Dogs can lose their mobility due to age, arthritis, or other debilitating injuries.
If it is unfortunate that your dog has mobility issues, then you will need to consider a lift harness.
With that, you can take the pressure off your dog’s weaker legs, hence more comfortable for them to walk.
Below are the 10 best dog lift harnesses in 2023.
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1. Labra Veterinarian Approved Dog Sling Lift Harness
Labra is one of the most reliable brands when it comes to dog mobility aids products.
This is a veterinarian-approved dog lift harness, built with both the human and the dog’s comfort in mind. It features the soft fleece lining to ensure it is gentle on your dog’s midsection, while the adjustable straps to accommodate humans of all height, meaning you don’t have to bend over to give your dog a lift.
It is heavy-duty and comes in several sizes to support different sizes of dogs.
The Labra Sling Lift Harness is ideal for aiding dogs who suffer from a debilitating knee injury or to help them during the rehab process.
2. PetSafe Solvit CareLift Lifting Aid Harness
You may have heard of PetSafe, a famous brand, and is also one of the largest manufacturers that provides electronic dog training products.
As soon as you look at it, you notice it has a front and a rear section, designed to be used either independently, or can be combined to allow for full-body support. Plus, extra padding to ensure your dog is comfortable.
Also, it includes a specially-shaped protector panel for male dogs and can be removed for female dogs, as well as a lifting leash extender to reduce the strain on your back while you lift them.
Apart from that, the PetSafe Solvit CareLift is adjustable to allow for a snug fit. And what we also like about this lift harness is that it is made of breathable mesh material, which can be washed using a washing machine, hence easier for you.
3. GingerLead Dog Support & Rehabilitation Harnesses
GinerLead is a family-owned business with more than 10 years of experience in manufacturing dog rehabilitation products.
This harness has a patented design, which the pad with a cutout is to fit male dogs, and the rectangular pad is for female dogs. It features the soft corduroy padding that won’t bunch up to ensure your dog’s comfort, yet the exterior durable pack cloth for long-lasting usage. Also, it is adjustable for height so that you can stand straight while supporting them.
Additionally, it has an integrated leash that you can use to attach to the collar, along with the optional double-sided velcro strips to keep the harness in place when you release the handle.
GingerLead Rehabilitation Harness is used by veterinarians throughout the U.S.A., suitable for dogs who are recovering from surgery, and dogs who debilitate due to age, arthritis, and neurological disease.
4. LOOBANI Portable Hip Support Harness
One glance at the LOOBANI Hip Support Harness, you know it is very comfortable to put on. There are no sharp edges, made of teddy cashmere with soft lining sheepskin-like covering, and the straps are adjustable.
Additionally, it has removable padding in the handle to keep your hands protected and for easy carrying.
On top of that, this dog sling harness is durable and is machine washable, making it very easy when it comes to cleaning.
Also, you can fold it and put it into the included portable gift bag when not in use. This is a great option that you may want to consider if you have an elderly dog or if your dog has any mobility issues.
5. Love Pets Love Vet Approved Dog Lift Support Harness
The Love Pets Love Lift Harness is simple and easy to use, made of durable nylon with fleece lining, and the straps are equipped with velcro. The pad surface is about 10 inches wide and can be used to support either the front or the rear legs.
This harness is made for dogs who are recovering from leg injuries or in the rehabilitation process after orthopedic surgeries. It is also great for helping dogs who need a hand to walk or go up and down the stairs due to arthritis or other debilitating ailments.
It has 2 sizes available, suitable for dogs that weigh 45 pounds and above.
6. COODEO Dog Lift Harness
This stylish lift harness features the user-friendly design, which allows your dog to urinate or defecate without any issues. It is constructed of high-quality soft and breathable material for your dog’s comfort. Also, the belt is detachable, and the length can be adjusted to fit people of different heights.
Additionally, it has 6 buckle attachment points in total that gives you the ability to adjust the position of the sling. The COODEO Dog Lift Harness is washable with cold water and needs to be dry naturally, ideal for dogs who need front legs or rear legs assistance.
7. Peak Pooch Dog Walking Lifting Carry Harness
This sling harness has achieved a great combination of durability and comfort. It is made of heavy-duty ripstop nylon, stainless steel hardware, and breathable mesh material with double stitching.
Plus, it has ultra-soft cushioning to prevent chafing, along with the adjustable straps so that you can customize it to fit your dog.
Also, there is a durable metal O-ring on top where you can attach the leash, as well as a firm handle to allow for easy lifting. You also notice it has reflective trim outlining the whole harness to help keep your dog visible at night.
The Peak Pooch Carry Harness is a great option that you may want to consider to help your dog into the car or over any obstacles.
8. AMZpets Dog Lift Harness
Whether your dog is suffering from joint pains or is recovering from injuries, the AMZpets Dog Lift Harness can help, designed to assist dogs with limited mobility by supporting their body weight while they stand up.
The straps are adjustable, meaning you can adjust it to accommodate your height, hence more comfortable.
