veterinarian recommends it.
- What's most important is your dog's comfort while wearing the brace. It should be snug but not too tight in all positions. There should be no movements obstructed. Your dog's comfort is everything! At Zoomadog we sell two brands of back braces for dogs, the WiggleLess and the Lil Back Bracer. You can see them both below:
Lil Back Bracer
Primary features of the Lil Back Bracer dog brace:
- Comfortable, ergonomic construction to alleviate pressure on spine
- Dog brace designed to stabilize the back from above below
- Recommended for both treatment and prevention
- Snug, adjustable fit provides gentle, constant pressure for calming effect on nervous system
- Incorporated D-ring to attach a leash
- Easy to take on and off
- Medical grade, moisture-wicking, Breathe-O-Prene® fabric
- No need to remove dog brace for dogs to "do their business
The Lil Back Bracer is the only orthopaedic support brace for dogs. Patented design to help keep your dog's back supported when dealing with Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs (IVDD), and other dog spine problems and back pain.
Primary features of the Lil Back Bracer dog brace:
- Comfortable, ergonomic construction to alleviate pressure on spine
- Dog brace designed to stabilize the back from above below
- Recommended for both treatment and prevention
- Snug, adjustable fit provides gentle, constant pressure for calming effect on nervous system
- Incorporated D-ring to attach a leash
- Easy to take on and off
- Medical grade, moisture-wicking, Breathe-O-Prene® fabric
- No need to remove dog brace for dogs to "do their business"
Small
Weighs less than 12 pounds Measures less than 13 inchesMedium
Weighs between 12 to 22 pounds Measures at least 13 inchesLarge
Weighs between 22 to 32 pounds Measures at least 15 inches
How does the bracer provide support?
The L'il Back Bracer is an orthopaedic support garment for dogs suffering from dog IVDD or other back injuries. The brace is made of a very high quality breathable and antimicrobial neoprene that is very comfortable for your dog. There are stays that line the back and the abdomen. These provide the needed support and stabilization of the spine.
How often should my dog wear the bracer?
It depends on you and your dog. Some people put the bracer on all day while some just use the bracer for walks or times of high activity and play. The bracer is flexible so it still allows the muscles to engage and work, it is not like a stiff cast. This is important so that the muscles do not become weak from wearing the bracer. *Please note that the bracer is not meant to replace the crate rest period that is prescribed by your Veterinarian.
Can my dog "do their business" while wearing the bracer?
Yes, the brace fits in a way that leaves that area of your dog free to take care of business without the brace blocking that part of their body. Does my dog need to have a separate harness for walks? The L'il Back Bracer has an attached " ring so that when taking walks the brace acts as a harness. Just attach the leash to the ring and enjoy a safe supported walk. How do I care for the brace? To clean the brace just hand wash and lay flat to dry. For removing hair, we have found that a rubber pet hair remover brush works best.
The WiggleLess Back Brace for Dogs
Features Include:
- Four Sizes/Lengths: 9", 11", 13", 17"
- Durable, Lightweight, Breathable Materials
- Built-in Boning For Firm Support
- Adjustable and Easy To Use
- 'D' Ring For Leash
- High-Quality, Medical Grade Construction
- Double Mesh For Stability And Durability
- Reined Cuts Under Front Legs And Around Torso For Unisex Fit
- Brace Weight: 9"-7.5 oz, 11"- 9 oz, 13"-11 oz, 17"-22.6 oz
Dogs prone to back problems are often classified as chondrodystrophic breeds, which include, but are not limited to Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, English Bulldog, Pug, Basset Hound, Miniature Poodle, French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, American Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Corgi, and Scottish Terrier. These are all therefore more high-risk IVDD dog breeds, because of their bio-mechanics of having short legs and longer spines/bodies.
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG
Follow the steps below to take the necessary measurements to fit your dog. We know dogs come in different shapes and sizes so these measurements are approximate.Length/Size Measurement
Measure from the base of your dog's neck to the front of the thigh. This measurement helps you pick which size of brace fits your dog.
9" Brace - fits between 7" to 10"
11" Brace - fits OVER 10" up to 12" 1
3" Brace - fits OVER 12" up to 15"
17" Brace - fits OVER 15" up to 20"
Chest
Measure the distance around the widest part of your dogs chest, right behind the front legs. This measurement helps you determine if your dog falls within the chest adjustability range.
9" 11"& 13" Braces have chest adjustability from 14" to 24".
17" Brace has chest adjustability from 23" to 36".
How to put on the WiggleLess Dog Back Brace?
The WiggleLess dog back brace is designed for ease of use. Straps for girth and width are adjustable, just like a human back brace.
1. Slip the body portion over the dog's head. 2. Put one front paw through the loop, then the other. 3. Place the dog brace over the rear legs next. 4. Adjust the velcro on the brace at the chest using the front straps. It should be snug for support. 5. Adjust velcro at the rear, pulling up or by criss crossing straps
Remember, make the dog brace snug but not too snug - just like a human brace!
To ensure that your dog is taking to the brace well, check on a daily basis to make sure there are no sores or stress points. If there are, remove brace and consult your veterinarian.
Looking for help with your dog?
We can help find the right solution for your dog
Feel free to give us a call on 01730 622544
or email us at woof@zoomadog.co.uk
Leave a comment