Many people with new front-leg amputees wonder if it’s safe to use a Ruffwear Webmaster dog harness before stitches come out. The answer is: yes and no.
We always recommend waiting to use the Webmaster harness until stitches or staples are gone, especially for front-leg Tripawds just out of surgery. The huge incision line may come into contact with the harness and there’s a slight chance it could irritate the area. Instead, we suggest using a DIY grocery bag dog sling until the staples or stitches are removed.
But we know there are times when it’s necessary to use a harness right out of amputation surgery. If you have stairs that your new Tripawd needs to use to to potty. Or if you need to get your dog into the car for a return trip to the vet. In that case, don’t worry. If your dog came home with a compression bandage as Logan did, you’re in luck. The bandage should protect the incision area.
Here’s Logan just one day out of surgery. He needed the harness around the house and so far, so good!
Even if your dog doesn’t have a bandage but you still need to use the dog harness before stitches come out, a t-shirt placed underneath the harness should provide adequate protection. Just remember to check the area often and look for signs of irritation like excessive redness.
Got Other Tripawd Harness Hacks?
If you needed to modify or utilize your Tripawd harness in an unconventional way, contact us or comment below, we would love to hear about it!
Recommended Reading
Webmaster Plus Brush Guard Make Best Support Harness for Tripawds
The Tripawds Recovery Shopping List
Make a New DIY Tripawd Dog Sling
An Easy Webmaster Harness Strap Repair Tip