Helping your dog get up and go.
It can be heartbreaking and backbreaking when our canine companion is having a hard time getting up and walking. This happens for many reasons that I will delve into and it may be short term or permanent. A dog lift harness is an excellent way to assist our canine companion in need. There are different types for different purposes and I’ll run through the reasons, the needs and the products that will help assist you to improve your dog’s quality of life.
But first, Our Top Picks:
- Best dog lift harness: Petsafe Dog Lifting Aid
- Best for budget: All Season lift harness
- Best dog rear lift harness: Walkin’ Rear Lift Mobility Harness
In the second part, we’ll talk about the top topics regarding dog lift harness
Table of Contents
Top 17 Dog Lift Harnesses
Lift Harnesses
#1
GingerLead Pet Support
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
Adjustable straps which are really great for people of different heights as well as dogs of different heights.
Leash attachment will really help with improved control while walking and decreased backward slipping when going downhill or stairs.
Machine washable, which really matters when it comes to pet products.
Corduroy lining that is soft against the skin for your dog’s comfort.
A cutout on pad to better accommodate male dogs, though this doesn’t resolve the issue of peeing on the padding all the time.
One of the more expensive designs.
What We Like About It
- Cut out for male dogs to minimize pee contamination
- Leash attachment to make easier walking.
- Adjustable straps for less owner back pain.
What We Don't Like
- Nothing holds the sling in place if the handles are dropped.
- The adjustability of the handles was not adequate for all pet/owner height situations
#2
PetBaba Dog Lift Harness
Our Rating:
3.8/5
Price Range: $$
This lift sling sits more in the center of the dog’s body and provides general lift support so it may not be as good for dogs with severe back end weakness.
This sling has a chest strap to help limit slipping especially for going downstairs.
The full wrap-around design gives some security but you do have to be more careful with fitting the size.
Adjustable handles make it more comfortable for walking.
Many customers found the chest strap to be too big/long to be effective.
Poor, small handle made this uncomfortable to some folks hands.
It is not machine washable so hand washing may be a factor in deciding if this is the right product for you.
What We Like About It
- Adjustable handles for walking.
- Wrap around security.
- Chest strap to decrease slipping.
What We Don't Like
- Poor fit on dogs with barrel chest or tiny waist
- Chest strap too long to keep it in place on some body types.
#3
Pet Friendz Dog Support Harness
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
Full wrap-around sling with a buckle, adjustable closure will improve security when the harness is properly fitted.
Machine washable which really helps with pet hygiene.
Front strap for less slipping while walking on grades which can be really helpful for things like going to the park for a walk.
You may be able to leave on for longer periods of time which could help with pets needing constant assistance. The decision to leave it on depends a lot on how the dog feels wearing it. Always be sure to remove it and check regularly for irritation points.
Adjustable handles help with walking and saving our back muscles.
A low price point relative to a lot of other products make this a good consideration.
Good guarantee on customer service which is really important with a fitted pet product. We all do our best but sometimes they just don’t fit right.
Very big dog sizes are available but remember, you are doing the lifting. How much weight can you manage?
What We Like About It
- Machine washable
- Warranty is strong
- Low price point
- Chest strap design
What We Don't Like
- Repeated reports of chest strap breaking
- Not fully adjustable
- Less hind end support
#4
Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
This is fit like a jacket, if your dog hates clothes this would not be great but if your dog is used to sweaters and jackets they would likely adapt to this very well.
Multiple handle attach points for different areas of support which can be awesome for going from stairs to car, to walking.
Better with male dogs as far as allowing them to pee, though nothing is perfect in this department.
Adjustable handles to make walking more comfortable for both of you.
Mid to upper price point to consider for the budget.
Hand wash which may or may not be a concern for you.
Very big dog-sized are available so check the charts.
What We Like About It
- Jacket style design may be easier in some cases.
- Variable hand attachments for different purposes.
- Adjustable handles for walking.
What We Don't Like
- Hand washing may be cumbersome.
- One of the higher-priced designs.
