Select the next Larger size and add the Custom-Fit Foam. Foam is also useful for providing extra padding to certain areas of the leg and filling in hollows to ensure adequate support. Learn More.
Walkin’ Front Splint
For help choosing the right size splint for your pet, see our detailed sizing guide below
$31.00 – $45.98
$62.00 – $91.95
FAQs
Product Details
The Walkin’ Front Splint for dogs and cats assists with rehabilitating injuries to the lower front limbs that need to be splinted or braced in the normal walking position. Modeled after human splints, the Front Splint provides stability and support for the lower front legs of your pet (carpal and paw).
- Constructed of a lightweight, rigid plastic exterior, soft interior foam padding, non-skid pad on bottom, and touch-fastener closures.
- Front Splint mimics the contour of a pet’s lower leg, extending above carpal and completely under the foot to provide full support.
- This sturdy and supportive design allows weight to be put on the injured or weak limb.
- An easy way to provide daily wound therapy, reducing bandaging costs.
- During night time hours we recommend using the Walkin’ Wrist Hugger to continue to offer light support when not wearing the splint.
- To get more of a custom fit add Walkin’ Custom-fit Foam for an additional $9.95
The Walkin’ Front Splint may benefit pets with the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis and Polyarthritis of the carpal or metacarpal joints
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- Soft tissue injuries to carpal or metacarpal tendons, ligaments, or nerves
- Carpal or metacarpal joint instabilities or malformations
- Neurological conditions causing knuckling of paw
- Post-surgical protection.
THE COMFORT & SUPPORT YOUR PET NEEDS
The front splint gives your pet the support they need & keeps your dog or cat’s leg in a normal walking position, allowing them to place weight on their injured limb.
HELP YOUR PET’S LEG INJURY HEAL
Designed to fit comfortably while providing joint support for your pet, this front leg brace helps promote your pet’s healing during physical therapy and recovery.
PROTECT YOUR PET’S WEAK LIMB
This durable and lightweight splint extends above the carpal and completely under the paw to ensure your pet’s lower leg is fully supported and protected.
How to Choose the Right Size
Please keep in mind that the Walkin’ Front Splints are designed to support the lower part of the legs. They will not stabilize the elbow on the front leg. Please check with your local veterinarian before using the splint on your dog, cat or other pet.
A: Measure from end of longest toenail to midpoint between carpal pad and elbow.
B: Measure from end of longest toenail to just above carpal pad.
C: To measure paw width, rest dog’s paw on a piece of paper, and mark either side of the widest part. Measure between these two points.
| A: | B: | C: | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.25″ | 3″ | .75 – 1.12″ | XXSmall |
| 7.5″ | 4″ | 1.25 – 1.75″ | XSmall |
| 8.6″ | 5″ | 1.75 – 2.12″ | Small |
| 10″ | 5.25″ | 2 – 2.25″ | Medium |
| 10.5″ | 6.5″ | 2.25 – 2.5″ | Large |
| 11″ | 6.5″ | 2.5 – 2.75″ | XLarge |
Looking for further measurements to ensure you have the perfect fit? See our additional splint measurement points!
Measurement Tips:
Begin with measuring your pet while they are in a standing position.
Use measurement B as your main guide for choosing a size. The best fit will be when your pet’s measurement matches with the number shown on the chart. A measurement of about 1/4” over or under is also acceptable.
The next measurement to review is A. It is best for your pet’s Total Length to closely match the number on the chart, but it will still fit if your pet’s length is longer than what is listed.
For C, Paw Width, the range shown on the chart is the most comfortable fit for the size. If your pet’s paw is narrower than this, you can use our custom fit foam to fill in any gaps. If the paw is wider, however, it may be too tight and we recommend going up 1 size and adding the Custom Fit Foam.
If joint is swollen due to arthritis or other medical condition, consider the Walkin’ Fit Adjustable Splint to accommodate swelling, and adjust fit using the Walkin’ Splint Custom Fit Foam.
