Harnesses for Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy

A dog with Degenerative Myelopathy will inevitably lose mobility in their back legs. Throughout the progression of DM, dogs will lose their hind leg strength before becoming completely paralyzed. To keep a dog with DM active, you must provide support for your dog’s back legs. Although a wheelchair is likely necessary, the first solution is usually a rear lift support harness. Here’s everything you need to know to select the best lifting harness for your dog.

How to Choose a Harness for a DM Dog

When choosing a lifting harness for a dog with Degenerative Myelopathy, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind, including its functionality, durability, comfort, and adaptability.

The harness needs to be functional

The first thing to consider is when your dog needs the most help. Ultimately, a lifting harness helps a pet parent give their dog the extra support they need to stay active and safely move around.

Does your dog need help only on the stairs? Do they need help standing up? Or does your dog need your help whenever they go outside to pee or poop? With Degenerative Myelopathy, your dog most likely needs help in all of these situations, which is why it’s important that your dog’s harness can keep up!

Durability

Every DM dog parent must face the reality that your dog’s mobility loss is permanent. Your dog will need a durable harness to withstand the daily stress of lifting your dog. As DM progresses, your dog will rely on a harness more often. Choose a rugged rear support harness that can hold your dog’s weight.

Comfortable for you and your dog

You never know when your dog needs a boost. Ideally, the harness should be comfortable enough for all-day wear without any rub points. It should be comfortable enough for all-day wear without any rub points. In addition, the harness should be able to be left on your dog without worrying about it slipping off or becoming a tripping hazard.

The best harness to leave on your dog all day is often a two-part harness with an attaching front and rear harness. This will give you the flexibility to support both ends of your dog at any time. Regardless of whether your dog needs a boost off the ground after a long nap or a little extra help on the stairs, you’ll be ready.

The harness also needs to be comfortable for you! Look for a rear harness that features adjustable handles. You should be able to comfortably lift your dog without bending over too much or straining your back.

Adaptable for every stage of DM

The best harness for a dog with Degenerative Myelopathy is one that will adapt with them. Your dog’s leg strength is going to worsen and change over time. Most dogs with DM will exhibit signs of rear leg weakness first. Eventually, the disease will also progress up the spine to impact the front legs. Instead of purchasing a harness that only supports the back legs, consider a full-body lifting harness that can also help the front legs!

Wheelchair Compatible

Every dog with DM will need a wheelchair at some point. As you research which harness to buy your dog, keep in mind that not every lifting harness is also compatible with a dog wheelchair. It’s important to select a harness that will work with every stage of your dog’s mobility loss.

It can be incredibly helpful to have the support of another person when lifting your dog into their cart. With one person supporting your dog’s front legs and the second person supporting the hind end using the Help ‘Em Up harness, the buddy system makes the process safer and easier for both of you.

While the Help ‘Em Up harness does not connect directly to the cart, it can still be used in conjunction with the cart’s leg rings to provide additional support and control. This is especially useful for getting your dog comfortably positioned in their quad cart without putting unnecessary strain on them—or you.