We want our dogs to live long, active lives without health issues. Unfortunately, age, genetics, or injury can make your pet’s life painful and difficult.
Veterinary science has come a long way, and we now have surgery, medication, and physical therapy techniques to help our dogs live longer, pain-free lives.
While these new technologies are incredible, they can be expensive, invasive, and may not benefit all dog breeds and conditions.
Luckily, you have options.
Leg braces have become a popular choice for pet owners. With the availability of custom fits, braces are a comfortable and effective treatment for various orthopedic problems, and more owners see knee braces as their first option for injuries.
While you should always consult your vet about your dog’s health, it is also essential to research all the treatments available to your best friend to find out what works best for your family.
Here are five signs that your dog may benefit from a customized dog knee brace:
Limping due to a torn cruciate ligament
If your dog is limping or avoiding movement, the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) may be to blame.
The CCL is similar to a human’s ACL. It is located behind a dog’s stifle joint, like our knee, and connects the femur bone to the shin bone in the dog’s hind legs. A CCL tear is similar to an ACL tear or rupture.
This ligament also can degenerate with time and tear. Unfortunately, a CCL injury is so common that it is often the number one reason pet owners seek surgical consultations.
While surgery is an option for torn cruciate ligaments, it may not be the best option for all dogs.
For senior dogs and breeds with breathing problems, a more conservative approach may be better for quality of life.
Custom-made dog braces are a safe and economical option to help manage a cruciate ligament injury. A knee brace can ease joint pain and have your best friend back to their everyday life in as short as nine months.
Visible joint or leg deformities
While your pup may be perfect for you, some breeds, like bulldogs and Shih Tzus, are susceptible to angular limb deformity (ALD).
An ALD can cause your dog’s elbows to buckle or bow, causing their feet to turn inwards or outwards. Dysplasia is another common joint deformity.
Elbow dysplasia is an abnormal joint growth in young dogs and can cause osteoarthritis. Although some breeds are more susceptible to joint and leg deformities, they can happen to any dog through injury and an active lifestyle.
Bracing can help dogs with these issues.
Dog braces can help prevent limping and collapsing joints like a luxating patella. They can also help your dog’s ability to bear weight and create joint stability, allowing it to get the exercise needed to stay healthy and prevent more joint problems.
Fortunately, brace technology has come so far that many dogs can comfortably wear them for life.
Post-surgical support
Sometimes, surgery is the best option for your dog. But, post-surgery recovery can be difficult for both dogs and pet parents.
Post-surgery movement restriction is essential for healing, and most orthopedic surgeries call for strict kennel rest.
Keeping dogs still is a challenge, especially young or active dogs. A brace can help immobilize the affected limb, but it can also offer support for faster healing.
When it comes time to reintroduce therapeutic exercise, braces can help introduce this vital part of healing by stabilizing the limb and providing additional support for weight-bearing exercises.
As with anything post-surgery, it is best to consult your vet to see if bracing suits your dog’s unique situation.
Dragging or knuckling of the paws
Sometimes, dogs have difficulty placing their paw correctly or dragging their paw behind them. This condition is known as paw knuckling.
Paw knuckling is caused by various underlying problems, from injury to arthritis to neurological issues. When a dog walks with paw knuckling, it causes scratches on the tops and sides of paws, leg shaking, uneven nail growth, and can lead to long-term joint damage.
Along with a rehab plan, dog braces can help your dog move better and can help provide relief for bruised paws.
It can help reduce swelling and protect the paws against impacts while your best friend learns to move correctly.
Arthritis or degenerative joint disease
Watching our dogs age is one of the most complex parts of being a pet owner. It is heartbreaking to see our once vibrant friends move with difficulty.
As dogs live longer, arthritis is more common, affecting at least 25% of dogs, especially larger breeds. Arthritis is painful, and it prevents dogs from exercising, which puts them at risk for obesity, which makes arthritis even worse!
Diet and exercise are the first defense against arthritis, but many breeds are predisposed to joint degeneration. Along with nutrition and medication, your vet may suggest braces to help support your dog so they can move around better.
Braces can help with swelling and inflammation and also help with the fatigue caused by pain.
Final thoughts on knee braces
Recognizing the signs that your dog may benefit from a customized knee brace is crucial for ensuring their comfort and mobility.
By understanding the potential benefits of knee braces for dogs, pet owners can make informed decisions to improve their furry friend’s quality of life.
Always consult a veterinarian to explore the best treatment options for your dog’s needs.
Customized knee braces can be an excellent temporary or lifetime solution for your dog.
They can offer healing and protection in a non-invasive way so your dog can live an active and happy life.
With so many options available, you will surely find the right brace for your dog.
Julia Nikolaus is a content strategist for an LA-based company. She enjoys working with pet brands and writing about pet care. Julia shares a dog, chickens, and two pygmy goats with her parents on their joined farmette in Columbia, Pennsylvania.