Best harness for senior dog with stenosis & mobility problems?

Unfortunately pictures aren't loading right now, and our tech team is working on it. The Help 'Em Up harness is my favorite in its comfort for the dog and its usefulness for the human. https://helpemup.com A GingerLead is helpful for temporary use.

Yes you are correct a harness will help you assist her as needed. I recommend a Help me Up harness. These are well made and although costly are worth every penny. I like that you are keeping her up and walking to maintain her muscles. I prefer several short walks and often just around your yard or close by so if she's too tired to keep going you are close to home. If she's not on arthritis pain medication adding some may improve her mobility and comfort. As for the cognitive dysfunction I use Neutricks a supplement that I find effective. If Elie is overweight losing a few pounds will help also. In addition to walks she may be more interested in life if you work on teaching tricks for treats, doing obedience like heeling, sitting and downs and playing with toys or balls to keep her engaged. Having a senior dog is a blessing so make the most of your time together. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Elie.

I bet Hugo is just adorable!! You are correct that Dachshunds are prone to spinal issues. I would recommend finding a well-fitting harness for Hugo so that he can continue to enjoy walks-this will take pressure off his neck and reduce the likelihood of cervical/neck problems. I would also recommend enrolling Hugo and yourself in an obedience class so that he learns how to walk correctly on a leash-this will prevent him from pulling and can also help reduce the chances of problems. Monitor Hugo carefully-if you notice weakness or pain during movement, if he seems to have have problems with bowel or bladder function, or he is not interested in running and playing as usual these can all be indications of a spinal problem and you should contact your regular veterinarian immediately. Consider getting Hugo some little stairs so he doesn’t have to jump onto the couch (if you let him on the furniture), or train him to wait for someone to lift him up and down. I hope these suggestions have been helpful-good luck!

I generally recommend using harnesses rather than collars for walking. If a dog pulls excessively on a collar, they can cause irritation to the trachea (windpipe) or develop neck pain or injury. Some harnesses, such as an EasyWalk harness or Gentle Leader, are designed to minimize pulling and can be quite helpful for training. Teaching Jasper a "look" command where he learns to watch you closely while on a leash is quite helpful. All of that said, I still like dogs to wear collars so that their identification tags are readily accessible in the off chance that they would run off. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

The lifting aid will help both the front and rear legs. Not all dogs will take to a wheel chair and it’s difficult to get them in it. If he’s strong on the front legs then the wheelchair will work. If he’s weak in the front legs he won’t be able to stand. I would start with the harness and then if he’s gets to walking normally in the front legs then consider adding a wheelchair. Dogs can only be put in the wheelchair for about five to ten minutes at a time, several times a day, since it’s very tiring when they are out of shape. Also you need to be strong to get his rear legs lifted in and out of it. Work with the standing and walking with assistance in the harness. If he improves slowly then hopefully he won’t need the wheelchair. Also if you are able to purchase a real Help em Up harness, by Blue Dog designs, they are easier to use that what you’ve shown in the photograph. Thanks and good luck with Toby.

I'm so sorry to hear that Sasha lost her leg due to such a traumatic event! There are multiple options for harnesses or slings that help you support her back leg as she walks. You can find most of these at online retailers. For some of my patients I've also used a simple blanket or towel rolled up and wrapped around the belly right in front of the back leg. This way you are giving her some support. Hopefully she will get stronger and more balanced as she gets used to having only one back leg and the support will just be a temporary thing.

If he’s over 65 lbs normally then I would purchase a large Help em Up harness. It’s fully adjustable and you should be able to fit him from the directions they send. When you have him standing, place the legs and paws in the normal position and try to have him hold up some of his weight. With the help em Up harness the rear part will have a strap underneath and that needs to be adjusted so it’s behind his penis. That way you can support him when peeing and pooping so he will stay cleaner and relearn how to go himself outside. You are doing a good job if you are able to encourage him to walk a little. Sitting to standing will build up his rear legs so he can get strong enough to push himself up again. He is older but with pain medication and your physical therapy exercises hopefully he’ll be able to rise on his own and walk again. He’s been laying around for a while now so it make take several weeks for him to improve. Thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.