Best Dog Lift Harnesses

Old age can be difficult for everyone, our pets included. As time goes on, many health issues can come with seniority, and what was once a simple task can become difficult and even painful. Senior dogs can especially feel the effects of their old age, as the movements become limited, arthritis appears, and daily tasks are just not as enticing as before. Pet owners can also experience the effects of their pet’s elderly afflictions, as all actions will require special care and attention. Playtime is less rowdy, the diet needs special attention, and sometimes even getting around the house will require your assistance and supervision. But luckily, your pet’s seniority does not have to be a burden for either of you! With the help of many cleverly-designed and nifty accessories available on the market, your four-legged friend can feel comfortable and more independent in his old age.

Why do I need a lift harness for my dog?

One of those ingenious accessories is dog lift harnesses. This specially designed aid is a fantastic way to alleviate some of that nasty pain of the joints, hips, and back that your old pupper might experience. It is no secret that everyday actions will become a great burden for your dog once the old age sets in. Going up the stairs will become an impossible task, getting in and out of your car will be difficult, and even your daily walks around the block or the park might be too much on your poor pupper’s joints. With a dog harness, you can actively help with all these issues. A harness is in the simplest terms – a sling. It wraps around your pet’s body and allows you to lift some of the pressure off from the joints or sensitive hips. With special carry handles you can decide just how much support you need to offer and just how much you should lift the sling. It helps with walking and all other activities, as the weight of their bodies won’t be completely carried by the joints.

Their clever design makes dog lift harnesses a beneficial tool that offers some much-needed help and comfort for a dog’s old age. Of course, there are several options to choose from, and that is why we went through all the choices to deliver you this list of the best dog harnesses on the market today! Old age doesn’t have to come with limited movement- read on to learn how to make sure your dog enjoys his golden years to the fullest.

Features to look for in dog lift harnesses

Since a lift harness is an orthopedic aid and an essential everyday accessory for elderly pets, it is really important to pay attention to some of its crucial features when purchasing. It ensures your choice will work with the particular needs your pet might have and that the harness you bought is durable and cost-effective. Depending on the condition that ails your furry senior, you will want to adapt your purchase accordingly. Some harnesses might be designed to offer support via the abdomen or the rear legs, while others will lift the weight off the entire body. Either way, you need to pay attention that a lift harness has all you want, otherwise, you will risk using a harness without it having any positive effect for your dog.

Size

Choosing the appropriate size of the harness is one of the most important aspects to consider. There are different maximum weight capacities to think about, so it’s important to pick the right one to avoid any accidents due to the fabric ripping under too much weight. Luckily, most brands offer a variety of sizes that are designed to meet the needs of different dog breeds. Another reason why size is important is comfort. The harness can’t chafe the skin or be too tight, otherwise, it will cause even more problems. Sometimes finding the proper size can be a challenge, but with attention and careful measuring, you can find exactly the right lift harness to alleviate your dog’s issues. And if the harness can be adjusted – even better! That way you can adapt with utmost precision.

Material and durability

Being an almost everyday accessory, dog lift harnesses need to have the toughness to withstand the unavoidable wear and tear, the regular cleaning and the possible nibble or two from your dog. The handles that are the crucial part of the harness also need to be especially durable and able to properly support your dog’s weight. Owners cannot risk the handless snapping under the pressure and their dog dropping to the ground – and brands know this. That is why almost all harnesses on the market today are made from tough and durable materials and highly resistant nylon fabrics. They are also often machine washable allowing you to clean them easily and regularly, and to avoid that nasty buildup of smells and dirt.

Adjustability

Some harnesses have adjustable straps and clasps that allow you to really “fine-tune” the whole layout and adapt to different situations and your dog’s condition. If you recognize that your dog’s hips are especially sensitive on a particular day, you can adjust the harness to take off even more pressure from the rear. This important feature is just an added bonus that accentuates the orthopedic aspects of the harness even more. Another adjustability aspect relates to the handles. Some non-adjustable harnesses will require you to often bend down in order to take the handless and carry your dog. With the option to adjust the handles to your stature, you can help with carrying and make it easier for your back as well. Adjustability can also be an important asset when you are lifting your dog in and out of the car – with the ability to shorten or lengthen the handles you can really make a world of difference.

Type of support

There are a couple of different types of dog lift harnesses, as we mentioned above, and each one has its own perks and importance. Their main differences are the way they help your pet and the areas they affect. You can opt for a full-body harness that straps both the rib cage and the abdomen and takes the pressure off from the entire body and legs. Then there is the standard smaller harness for the abdomen that specifically targets the hips and rear legs. The same goes for the front body harness. Either way, you have the option to adapt fully to the needs of your pet, regardless of what their issues are.

Importance and benefits of dog lift harnesses

Dog harnesses are more than just a handy accessory. Their orthopedic role and the multiple varieties and uses can really bring a crucial difference in the life of your senior pet. They become an everyday necessity and greatly ease the daily actions for both the pet and the owner. Old age does not have to limit the life of a senior pet. They can still enjoy all the activities they always did, only with a little more help from you. Snoozing on the couch is a favorite for any dog, but hoping down from it is a big deal for those sore and aching joints. You can supervise this and gently help them down with a harness. Daily walks are another favorite pastime, but it can be tough on the body, especially with arthritis. Utilize a dog harness to carry some of your dear pupper’s weight and alleviate the pressure on the ankles.

A harness can also be a great aid for non-senior pets, especially after certain surgeries or injuries. In such cases, your pet might not have the full use of his legs, hips, or back, and will require no pressure on them during the recovery process. But with a lift harness, you can help the active recovery while still maintaining the proper healing process. Another really important activity where a lift harness can come in handy is car travel. When old age comes up with your dog, the journeys to the vet will come often than they did before. And for an aching dog, getting inside a vehicle can be a real nightmare. You can raise them with a harness – it’s no effort for you, and makes all the difference to your furry companion! Alternatively, you can use dog ramps if your pet is more mobile and needs just a little bit of help to get in the vehicle.

How do you lift an old dog?

When your pet reaches golden years, it’s highly likely that they’ll experience mobility issues – stiff aching joints might limit their movement or they can become completely immobile and it’s up to you to help them maintain a similar quality of life. When you’re picking up an old dog, consider their weight: some seniors can be picked up with one hand, and others are too heavy to lift. In case you are able to lift your pet, you should do so by placing your hand between their front legs, over the chest, and supporting their bottom with the other to avoid strain or injury. However, this is just a quick fix in unexpected situations – getting a lift harness will be a much easier and safer method of lifting an old dog.

How to measure my dog’s harness?

The measurements you’ll need will vary depending on the type of harness, but luckily, most manufacturers clearly display the measurement for each of their harness sizes so you’ll know exactly what to measure. For example, sometimes you’ll have to get the dimensions of your pet’s midsize and in other cases, it’s their rump that will go into the harness, so there isn’t a universal measuring guide for lift harnesses you can use. Just follow the guidelines and use a measuring tape to get precise results without much hassle.