As a supplement to the three main splint measurement points on the size chart, we recommend reviewing the additional measurements below to ensure your pet’s unique leg shape will fit comfortably in all areas of the Front Splint:
Width of the Leg
To determine if the splint’s width will comfortably fit your pet, measure the width of the front leg at the carpal joint. For the most accurate width measurement, have your pet lay down with their legs out front. Place a piece of paper under your pet’s front leg and mark on either side of the leg. Once complete, measure the distance between those two marks to determine the width of the front leg.
| Size | Leg Width at Carpal |
|---|---|
| XXSmall | 0.75″ |
| XSmall | 0.75″ |
| Small | 1.375″ |
| Medium | 1.375″ |
| Large | 1.25″ |
| XLarge | 1.5″ |
Length – Back of the Paw to the Carpal Joint
When a splint is well-fitted, the paw and carpal joint should fit comfortably in the natural bend of the front splint. Since all pets are unique and shaped differently, we recommend taking an additional measurement from the bottom back point of the paw up to the center of the carpal joint to see how your pet’s wrist will fit into the shaping of the splint.
| Size | Back of paw to carpal |
|---|---|
| XXSmall | 1.75″ |
| XSmall | 2″ |
| Small | 2.625″ |
| Medium | 2.625″ |
| Large | 3.625″ |
| XLarge | 3.5″ |
If your dog’s leg measurements fall between sizes, please call us at 1-888-253-0777 and our Customer Service Department will help you to determine the correct size.
Splint Instructions
How to Introduce a Splint to Your Pet
It’s important to remember that any splint or bootie placed on a pet’s foot will need to be removed at bedtime, and should be removed for at least an hour during the day to allow the foot to breathe.
When introducing a new splint to a pet, it’s important to start slowly. Positive reinforcement methods, using praise, treats, or toys should always be used in association with the splint. The splint will initially make the pet walk “funny” or maybe not want to walk at all. Using positive reinforcement to encourage walking is always the best approach.
Day One: Place splint on pet for 10-15 minutes at a time, then remove. Try these short sessions 3 to 4 times during Day One.
Once the splint is removed, look for any areas of irritation or rubbing on the pet’s skin that may have been caused by the splint. If you notice an area of rubbing, please consult one of our customer service representatives for fitting assistance and your veterinarian with any medical concerns.
Remember that every pet is different; it may take pets longer than a few days to get used to the splint, and that’s OK. It’s more important to make sure the pet is comfortable with the splint and the fit is correct than to rush the process. Continue with these short sessions until your dog adjusts. If you are concerned that the fit isn’t correct, please contact our customer service department or consult with your veterinarian.
Day Two: If your pet is having a hard time adjusting to wearing the splint, continue with the short 10-15 minute sessions, as described in Day One. If your pet seems to be walking a little better and is getting used to the splint, then it’s time to increase the session length a bit.
Place splint on for 15-30 minutes at a time, then remove. Try these sessions 3 to 4 times during Day Two. Again, look for any signs of discomfort, and respond accordingly.
Day Three: If your pet is still having a hard time, continue with the short 10-15 minute sessions, as described in Day One. If the pet seems to be walking a little better than in Day Two and is getting used to the splint, then it’s time to increase session length again.
Place splint on for 30-60 minutes at a time, then remove. Try these sessions 3 to 4 times during Day Three. Once again, look for any signs of discomfort, and respond accordingly.
Ongoing: Once the pet is able to comfortably wear the splint for 4 hours or more in the day, and no areas of rubbing or irritation are present, it’s all right to increase wear time to almost a full day, if needed. If you are unsure how long the splint should be worn based on your dog’s medical condition, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Custom Fit Foam
Walkin’ Splints Custom-fit Foam can give your Walkin’ Splint a more custom fit to provide optimal comfort for your pet. Using the included Walkin’ Splints templates, the adhesive-backed foam can be cut and trimmed to fit any size or type of Walkin’ Splint (front, rear, hock, carpal, bootie). Then peel the backing and adhere to your splint for a custom fit without the cost!
- 9″ X 12″ adhesive-backed foam.
- 1/4″ thick, Closed Cell Foam Sheet
- Easy to cut and trim foam.
- Pattern templates included to match every size and type of Walkin’ Splint.
- Instructions included with templates.
- Gives Splint a better custom fit for an additional $9.95
Instructions:
Every pet is different, and their needs will vary. The Walkin’ Splint Custom-fit Foam template is a guideline for the most common shapes needed to customize the fit of your Walkin’ Splint. Each template can be cut, trimmed, or altered for your pet’s comfort – every pet is different!
