Earth Clinic Mobile: Home Remedies for People and Pets

Degenerative Myelopathy for Rear Support Harness

5 star (3)		75%
4 star (1)		25%

Lynn (MT) on 12/04/2021:
5 out of 5 stars

An idea for a very cheap solution to harness. We have had giant breeds with back leg issues. We would put an old belt of my husband’s around their middle. They just always wore it. Same color as dog, hardly noticeable. Wider better for large dogs and snug enough they can urinate without hitting it. But we used this for a handle to help them up. But they could walk after that. We now have a Pyrenees wearing one.

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Ruth (Buffalo, New York) on 11/17/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

My Samoyed, Zeke, wears Solvit support harness. It helps us lift him up and down stairs and does not seem to hurt him. We had to go with a size smaller than recommended for his weight.

I have been looking for a cure for his DM which he has had symptoms of for at least 6 months now. He has had ACV and a variety of other supplements for years . Since the DM, he has laser therapy weekly but I am not so sure it is helping any. He was 14 last June so I guess I should be thank-full he has been with us this long.

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June (Chicago) on 06/16/2016:
5 out of 5 stars

Our vet recommended "help-em-up harness". We like the quality, cushioning support and two-handle option (that can be separated). http://helpemup.com/

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Maya (Connecticut) on 04/18/2016:
4 out of 5 stars

Hi guys! Thought I'd share some of my own experience with our diagnosis of DM approximately 6 months ago. Something I've seen that hasn't been mentioned here yet is how to maintain mobility for as long as possible when you're dog's system is slowly shutting down. We're about 6 months into the diagnosis so I'd say we're in the middle stage. Our dog still can get around but has noticeable difficulty doing so - and forget about getting in and out of the car!!

Our vet recommended that we look into buying an rear support harness, you can hold the handle for the brace with the same hand as you hold the leash, and can help to support some of your dog's weight while they walk which makes it easier for them. It also made it possible for me to be able to keep taking her in the car with me when I'm by myself, as alone I couldn't lift her up by myself (she weighs about 80 pounds!!)

I know this is just a temporary "remedy" and not an actual solution, and at some point in the near future it won't work for us anymore, but for the time being it's been a Godsend. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else had heard of using a support harness and was wondering a good one to buy.. or for other people who maybe had never considered this option before!

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