dog with lifting sling on stairs

5 Signs Your Dog Could Benefit from a Lifting Harness or Hip Support Sling

5 Signs Your Dog Could Benefit from a Lifting Harness or Support Sling

Detecting changes in your dog's mobility can be challenging. The signs of mobility loss often manifest gradually and may appear to be a natural aspect of the aging process. If your dog has trouble standing up after a nap, reduced activity levels, or struggles with stairs, it might be an indication that they require a lifting sling or harness to move comfortably.

1.  Healing After Surgery or Injury

Injuries or post-surgery recovery can put additional strain on a dog's healthy limbs. A lifting harness can aid in comfortable standing and even weight distribution. Removing strain from an injured leg is priceless.

Utilizing a harness guarantees that your dog stands with comfort, distributing weight evenly and preventing strain on unaffected limbs throughout the healing process. We recommend that you consult your veterinarian before using a harness to ensure it meets your dog's specific requirements.

  • Healing After Surgery

2.  Climbing Stairs Has Become Difficult

Scaling stairs can present a formidable challenge for dogs grappling with mobility issues. Indications of such challenges may manifest as unease, heightened panting, compromised balance, or an outright reluctance to navigate the stairs. Introducing a lifting harness featuring handles can provide the perfect support and control needed in these circumstances.

Make sure you have a supportive harness with handles. The handles allow you to lift and stabilize your dog on the stairs by not only reducing the strain on them but also ensuring a safer ascent and descent.

3.  Difficulty Rising From A Sitting or Lying position

If your dog is taking it slow to get up after a nap, they could use a little assistance. Older dogs, particularly those in their golden years, might find it challenging to stand up independently. This can be attributed to weakened leg muscles or joint pain.

A rear support sling can be easily slid under your dog's back legs while they're lying down. Using the support sling or harness provides the necessary support to help them stand up on all four legs gently, and as slowly as necessary.

Good Solution For Your Dog

4.  Tiring Out While Walking

Does your furry friend seems to be losing steam or getting tired during walks? It could be an early signal of weakening legs. A lifting harness or support sling can provide the necessary support during daily walks, easing the strain on their joints.

With an abundance of options for harnesses, your search should emphasize ease of use and comfort. If your dog’s situation inhibits guiding their legs into a harness’ leg holes, look at a sling. Slings easily slip under the belly with no annoying Velcro or leg holes. Slings provide a quick solution.

5. Occasional Loss of Balance

As dog's legs weaken, they might encounter occasional balance problems or stumble. A lifting harness or support sling provides a means to help your dog in these situations, averting possible falls.

Lifting your dog's hind legs gently using a support sling or harness gives them the additional support required to stand and walk without the worry of losing balance. For more consistent loss of balance, consider a harness that can be worn for hours at a time with minimal discomfort.

If you would like assistance selecting a harness or have any questions, please contact us! We are happy to help.

The Squeaky Toy:
TheMainSqueaker@TheSqueakyToy.com  or  949-342-4083

Back to blog