One of the most common challenges that older dogs and their humans face is the progressive hind-end issues many dogs develop as they age, especially large breed dogs. Arthritis (often from hip dysplasia), neurologic degeneration (progressive weakness and unsteadiness of the back end), and loss of muscle mass combine to make getting around very difficult for most senior dogs.
It becomes harder and harder to get up stairs and into vehicles; and this in turn can lead to isolation and boredom, when your dog can’t come along with you. Most dog owners assist by lifting the dog, which can be awkward or risky for both pet and owner. The larger the dog, the greater the challenge.
Support Harnesses Are a Great Idea
But there are other options. I’m a fan of support harnesses, like the ones from GingerLead. They’re a simple concept– you have a wide strap with a handle on each end. The strap wraps around the dog’s abdomen, just in front of the hind legs. With the strap attached back to itself, you’re free to gently hold the handles as you walk your dog.
When there’s need for stair climbing, or your pup needs assistance for any reason, you simply give a lift on the handles. It’s far more ergonomic and safer than picking up the dog.
Harnesses like these are useful tools for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, vestibular disease, recovering from amputation, and more. They come in a variety of sizes to fit dogs from the smallest to largest. They can also be used temporarily for recovery from surgery or joint replacements, and as an aid for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
There Are Options
In addition to the GingerLead option is a product from Blue Dog Designs. The Help ‘Em Up harness is a bit more extensive than the other product, as it has two sets of handles. This makes it a better choice for weaker dogs or owners who need to use both hands to lift, and it has the added benefit of being wearable all day. It’s a bit more flexible in the way it fits, and can be configured with several options for the hind-end portion, allowing it to be customized for the varying anatomy of male dogs.
Getting One For Your Dog
I don’t have any special relationship with the companies– they’re not paying for this write-up, and I don’t have a discount code for you. These harnesses simply are a product I like, and one I think you should know about.
You can find the GingerLeads, and their Dog Support and Rehabilitation Harness, at http://gingerlead.com/ They’re also available at a number of pet stores, including locally at One Stop Country Pet Supply in Barre, Vermont.
The Help ‘Em Up from Blue Dog Designs is available at https://helpemup.com/ but does not have any official sales outlets in Vermont. The website is easy to use and there are actual human customer service reps available to help you choose the right harness options for your dog.