When is a Harness Right?
Full body harnesses support both your dog’s front and back legs. They are fantastic for dogs who are aging, have weak or fully paralysed rear legs, generalised limb weakness (eg arthritis or dysplasia).
They are also essential for dogs who can’t do everyday movements such as standing up from the floor, getting on and off the sofa, or up and down the stairs. If your dog has a neurological condition, such as Degenerative Myelopathy, a full body harness is invaluable. Also dogs who are recovering from surgery (particularly spinal or hip) will need support from a full body harness.
How will a FullHarness Help Dog?
Full body harnesses give you the ability to move your dog more easily without hurting your own back. This is helpful if your dog’s lost the ability to get up off the floor, or any of the other everyday movements that are done numerous times a day. Full body harnesses are particularly useful if your dog is a large breed or heavy.
Full body harnesses aren’t just for lifting - they often come with straps or the option to add straps/handles to aid your dog’s walking by taking some of their body weight.
How to Pick a Full Body Harness?
The Help Em Up Harness is a quality, popular all-rounder used by many vets. Primarily a lifting harness, there are straps or handles as add-ons which will let you use it for helping your dog to walk too. This is a good choice for aging dogs, dogs suffering from leg weakness, paralysis or who need pre- or post-surgery support. It can also be converted for medium- or large-breed dogs who are amputees. Its design makes lifting your dog easy.
Choose the Balto Body Lift Harness with Handles if your dog specifically needs more spinal support because of a back injury or pre- or post-spinal surgery. This harness supports the spinal column with removable splints.
Read about the rear leg conditions and spinal injuries that can affect a dog’s mobility.