All Harnesses
When is a Dog Harness Right?
If your dog has mobility issues, weak legs or spinal conditions, the helping hand of a harness can make all the difference. There are ones designed to support either the front or rear legs. You can take the strain of your dog’s body weight, meaning less pressure on their legs. This makes standing up and walking easier for them.
Full body harnesses benefit partially or fully paralysed dogs - e.g. can’t go up or down stairs, or get into the car. You can lift your dog up with one. They will protect your back too - useful if your dog is heavy or a large breed.
How Will a Harness Help?
Dogs who find it hard to walk because of aging, a leg injury, or arthritis, benefit from having either their rear or front ends lifted and supported. It makes walking easier, less taxing and painful for them.
Full body harnesses are more convenient for you and your dog if your dog needs lifting. They make lifting quicker and easier, which is useful particularly for actions that are done multiple times a day. Check whether the full body harness you’ve chosen comes with straps included or additional.
How to Pick a Dog Harness?
If your dog is struggling with rear leg weakness, e.g. from a hip issue, neurological condition, knee or hock injury, or osteoarthritis, or spinal injury, a rear leg or full body harness are good choices. Or maybe your dog has had surgery and needs to be on restricted movement. If your dog just needs help with getting up from the floor and support on short walks, a rear leg harness is advisable.
However if you need to lift your dog into the car or up and down stairs a lot, then you will need a full body harness.
Read about potential cause of rear leg weakness here: