Almost every day we get a call or email from someone with a rear leg amputee dog who believes that the Tripawd approved dog harnesses we carry are only for front leg amputees. Ironically, the next day, we’ll get a phone call from someone with a front-leg amputee who thinks that we only carry harnesses for rear leggers. Neither is correct.
See all the newest Tripawd Approved Harnesses
Tripawd approved dog harnesses are for front and rear leg amputees alike.
Whether you’re looking at the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus, the Flagline, the Tripawd Convert Harness, the Get-a-Grip or the Custom Pet Support Suit, you can rest easy knowing that each of these models has been tested on a rear and front leg amputee dog.
Every harness we carry must pass our Tripawd Approved test.
Namely, how well will it work on an amputee missing a front leg, or a rear leg? We don’t leave anyone out.
Sure, Wyatt Ray looks good in all of them, but we don’t just rely on outward appearances. With the exception of a hip lift support harness with leg loops, like the Ruffwear Doubleback or the Care Lift, we know that almost any typical harness will function as intended on him.
The real test comes when a front-leg Tripawd tests a harness.
We need to ask: does the harness stay in place? This is the biggest challenge for dogs missing a front leg. Some harnesses slip around more than others, simply because the harness design needs two legs to keep it in place. Those harnesses don’t pass our test.
The harnesses that do make it into the Tripawds Gear Shop are the models that rotate less than the rest. And even if they do slip just a bit after wearing it, the rotation will not usually have an effect on how the harness works to help you help your dog.
As of today, no dog harness that we know of is made specifically to address the needs of amputee dogs. The logistics of manufacturing one for each type of Tripawd (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) are daunting.
But as manufacturers become increasingly aware of the needs of differently-abled pets, we expect to see even better harnesses coming our way over the next few years. It’s an exciting time for Tripawd dogs and cats alike!
German short hair back left leg
Moda is 9 and loves to walk and go for car rides. Her front left leg seems to be getting tired lately and I worry about that. Do you have a catalog ? Or suggestions. Thank you
Yes! Please check the Tripawds Gear Shop above for all the best harnesses described in this post. More importantly, if Moda is tiring quickly, please consult with a certified rehab therapist for rehab exercises to help her stay fit and strong. The Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first visit to a CCRT or CCRP.
my front leg Tripawd is now 7 years old & needs more support on front remaining leg. what do you recommend – other than a full vest? She does not wear vest well, but loves to go for walks. Also, something she could wear most of day as she hits her elbow when going down.
Sharon, unfortunately no harness will prevent your sweet pup from stumbling or wearing out. Harnesses are assistive devices for us to help them. But if a dog gets to the point of stumbling and falling, they need professional intervention. The very best thing you can do for her is to have her evaluated by a canine rehabilitation therapist. These experts can determine if she is getting too much or too little exercise, and show you how to help her stay injury free. We encourage it so much that the Tripawds Foundation Rehabilitation Reimbursement Fund will pay for your first consultation with a credentialed therapist. For your pup’s sake, please find one in your area or let us know if we can find one for you. Good luck!
Noelle is a 14 year old right front leg amputee with bilateral rear hip dysplasia. What do you recommend for a harness with rear support as well to help lift her or give support up and down steps.
Best wishes for Noelle! The Custom Pet Support Suit is very helpful for providing full body support for senior dogs. For direct hip lift support, consider the PetSafe CareLift Dog Lifting Harness or Ruffwear Doubleback Dog Climbing Harness.
Hi there I have a one year old rescue Shih Tzu with front left leg missing from birth. Is there a particular harness that you would recommend for a small dog, like Bella Boo?
Many thanks
The Ruffwear Flagline is our favorite harness for front-leggers, especially if missing the left because you don’t have to lift any leg to put it on.