My old dog has hip issues. What harness offers best comfort and support?

Y-shaped harnesses seem to work best for dogs with cervical stenosis or recovering from head/neck surgery as they tend to wrap around the chest while avoiding the back of the neck while closing. However, if Jack tends to pull, do be aware that harnesses can make it easier for dogs to pull, so you may want to work on some leash training if this is the case. Other harnesses may also help avoid the neck area, you just want to make sure they fit more snuggly along the chest and sit over the shoulders or lower on the back to avoid putting pressure on the neck.

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.

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.

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.

I would discuss pain medications with your vet. As long as he has a level, well-padded area for the ride it should be ok. You may need ramps for your vehicle or a special harness that will help you lift him in and out of the vehicle. This is a common harness for this purpose: https://helpemup.com

The rear leg braces are not useful. If she needs assistance getting up I recommend a Help em Up harness by Blue Dog designs. Taking Lucy to a Rehab veterinarian would be good if there is one near you. They can give you exercises to do at home and they may offer hydrotherapy and other treatments that can improve her comfort and mobility. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.