Petsafe Dog Lifting Aid
best dog lift harness
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
Full body lift harness, can stay on. Can be separated into rear only and front only, but they don’t stay on themselves. This is really nice for a dog that has weakness in both the front and back end. The full body support also does a better job in the back end than the simpler designs.
A higher price point than most of the products that I’ve seen.
Padded loops are machine washable which helps a lot with hygiene.
Protector pad for male dogs that might make the peeing issues more manageable.
No walking handles so this is really for dogs that need a lift assist but then can get about on their own.
What We Like About It
- Excellent full body support
- Most parts are machine washable.
What We Don't Like
- There are no walking handles.
best dog rear lift harness
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
This is designed specifically for secure back end support. If you have a dog with severe or only back end issues this harness is a really good option. This works better for male dogs that need support when it’s potty time.
Adjustable walking handles make this useful for a dog with rear-end weakness or neurologic disease that has affected the rear end-use, but still has the get up and go to want to take a walk.
Machine washable makes it good for hygiene.
Excellent customer service reports which means getting proper fitting and use is much more likely.
With the leg loop design it is always really important to check for rubbing areas or sores. Dogs can be very eager to get moving and ignore the discomfort so you have no idea if you don’t look.
What We Like About It
- This is one of the best designs for male dogs to pee with support.
- The walking handles help the dog get more exercise.
- Machine washable helps maintain hygiene.
What We Don't Like
- Watch for rubbing from the straps.
- It’s one of the harder ones to put on if you’re in a hurry.
Lifting Sling
All Season lift harness
best for budget
Our Rating:
4.5/5
Price Range: $$
This is a good basic lift harness. It’s machine washable which can really help with post-surgical patients if they have a wound that might get discharge on the material. The sheepskin inner lining will help avoid sores or pinching with occasional use. For dogs that need an occasion assist getting up or recovery from cruciate (like human ACL) surgery it’s a good product to decrease you dog’s pain and ease the strain on your back.
Being thin and light weight this sling can easily be stored in a car or hung up in the house out of the way so it’s on hand when you need it.
This type of sling can be used for front or rear leg issues. It would be good to keep even if you have it for your dog’s temporary surgical recovery.
A benefit of the sling style post-surgical is that there isn’t a lot of manipulation to get it onto the dog. You simply slide it under them. Most dogs will quickly learn when you do this that it’s time to stand, so be ready to take the weight once you have it under your dog. This sling is thin and will slip under the dog quickly and easily.
What We Like About It
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Washable means easy to keep clean for surgery patients, or pee accidents
- The thin band may be easier to slip under big dogs.
What We Don't Like
- The narrow width can be uncomfortable with frequent use.
- The handles are not adjustable so if the height doesn’t work it can’t be changed.
#8
SGT KNOTS support harness with sheepskin
Our Rating:
4.8/5
Price Range: $$
The handle straps on this sling are a thick durable nylon and the length is adjustable in addition to coming in multiple sizes so this helps with owners of different heights to avoid back pain yourself.
The sheepskin like cover is a 360 wrap around so there won’t be any localized irritation from the edges cutting into the body if you have a really heavy pet. I like this feature if you will be using it many times a day.
The sling is machine washable so there is a way to deal with those occasional pee accidents and just cleaning in general.
Simple design makes it quick and easy to slide under your dog and use whenever needed.
What We Like About It
- Extra padding for bigger dog comfort.
- Adjustable handles make it more versatile
- Washability is good for maintaining overall cleanliness
- Lightweight portability makes it more convenient to have it when you need it.
What We Don't Like
- In some dogs the heavy padding can cause slipping.
- Some clients found the sizing recommendations confusing.
#9
Labra canine sling with adjustable straps
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
This is a wider strap that is geared toward larger dogs. It comes in an XXL size that is designed for dogs over 100 lbs. The XL is 9.5 inches wide on the strap. It is still a thin sling so it would slide under your dog easily.
The inside is fleece-lined to improve your dog’s comfort. This is important with repetitive use.
The straps are adjustable so ideally, you can stand up straight while using the sling, taking the strain off your own back. You’ll really appreciate this after a few days.
The price range is reasonable for a heavy-duty support.
The sling is lightweight and portable which is great if you will be taking your dog with you in the car.
