Is it possible for my dog to urinate and defecate wearing the dog harness?
Yes! Neither males or females have problems defecating with the dog harness – as the support straps that come up between their hind legs are held apart by the dogs tail, giving consistent clearance for defecation. Female dogs have no urinating issues for the same reason. Most male dogs can use the conventional harness without issue, as their penis generally will come out in front of the belly band – giving them good clearance to urinate. However, for those male dogs whose penis starts further back, between their hind legs, the tip of their penis may be partially covered by the belly band. For them we have a male version that provides a cutout for penis clearance.
Is my dog lifting harness washable?
Yes, all of our dog lifting harnesses can be machine or hand washed – but we recommend air drying. Dryers tend to dry out the neoprene over time. We do not recommend the use of bleach or other harsh detergents but mild soaps work great. Urine odor can be a problem so try to clean regularly and white vinegar and water in a 1 to 3 percentage works pretty well to cut the smell. There are also commercial cleaners available that can help to cut odor. Ask your favourite pet supplier for recommendations.
How long can I leave the Help ’Em Up harness on my dog?
It can be worn for extended periods; however, we suggest that you give your dog breaks from wearing it. Let them sleep without it if possible or if you have a dog that needs a potty trip at 3am, take it off after they return. Also, watch for them chewing on it when left alone. If you are leaving it on for extended periods, please check for hot spots and overheating as it can become uncomfortable for your dog if left on for too long a time.