Every dog owner would like their pet to feel comfortable and healthy throughout its whole life. However, dogs – just like people – have health problems and suffer from various conditions, either as a result of an accident or a disease.
One of the most common problems that dogs have is the one connected with knees. Dogs often suffer from joint pains, strains, or they simply have really weak knees. In this case, it is sometimes needed to support the pet’s leg with a dog knee brace.
How to choose the best and most comfortable knee brace for your dog? Below, you will find an ultimate guide on how to do it illustrated with examples.
Adjust the Brace to the Injury
The most important thing in choosing an appropriate knee brace is the injury or a health condition that it is going to support. Think, for example, about the problematic leg’s position – the brace should be different for the front and for the back legs.
Some braces come in sets – for the front and back leg. They also differ in the support level – if your puppy suffers from a mild joint strain, a thinner brace will be enough, while thicker ones would be needed for more severe knee problems. If you have doubts about choosing the right product, always consult your veterinarian.
Pay Attention to the Material
A knee brace is an accessory that your pet is going to wear on a daily basis, at least for some time. That is why it should be made of good-quality, sustainable material – preferably, neoprene. It is both elastic and thick, so it supports the knee properly.
Knee braces that are made from polyester or acryl are not good for dogs, as these materials may cause skin irritation. Moreover, they don’t allow the skin to breathe, so they’re not advisable as a base for knee braces. If you want to see some examples of braces made from sustainable, high-quality materials, click here.
Think of Your Pet’s Size
The size of your dog is another important parameter when it comes to choosing a knee brace – a small chihuahua would need other braces than a husky. When deciding on the knee brace’s size, you can refer to a sizing chart.
For example, a dog that weighs from 15 to 25 Ibs should have a small knee brace. A pet weighing from 35 to 55 lbs will feel comfortable in a medium-size brace. Large dogs with weight over 55 Ibs should be equipped with a big knee brace. If you want to see a detailed chart of choosing a knee brace’s size, have a look at this website.
Simple or Customized?
Some people prefer simplicity also when it comes to dog knee braces, while others would like to customize it a little. The basic color of a brace is black, but there are also pink, blue, or violet ones available on the market.
Are you wondering whether to choose a simple or customized knee brace for your pet? Well, to make this choice, you should think about the habits of your dog – if it’s a rather calm and domestic pet, a customized knee brace would be no problem for it.
However, a black brace seems to be the best solution for active pets – it is more practical and easier to clean. Some examples of customized and traditional knee braces for dogs are available here.
A Dog Knee Brace – Additional Tips
Before deciding to start a knee brace therapy for your dog, make sure that it is a recommended form of treatment in your particular case. Sometimes, surgical intervention is the only possible option, and even the most professional brace won’t be an effective solution.
Knee braces can also be of help a post-surgical therapy. They stabilize the knee and prevent potential complications. Remember that if your dog gives you any signals that the brace is not comfortable, change or adjust it immediately – if a brace is not properly fitted, it can do more harm than good.
A good knee brace should be certified and tested. Buy it from a reliable source, and beware of random internet sites offering surprisingly cheap products.
Conclusion
Helping the dog in pain connected with ligaments and joints problems should be a priority of every owner. Knee braces can be really helpful in this kind of therapy, and in some cases; they can even replace surgical intervention.
Therefore, to help your pet in the best possible way, you should choose the knee brace carefully, following the veterinarian’s guidelines and paying attention the appropriate size and material.
Finally, observe your dog’s reactions to the brace, and if you suspect it may feel uncomfortable, change it as soon as possible. All in all, your canine friend’s comfort should come first!