Unfortunately, the company does not say it’s washable.
What We Like About It
- Wide and soft comfort strap will be easier on most big dogs.
- The adjustable handles are good for the owner’s back.
- For size and durability it’s in a reasonable price range.
- Lightweight and portable making it easier to keep on hand so you have it when you need it.
What We Don't Like
- Not designated as washable.
- It can be slippery causing it not to stay in place on the belly where you want it.
#10
Love Pets Dog Lift Support Harness
Our Rating:
4/5
Price Range: $$
This is a nylon support harness with fleece lining.
This sling is sized for medium to large dogs, topping out at about 75 lbs, so no good for the really big guys.
The ten-inch wide strap will sit well on the underside of most dogs.
This is a lightweight and easy to roll up product.
This sling has a snap on the handle, so it may decrease slipping but it makes it that much more important to get the correct size.
What We Like About It
- The company provides a photo measurement chart to assist you.
- Lightweight and easy to carry or store.
- Slim design is easy to slide under your dog.
What We Don't Like
- It’s more fitted so this could be a problem if the measurements are not correct.
- This won’t work for very large dogs.
#11
Outward Hound PupBoost Lift Harness
Our Rating:
3.8/5
Price Range: $$
This is a sling-type harness that rolls up tight so it’s easy to store and portable.
Machine washable makes this an easy sling to keep clean, which is very important for your dog’s wellbeing.
This sling comes in sizes for all dogs, potentially up to 200 lbs, but the girth (circumference around the dog) is really the size factor. Additionally, you have to remember you’ll be doing the lifting so that might keep you from lifting a dog that big.
Adjustable handles mean you can stand up straight while walking the dog to save you from your own back issues.
The company provides a strong guarantee of money back or a new replacement if you aren’t satisfied with the product.
What We Like About It
- Sized for very large dogs.
- Machine washable for good hygiene
- Clear instruction manual.
What We Don't Like
- Male dogs pee on it in most situations.
- In deep-chested/narrow waste dogs it tends to slip.
Full Body Support Lift Harnesses
#12
Fur E. Frenz Dog Lift Harness
Our Rating:
3.9/5
Price Range: $$
This lift harness is made for large and extra-large dogs.
Being machine washable makes the maintenance of good hygiene easier.
Adjustable strap length helps keep your back in shape when using it for walking.
This sling is in the lower end of the price range for these products.
A quilted design with no-slip grips on it helps keep it in place, though if it slides the grips can irritate the skin a bit.
What We Like About It
- No slip grips
- Machine washable
- Value priced
What We Don't Like
- On some dogs this will slip and the gripping design can cause skin irritation
- Does not perform well for dogs walking downstairs due to slippage.
#13
Outward Hound PupBoost Lift Harness
Our Rating:
3.8/5
Price Range: $$
This is a full wrap-around lift harness that helps to give a dog a lift into the car.
It does not have a long handle and is not designed for walking. This would really strain your back.
It would be fine for lifting if your dog just needs help getting up but not with walking.
This is sized for medium to large dogs, so not for those mini dogs with back issues.
If the girth of your dog’s chest is more than 33 inches it won’t fit due to this being a full wrap with closures.
What We Like About It
- Sized for very large dogs.
- Machine washable for good hygiene
- Clear instruction manual.
What We Don't Like
- Male dogs pee on it in most situations.
- In deep-chested/narrow waste dogs it tends to slip.
#14
Lepark Dog Sling
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
This sling is designed for small to large dogs but not the really big kiddos, so parents of dogs like St Bernard and Mastiffs can go ahead and skip on.
Machine washable means easier hygiene management.
The handle length is not adjustable which can be an issue depending on your height and your dog’s height. This really makes a difference if you want to use it for walking and not just potty time.
With a roll-up design it is very compact and portable.
What We Like About It
- Compact portable design
- Machine washable
- Very reasonably priced
What We Don't Like
- For dogs with a wide chest and narrow belly it’s likely to slip and bunch up.
- Multiple clients found that the size chart was not as accurate as other brands.
