Pets dealing with rear leg paralysis or weakness need additional support to stay active. There are many reasons a dog may have difficulty getting around, but a mobility harness is a simple solution for pets to keep moving. Rear lifting devices are easy to use and help pet parents to lift their dogs safely.
There are many reasons why a pet may need hind end support, a pet’s mobility loss can be caused by:
- Paralysis
- Healing from a back leg injury
- Post operative support
- Knee or hip pain
- Arthritis or dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Neurological Condition
- Spinal disease
4 Ways to Use a Rear Lift Harness
A mobility harness supports your pet’s rear end; lifting the harness handles reduces the pressure on your dog’s back, legs, and hips to help them. With the hind legs supported, pets become more stable, allowing them to stand and walk around with your aid. Here are the most common real-life scenarios where a rear harness can help your best friend:
1. Assist Your Dog on the Stairs
It’s quite common for senior pets to struggle to climb the stairs on their own.
Your pet uses an incredible amount of leg strength to push themselves up each stair tread.
Pets with weaker back legs may feel unsafe or unsteady on the stairs. Rear support harnesses can help them to feel stabilized and better maintain their balance as they navigate the stairs.
2. Help Pets Into the Car
Jumping into the car means your dog is taking a big leap. Signs of reluctance or an unwillingness for them to get in the car may mean they need your help. A lifting device can be used to give them the boost they need to jump in or out of the car with ease.
3. Lifting Assistance for Trips Outside
Getting your dog outside to pee and poop is one of pet parents’ biggest challenges when caring for a mobility-impaired pet. You need to be able to get your dog outside quickly and easily. A rear lift harness allows your dog to do their business cleanly while being fully supported.
Although dog wheelchairs are an excellent way to get your dog mobile outside, in an emergency situation there isn’t always enough time to get them into their cart. This is when a rear harness is ideal. Slide them up your dog’s legs quickly to help them stand and walk outside easily. There are many options for rear lifting devices, choose one that best suits your needs.
4. Additional Rear Support in a Dog Wheelchair
Dog wheelchairs are a great way to keep paralyzed pet’s active and their rear legs supported, but some pets may need additional support beyond the standard leg rings.
Substituting your dog’s rear leg rings for a durable harness can mean added rear support and a more comfortable seat for your pet. There are many wheelchair harness options available and their benefits vary. Choose a rear harness that is designed to fit your dog’s size and specific mobility needs. Many wheelchair compatible harnesses can make it easier to support your dog as your get them in and out of their cart too!
Rear Harness Solutions for Your Pet
Walkin’ Warrior Rear Harness
The Walkin’ Warrior Rear Harness, is a convenient, rear lifting harness designed for pets with weak back legs. Ideal for supporting a dog as they climb the stairs, jump into the vehicle.
Fun and brightly colored, choose the color that suits your pet’s personality! Fully compatible with the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair, the Warrior Harness supports your pet in or out of their wheelchair.
Rear Support Leash
A rear support leash is a quick and simple solution to support your mobility-impaired pet. This easy-to-use rear leash slides up your dog’s back legs for a quick boost. Ideal for pet’s just beginning to experience mobility loss or only need occasional rear support. Pet’s recovering from injury or having a hard time supporting their full weight will benefit from the Up-n-Go Rear Support Leash.
Rear Combo Harness
You need a heavy-duty lifting harness to provide back support for a large breed dog. The Combo Rear Harness is durable, and Combo Rear Harness stable; it’s also a progressive harness designed to adapt to a dog’s changing mobility. Mobility conditions like Degenerative Myelopathy start with weakened back legs and move up the spine towards the head. As mobility loss progresses, it eventually impacts the pet’s front legs as well. A front lifting harness can be added as needed. Both the rear and front harnesses are compatible with the Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair.
Regardless of your dog’s mobility condition, there is a rear lift harness designed to help them. Harnesses allow you to support your dog’s hind end and help them to get around comfortably without pain. By supporting your dog’s back legs they continue playing, enjoying life, and having fun!