- Choose a pattern template that matches the type of splint you have (front, rear, hock, carpal, bootie).
- Cut template from pattern sheet, choosing the size that matches your splint size.
- Trace or tape cut shape to paper-backed side of foam sheet.
- Carefully cut shape.
- Before removing backing, check fit, and trim if necessary.
- Once completely satisfied with fit of splint on pet’s leg, peel backing and adhere to splint.
Please note: If additional support is needed, foam can be stacked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Splints are not designed to be left on your pet for a long period of time. Introduce your pet to the splint by slowly fitting the splint onto your pet. Do this for the first handful of times your pet has to wear the splint. Have your pet wear the splint for two hours on, followed by two hours off. When your pet is resting or relaxed for a long period of time, keep the splint off. Always remove the splint overnight. Please see Instructions section for more information.
Injuries to the lower limb of small animals often need to be splinted or braced. Please see your veterinarian to determine whether this is the best treatment for your pet. These splints can be used on the lower leg for stability and support and are available in a full range of sizes and shapes to accommodate the front or rear leg comfortably. Your pet should always be supervised when using the splint.
Walkin’ Pets Splints are placed on the back of the leg and held in place by padded touch-fastener closure straps. They extend about halfway up the leg. The bottom of the splint extends completely under the paw to provide weight-bearing support. This is ideal for fractures, knuckling, and other ailments.
Splints are made of hard plastic with a soft foam lining and a non-skid pad on the bottom (see photos). The non-skid pad will not work well on some slippery surfaces. Before using the splint, test it on the surface to make sure it will grip adequately.
Splints should be used only when recommended by a pet care professional who will determine whether the splint is appropriate, how long it should be worn, and what problems might occur that would indicate that use of the splint should be discontinued. These include chafing, muscle atrophy, or extreme distress of the animal.
Occasionally, animals resist having the splint put on and may try to escape. An animal with a splint halfway on can injure himself or herself. Put the splint on in an enclosed area, and secure the pet with a leash or other restraint. As you start to put on the splint, reward the pet with special treats. Start with two to three minute sessions and increase the time as your pet gets used to the splint. Please see Instructions section for more information.
Putting a sock on the leg before applying the splint is sometimes more comfortable for the dog. Front splints should be applied on a sitting animal. Starting at the bottom, place the foot flat in the bottom of the splint. Make sure that the toes do not extend over the bottom edge. Snug the bottom strap first. Check for a snug fit after the animal has taken a few steps.
Yes, your pet can sit and lay down with our splints.
If your pet’s measurement falls between sizes, please call us at 1-888-253-0777, and our Customer Service Department will help you to determine the correct size.
To determine if the splint’s width will comfortably fit your pet, measure the width of the front leg at the carpal joint. For the most accurate width measurement, we recommend placing a piece of paper behind your pet’s front leg and making a mark on either side of the leg. Once complete, measure the distance between those two marks to determine the width of the front leg.
| Splint Size | Leg Width at Carpal |
|---|---|
| XXSmall | 0.75” |
| XSmall | 0.75” |
| Small | 1.375” |
| Medium | 1.375” |
| Large | 1.25” |
| XLarge | 1.5” |
Every pet is unique and is shaped differently. For pets with short or long legs, we recommend taking an additional measurement from the back of the paw (at the wrist) up to the center of the carpal joint. When a splint is well-fitted, the carpal joint should fit comfortably in the natural bend of the front splint.
| Splint Size | Back of Paw to Carpal |
|---|---|
| XXSmall | 1.75” |
| XSmall | 2” |
| Small | 2.625” |
| Medium | 2.625” |
| Large | 3.625” |
| XLarge | 3.5” |
Yes, you can heat and flare the plastic away from a problem area, but you cannot change the angle of the splint. You will need a heat gun to do any modifications; the splint will be non-returnable as soon as heat is applied. Cool the splint completely before you try it on your pet.
Yes, the splints have a non-skid soling surface on the bottom (see photos).
Yes, the splints are fully lined with a closed-cell foam padding that can be washed.
Customer Photos
Walkin’ Front Splint pet photos, sent in by happy customers!
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