Have you noticed a change in the way your dog walks? Are they a little wobbly or limp a bit? Do they have a hot spot on their leg that they can’t stop licking? A dog leg brace can help provide support and stability when your dog walks and help cover hot spots.
What Is A Dog Leg Brace?
A dog leg brace works like a human brace. When put on correctly, it can give support to a weak joint, reduce pain, and help injuries heal.
If your dog has a wound or a hot spot they keep licking, a leg brace can cover the area to prevent your dog from getting to it, allowing the wound to heal.
What Conditions Can A Leg Brace Help?
There are several conditions where a leg brace may be beneficial for your dog. Among them:
- Arthritis.
- Sprains.
- Weak joints.
- Pain when walking.
- Before or after surgery.
- Loss of stability when standing or walking.
- Tendinitis.
- Nerve damage.
- Hydroma.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Bursitis.
- Dislocations.
- Wound healing.
- Hot spots.
*** Have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian to determine if a leg brace is appropriate for your dog and for the correct type to get for their condition. ***
What Are The Different Types Of Dog Leg Braces?
There are different types of leg braces that can be used for various conditions.
Front Leg Braces
Carpal Brace. This type of leg brace gives support to your dog’s carpal or wrist joint if the area is sprained.
Elbow Brace. This supports your dog’s elbow and can also help if your dog has elbow calluses or a dislocated shoulder.
Back Leg Braces
Hock Brace. This goes onto your dog’s hock or ankle. It can also help with an Achilles tendon injury or a dropped hock.
Knee Brace. A knee brace can help support a knee with ACL injuries and luxating patella.
Hip Brace. This supports your dog’s hip joint in conditions like hip dysplasia.
The hock and carpal braces tend to come in packs of two. One brace for the affected side and one for the good side. Why? When we have an injury on one side of the body, we tend to overcompensate with the other side. Dogs do the same thing. Wearing a brace on the good side provides extra support for the joint that is getting more weight put on it.
Do Leg Braces Help Dogs With Arthritis?
Leg braces will give support to the joint affected by arthritis. It provides compression and warmth that can also relieve some of the pain that comes with arthritis.
Do Dog Knee Braces Help Dogs With A Torn ACL?
A dog knee brace can stabilize the knee and help to avoid further damage. It is a good option if your dog needs to wait to have surgery or has only a minor tear.
How Many Hours A Day Should A Dog Wear A Leg Brace?
It is recommended to have your dog wear the brace for 3-4 hours at a time and then remove it. This will give the area a chance to breathe.
Do not let your dog sleep in the brace. The area needs time to rest and get some air to it.
How Do I Measure My Dog For A Leg Brace?
Measurements should be taken before you decide to purchase a leg brace for your dog. Use a paper tape measure or a piece of string that you can then measure. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions when it comes to sizing up or down if your dog is between sizes. Take all measurements with your dog standing.
Carpal Brace
Measure the circumference of your dog’s leg 3 inches above the dewclaw.
Elbow Brace
Measure around your dog’s elbow, leaving room for one finger underneath.
Hock Brace
Measure 1-2 inches (this depends on the manufacturer) above and below the hock.
Knee Brace
Measure around the top of the thigh, where the leg meets the body.
Hip Brace
Measurements for this vary according to the manufacturer. Some only require one measurement, while others need more to get the right fit.
Measure the circumference around your dog’s knee.
Next, measure from your dog’s knee up to the middle of your dog’s back. (some require this measurement to be 1 inch above the knee to the middle of the back).
Lastly, measure the area from the front of the knee to the back of the knee.
What are the Pros / Cons Of Using A Leg Brace?
Pros:
- Provides extra support your dog may need to walk.
- Decreases pain.
- Helps wounds heal by covering them up so your dog can’t get to them.
- Allows the area to heal after surgery.
Cons:
- Velcro straps may be too strong or not strong enough and your dog may not tolerate the sound of it.
The Best Dog Leg Braces
The following are some of the top rated leg braces by users. The product information is according to the manufacturer. All of these braces provide support and stability of the joints they are on and are easy to get on and off.
Best Dog Leg Brace For The Wrist
NeoAlley Front Leg Dog Brace
- Sized from XX-Small to X-Large.
- Made of neoprene and nylon.
- Reflective strip on the straps.
- Breathable and flexible.
- Velcro straps.
- Hand wash only.
Tailwind Carpal Wrap For Dogs
- Available in 6 sizes from XX-Small to X-Large.
- Made of neoprene.
- Handmade in Austria.
Best Dog Leg Brace For The Elbow
NeoAlley Dog Elbow Brace
- Comes in 5 sizes, X-Small to X-Large.
- Available for Right Leg, Left Leg, or Both Legs.
- Breathable.
- Made of neoprene and nylon.
Tailwind Elbow Brace For Dogs
- Available in 5 sizes from X-Small to X-Large.
- Made of neoprene.
- Available for Right Leg or Left Leg.
- Handmade in Austria.
Best Dog Leg Brace For The Hock
HandicappedPets Hock Style Tear Leg Dog Splint
- Available in 4 sizes, X-Small to Large.
- Waterproof.
- Cushioned interior.
- Velcro straps.
Cons:
- May be difficult to find the correct size.
AGON Dog Hock Joint Brace
- Available in 5 sizes, X-Small to X-Large.
- Made of neoprene and nylon.
- Velcro straps.
Best Dog Leg Brace For The Knee
Tailwind Knee Brace For Dogs
- Available in 11 sizes from Ultra Mini to XX-Large.
- Can get for Left Side, Right Side, or Both Sides.
- Made of neoprene.
- Hinge splint can be added for an additional cost.
- Handmade in Austria.
- Also available in a Custom-made option.
Posh Dog Knee Brace
- Custom-made.
- Waterproof.
- Sandproof.
- Adjustable.
- Made in the USA.
Best Dog Leg Brace For The Hip
Tailwind Custom Hip Brace For Dogs
- Comes in Blue or Black.
- Made of neoprene.
- Handmade in Austria.
Animal Ortho Care Custom Dog Hip Brace
- Can be made for Right, Left, or Both hips.
- Available in 20 colors.
- Good for dogs over 40 lbs.
- Medical grade foam cushions.
- Velcro straps.
- Waterproof.
- Made in the USA.
A dog leg brace can provide your dog with support and stability while walking, reduce pain from arthritis and other conditions, and aid in healing after surgery.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.