Has your dog ever had difficulty getting up from a seated position? Do they have trouble going to the bathroom or going for a brief walk? A lift harness may help get your dog moving again.
What Is A Lift Harness?
A lift harness, or dog lift sling, is a device used to help keep your dog mobile. It is made of padding that slides underneath your dog with handles at either end for you to hold on to to assist your dog with standing up, walking, negotiating stairs, etc.
Who Can Benefit From A Lift Harness?
A lift harness can benefit any dog with mobility issues. It is especially helpful for:
- Getting your dog up and down stairs.
- Walking your dog.
- Assisting your dog to go to the bathroom.
- Before and after knee surgery.
- Assisting your dog into and out of the car.
- Elderly dogs with weak legs and joints.
- Dogs with medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy where it might be painful or difficult to get up and walk.
- Assist with activities after a stroke.
What Are The Types Of Lift Harnesses?
There are 2 types of lift harnesses, each tailored to suit your dog’s needs, a rear lift harness and a full body harness.
Rear Lift Harness
This is the traditional sling harness. It is used to help a dog with disabilities in their rear bodies. This can be hip dysplasia, weak joints, knee injuries, or degenerative conditions.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Padded for increased comfort.
- Durable.
- Can be used in different positions: the back, middle, or front of your dog based on their needs.
- Use it only when you need it.
Cons:
- Most handles are not adjustable. This can result in handles that are too long, causing strain on your back.
- It may be difficult to get the sling underneath your dog, especially if they are laying down.
Full Body Harness
This type of harness encompasses the front and back of your dog. It can be used for a variety of issues, particularly degenerative spinal conditions. It is good to use if you need extra support when lifting your dog, particularly when negotiating stairs or getting your dog into and out of the car.
Full body harnesses come in 2 types: a one piece that covers from front to back and a 2 piece that has a separate harness for the front and back of the body.
Pros:
- Provides increased support if you need to lift more of your dog than just their legs.
- Distributes weight throughout the body, making it easier to lift.
- Can be left on all day, so you can help them up no matter their position.
- Used for front or back leg conditions.
Cons:
- Can be hard to find the right size.
- It may be difficult to get it on your dog, as they may need to lift their (already weak) legs to get into it.
- May be lacking in padding for your dog’s comfort.
Considerations When Purchasing A Dog Lift Harness
When choosing the right lift harness for you and your dog, there are a few things you may want to consider.
- Needs. Does your dog have weakness in the front or back legs? Do they need a little or a lot of help to get up and perform their daily activities?
- Condition. Is their issue temporary (surgery), degenerative (degenerative myelopathy), or permanent (paralysis, amputation)?
- Will you need to lift their whole body or just their legs?
- Handle Length. Check the measurement of the handles to make sure they will be comfortable for you to use.
- Will it be easy to get the harness on and off your dog?
- Do you have any medical conditions that may make it hard for you to use a particular harness ( back or shoulder issues)?
- Gender. Know the measurements of the harness if you are going to use this by the rear of your dog. Some harnesses may block your dog from urinating or they may urinate all over the harness if it is not the correct size. Some harnesses may have a cutout design for male dogs.
The Best Dog Lift Harnesses
These are some of the highest rated dog lift harnesses. We separated them out into sling harnesses, 1 piece full body harnesses, and 2 piece full body harnesses. Each description is per the manufacturer. All harnesses are great at helping you lift your dog in various situations. If there are any additional pros or cons, we will list them. Sling harnesses are the most common, so there is more to choose from with this type.
Best Sling Harness
OAKI PET Dog Lift Harness
- For dogs 50-100 lbs.
- Pad size: 29.5 x 7.5 inches.
- Non-slip, soft handle.
- Thick, soft pad.
- Fleece lined pad.
- Adjustable strap.
- Total length is 48 – 68 inches with the adjustable strap.
Pros/Cons:
- Handles are long.
HNYG Large Dog Sling
- For dogs 30-120 lbs.
- Pad size: 37 x 7 inches.
- Wool lining.
- Reinforced handles.
- Comes with a storage bag.
- Length is 51 inches, including the straps.
Pros/Cons:
- Straps are not adjustable.
Pick For Life Dog Lift Support And Rehab Harness
- For dogs 50-100+ lbs.
- Fleece lined.
- Adjustable straps.
- Padded handles.
- Comes with a storage bag.
- Length is 49 – 68 inches, with the straps.
FSUHHIAD Dog Sling For Large Dogs
- For dogs from 20-150 lbs.
- Pad size: 35.5 x 7 inches.
- Pad is lined with synthetic fleece.
- Comes with a storage bag.
Pros/Cons:
- Handles are not adjustable.
Petbobi Dog Sling For Large Dogs
- For dogs 50-100 lbs.
- Available in a male version and a female version.
- Male pad size: 36.2 x 7.9 inches.
- Female pad size: 37.2 x 8.3 inches.
- Adjustable strap length.
- Straps made of nylon.
- Pad lined with fleece.
- Velcro padding on strap handles.
- Length of strap can be adjusted from 9.5 to 18.5 inches.
Orvis Rear Dog Lift
- X-Large for dogs 75+ lbs.
- Secure back clip for added stability.
- Padded, short handles.
- Cut – out notch for male dogs.
- Fleece lining.
Pros/Cons:
- Handles are not adjustable.
Best 1 Piece Full Body Dog Lift Harness
Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
- X-Large for dogs 66 – 110 lbs.
- XX-Large for dogs 111+ lbs.
- Can be used for front leg and back leg conditions.
- Detachable and adjustable straps.
- Made of polyester.
- Hand wash; air dry.
Pros/Cons:
- Hard to find the right size.
Orvis Dog Lift
- X-Large fits dogs 75+ lbs.
- Extra back clip for stability.
- Padded handle.
- Made of polyester.
- Washable.
Best 2 Piece Full Body Dig Lift Harness
Help ‘Em Up Harness
- Large harness is for dogs 80-125 lbs.
- X-Large harness is for dogs 125-225 lbs.
- Chest and back panels are lined with air flow materials and neoprene.
- Straps are also covered in neoprene.
- Areas of friction are covered in micro-fleece.
- Larger lift handle in the back.
- Machine washable; air dry.
Doggie Stylz Multifunctional Full-Body Lifting Dog Harness
- Comes in 4 sizes by girth size.
- Can be used as a front only harness, a back only harness, or a full body harness.
Pros/Cons:
- Does not come with instructions.
PetSafe CareLift Handicapped Support Dog Harness
- For dogs up to 130 lbs.
- Lifting handles in the front and rear.
- Shoulder strap.
- Mesh lining.
- Padded.
- Adjustable.
- Includes an extra panel for male dogs that is removable for use with female dogs.
- Machine washable.
Pros/Cons:
- Heavy for some dogs.
- May be difficult to put on and adjust.
A dog lift harness can enable you to help your dog to stand, walk, use the bathroom, negotiate stairs, and get into and out of the car with greater ease. They can help your dog perform daily tasks while helping you avoid unnecessary strain on your back.
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.