#15
Toldi Dog Sling
Our Rating:
4.3/5
Price Range: $$
Adjustable handle straps on this sling make it easier for owners and dogs of different heights to make it work, especially if you want to do more walking than just the back yard. Or if you live on a large lot and your dog just has to potty in the back corner.
The full wrap design is more secure from slipping than some of the other slings.
Machine washable helps make cleaning easy.
The company promotes a stress-free return policy with no shipping charges which is great because with all the different body type our dogs have some things just won’t work for everyone.
What We Like About It
- Easy clean
- Full wrap to decrease slipping
- Triple layer design provides comfort with decreased slipping.
What We Don't Like
- Hard to support the back end for the male dogs to pee.
- With the full wrap design it may not fit somebody types as well. Especially dogs with lipomas ( fat masses)
#16
Petetpet Dog Lift Support Harness
Our Rating:
3.7/5
Price Range: $$
This is a full wrap-around design and is not made for very large dogs so be sure to really check the size charts before considering this purchase.
Adjustable straps help with pet parent back pain from bending over which makes it better for walking in addition to lifting.
Machine washable for good hygiene.
Heavy-duty oxford material provides durability.
Convenient roll-up storage design helps with portability.
What We Like About It
- Adjustable straps for height management.
- Machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Durable material.
- Portable roll up design.
What We Don't Like
- Not sized for very large dogs.
- Not a good support for a lot hind leg activity, walking and such.
My Busy Dog Lift Support Sling
best dog sling harness
Our Rating:
4.2/5
Price Range: $$
This is a full wrap design that is made for both front and some rear-end issues. This is still a simple support sling design so it goes on fairly quick and easy but has some extra added security if you are doing more than a quick potty trip.
Adjustable straps to help save your back if you’re going to be doing much walking with this sling.
The sizing chart creates some confusion for some parents so take some time working this out.
There are some slipping issues on dogs that have a large chest and tiny waist that would make it not work as well for rear leg issues in that body type.
What We Like About It
- The full wrap may be more comfortable for some dogs.
- The adjustable handles help with our backs when walking.
- It’s quick and simple to put on for most cases.
What We Don't Like
- The sizing chart was confusing to some folks
- It is not a good fit for dogs with a tiny waist.
- This is our top pick for walking support lift sling.
What is a dog lift harness?
Really we’re talking about anything that we use to help your dog get up. This could be as simple as a sling, such as a bath towel wrapped under the belly.
Commercial harnesses are much more comfortable for both you and your dog. This is really important for long term usage.
The harness will help you lift your dog who is struggling due to chronic degenerative pain (arthritis for example) or injury.
I think the biggest advantage to a harness is when the correct one is selected you can avoid much or all of your dog’s pain that results from changing between standing, sitting, laying down positions.
How might a dog lift harness help your dog?
If our canine companion has trouble getting around due to age or injury we all feel that pain in our heart watching them struggle. In many situations, a dog lift harness will make them experience less pain and have a little fun moving around.
Different harness types will help with the variety of problems that our dog’s experience. It’s important to evaluate what type of problem you are trying to resolve in order to pick out the right type of harness. I’ll go through some of the concerns for you.
3 lift harness types
Front leg issues
It’s very common in large breed dogs to have arthritis in their shoulder. In small breed dogs neck spinal issues affecting the front legs are common. These harnesses actually look a lot like the walking harnesses and can be used to attach a leash.
Back leg issues
This is common for small dogs with spinal issues as well as big dogs with chronic hip issues. Additionally, this is seen in athletic young dogs that tear the ligament in their knee (common in people ACL tears in basketball especially).
I’ll also point out one frustrating reality with back end issues. No support is going to be perfect for avoiding male dogs peeing on it when we are supporting the back end.
Occasional lifting
This is often happening in middle-aged dogs that are just developing arthritis, a little boost now and then is needed such as standing initially or going up stairs. This also might be the best option for surgery patients that need temporary support.
When we might want to use a lift harness?
There are some common areas where dogs have a hard time with mobility.
- Using stairs
- Getting up from a laying down position.
