When your dog is struggling to get around on their own, a mobility harness allows you to give them the boost they need.
A mobility harness, also known as a lift harness, is a great tool for working with pets who need extra help getting around. They are a full-body harness with a handle on the back end that owners can use to help their pet handle certain obstacles depending on their limitations such as getting up from a lay position, using stairs and ramps, and other daily activities that might be difficult for your pet. At MDVSS, we recommend the Help ‘Em Up Harness.
When to Use One
Mobility harnesses have a surprising amount of utility for many different animals that need extra assistance on a day-to-day basis. They are good to have if your pet is paralyzed, has recently had surgery, is elderly, is arthritic, or has hip dysplasia or other ligament issues. There are a lot of great reasons to invest in a quality mobility harness if you feel that your pet needs some extra help getting around on a day-to-day basis. Something important to note is that mobility harnesses are often marketed solely toward dogs, but they can help all kinds of pets, including cats and rabbits. If your pet needs extra assistance, a mobility harness might be just what you need.
How it Helps
A mobility harness is a great tool because it allows you to use your strength to take the pressure off of your pet as they navigate troublesome obstacles such as stairs and ramps. Most often, they are used to support the back legs where the owner can pick it up slightly and make it easier for the pet to simply move forward using their front legs with the weight taken off of their back legs. They can also be helpful for dogs who are elderly or arthritic and struggle to get up from a laying position—simply grab the handles on either end and gently lift your pet from the ground to get them upright again with little to no pain or discomfort.
This can also be very helpful for pets who have recently had surgery and need to limit their movement and activity. Having a mobility harness gives the owner more control and keeps the dog from needing to move excessively to get around. They can also help with those same pesky obstacles like stairs and ramps that threaten to injure a pet that has recently had an invasive surgery.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.