In addition, it has a clip-on handle pad to ensure that it won’t put too much pressure on your hand, not to mention, you can roll it up for easy carrying and storage when not in use. It also includes a step-by-step instruction manual on how to put the harness together.
9. Doggie Stylz Multi-Functional Full-Body Lifting Dog Harness Vest
Similar to PetSafe Solvit CareLift, this is a multi-functional lift harness with a front and a rear section. The purpose of that is to allow for separate use depending on your dog’s needs, or can be used together for full-body support and maximum lifting assistance.
Doggie Stylz has 2 rubber handles in total, one on each section, and is designed in a way that can distribute the lifting pressure evenly for your dog’s comfort. Suitable for transporting your old, injured, or recovering dogs from one place to another.
10. All Seasons Dog Lift Harness
Another simple and easy to use lift harness designed to support dogs with weak hind legs, has difficulty standing, and postoperative surgery.
It is lightweight, portable, and made with sherpa lining to ensure your dog’s comfort.
Also, the All Seasons Dog Lift Harness is machine washable and can be rolled up for storage when not in use. Not only that, but it also has 2 sturdy handles that can accommodate most dog breeds.
Why Use a Dog Lift Harness?
There are several reasons why your dog will need a lift harness. That includes your dog loses their mobility due to age, injuries, diseases, or is in the rehabilitation process after surgery.
Below we will give you some of the examples of when the lift harness can come in handy. And depending on the severity, you can also consider a dog stroller or a dog wheelchair.
- Help an injured dog to get up and down the stairs.
They can have a hard time getting up and down the stairs and can be painful if you allow them to climb themselves. With a lift harness, you can gently lift their injured legs while using the stairs, hence more comfortable. - Help an injured dog to get in and out of the car.
An injured dog is unlikely to be able to jump in and out of the car. A dog lift harness such as the PetSafe Solvit CareLift and Doggie Stylz with a front and a rear handle allows you to pick them up. That said, if your dog is too heavy, you would probably end up injuring your back, which is why you should consider a car ramp. - Assist a partially immobile dog go outside to get some fresh air.
Partially immobile dogs will also have difficulty going out for a walk. The lift harness can give them a little bit of assistance and allow them to enjoy nature comfortably. - To carry a completely disabled dog around.
Dogs that are fully disabled will need to rely on their owners to do everything, that includes pee and poop, going out to have a sniff of the flowers or to move from the couch to the bed. In this instance, a lift harness that provides full-body support can be useful.
The Common Conditions of When Your Dog Will Need a Lift Harness
1. Senior Dogs
No surprises that dogs will have decreased mobility when they get old, and are more prone to illness, just like humans, hence why a dog lift harness.
2. Arthritis
It is undoubtedly heartbreaking when seeing a dog suffering from arthritis, limping here and there as they walk. Though there are medications that can help reduce the pain, there are days that it is not enough to relieve the discomfort, especially when the condition gets worse. And a dog lift harness can provide them the additional support they need.
3. Hip Dysplasia
This is a condition where a dog’s joints do not develop properly. It will cause the bones to rub against each other, which can be painful and can lead to reduced mobility. A dog lift harness that supports the rear legs can help in this case.
4. Debilitating Leg Injuries
Depending on how severe it is, it can slow down the recovery, or it may get worse if you are going to let them walk as usual.
5. After Surgery
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Lift Harness
You notice there are many dog lift harnesses with different shapes and designs, how do you know which one is best for your dog?
And below are some of the features that you need to consider.
1. Size
Picking the right size is perhaps the most important thing you need to get right. You will want a harness that can fit your dog properly so that it will stay in its place. Also, if it is too loose or too tight, it can cause rubbing and discomfort to your dog. Make sure you measure your dog’s size correctly, and if they are in between sizes, opt for the larger one.
2. Types of the Harnesses
Consider how severe the injuries are and pick the one that suits your dog’s needs. For instance, if your dog has injured hind legs, you will want to choose the one that can support their rear legs, which most dog lift harnesses on this list can.
While most have similar designs, some have smart features such as the PetSafe Solvit CareLift and Doggie Stylz. They can be used as a front or a dog rear lift harness only, and can also be combined to provide your pooch full-body support.
3. Materials
Remember, now you are supporting your dog with limited mobility, so it has to be sturdy and comfortable. Make sure to check if it has padding, especially where your dog’s belly will be in contact with the most. You will also want a harness with soft edges so that it won’t cut into your dog’s legs or cause any blisters.
4. Adjustable
You probably wouldn’t mind bending over to give your dog support occasionally, but you will have to keep doing that if the belt is too short, which can cause back pain. So, pick a harness with adjustable straps such as the Labra Sling Lift Harness, PetSafe Solvit CareLift, and GingerLead Rehabilitation Harness may be a smarter choice.
The reason being is that it gives you the ability to adjust it to the right position to protect your back, as well as to prevent you from lifting your dog too high. And as a result, avoid putting too much pressure onto your dog’s other areas as they move.
5. Padded Handle
It may not be an issue if you have a small dog. However, if you have a large dog, it will put lots of pressure on your hands while lifting them. So, it may be a good idea to pick a harness with a padded handle to ensure it is comfortable for you.