- Posturing to potty
- Getting in and out of the car
6 conditions where a harness will help
Pain due to hip dysplasia
Dogs that are born with shallow hip sockets (the old ball and socket joints) will wear down their cartilage because the bone (femur) moves too much inside the joint. This is a common issue in knees of runners so you folks can empathize. This leads to pain when trying to stand up and when trying to climb stairs especially.
Arthritis
Just like in people, joints that were unhealthy at birth (such as dysplasia above) or have been traumatized like in athletic dogs, not just Frisbee dogs but even just runners and hard players develop arthritis. Getting up from laying down requires a lot of push from the legs and this can become very painful, resulting in your dog laying around and not participating in family activities.
Traumatic injuries
This can cause intense short term pain. A lift harness can really make the healing process better for everyone by decreasing pain and helping get your buddy out to potty regularly. Not going out regularly can lead to secondary problems like urinary tract infections.
Recent Surgery
In many cases, it’s best for patients to be up and moving after surgery, with appropriate precautions as instructed by your veterinarian. The lift harness helps in two ways. First, it will make it easier to help your dog up without aggravating the healing surgery site. Second, it will help you get your dog moving so that they don’t develop secondary problems. Always be sure to read your post-surgery discharge instructions closely.
Elderly dogs
Often times our older friends have a mix of issues from arthritis to muscle weakness that makes it difficult for them to move around. A properly fitted harness will make it easier for you to lift assist so they can get up and going more often, and with minimal pain.
Three legged
These pups may need an occasional lift. If they have weakness in the remaining legs a harness is great for in the house and consider a cart for outdoor activity.
How to choose the best dog lift harness?
The trick here is to identify a few specific issues.
What is your dog’s area of pain or dysfunction?
- Front End
- Back End
- Spinal
- What is your dog’s body type?
- How often will your dog need an assist?
- Intermittently for a short period of time.
It’s important to be sure that both you and the dog are comfortable with the harness. Here are the people issues.
- How tall are you?
- What type of handgrip can you comfortably hold?
- How much weight can you lift?
How to measure your dog’s harness?
This is very important. A poorly fitted harness will cause sores and may actually increase pain. The website for the harness should have detailed instructions on how and where to take measurements. Sometimes the terms can be confusing and I had many of my clients come in and I did the measurements for them. If you are uncertain I recommended checking with your veterinarian to get it right the first time.
F.A.Qs
Can my dog go Potty using a dog lift harness?
This is a tough one. For male dogs peeing is a problem in almost every support device. Depending on what your dog’s ailment is will determine if pooping is a problem. Some harnesses will help and some won’t.
For female dogs peeing is less of an issue, it really depends on what best supports the pain region.
For posturing to poop the support can be very helpful when the right support device is fitted to your dog.
Can you lift a dog onto the couch with a lift harness?
If the harness is properly fitted for the area your dog needs help then yes you should be able to help them onto the couch. A full body lift of course depends on your dog’s weight and what you can lift. You can pick up some tiny dogs, but for the bigger dogs it is not recommended to try.
Can a dog wear the device while sleeping or for extended periods?
For the most part no. Some of the devices don’t have any sort of fixation and would just fall off. For the harness type it would be okay to leave them on for a while during the day but it might be hard for your dog to get comfortable sleeping and you always have to watch for local rubbing irritation.
A final word on dog harness lift supports
Overall top pick for the best dog lift harness is the Dog Lifting Aid by Petsafe. The reason I like this one is that most dogs really don’t have all their issues in one place. The full-body support helps to make sure you assist your dog getting up without too much pressure on any one area. Additionally, it has the flexibility of separating if you want to use just one section.
Though none of the devices are perfect this one interferes less than most with male dogs peeing than most.
In order to get the most satisfying product for you and your dog you really need to define your needs (lifting, walking, potty support, permanent, temporary). The different styles serve different needs well. The basic inexpensive slings are great for injury or surgery, the full-body harness for overall weakness and the walking harnesses for dogs that are active but need a little assist all the time.
In order to get the best for you, define your needs, take careful measurements and communicate with the company about any concerns. This should get you the most effective and comfortable device for your pup.
One request from Speedy
Dr. Jennifer Peters put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to the dog parent community. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media networks.
SHARING IS ♥️
