It Breaks Our Heart But We Cannot Help Your Dog With Our Bracing System: But we have some helpful options

I’m so sorry you and your sweet dog are going through this. After reviewing what you shared, I need to be transparent and protective of your dog’s comfort and safety.

Pursue veterinary rehabilitation
A rehab trained veterinarian or certified canine rehab therapist can assess strength, neurologic function, pain control, and gait mechanics, then build a realistic plan. Even a short rehab block can improve confidence, reduce discomfort, and teach you safe exercises and handling techniques at home. If you already have a primary veterinarian, ask for a referral to a rehab clinic. Once your dog can get up on their own and can walk again revisit our quiz or make a zoom appointment with our Veterinarian.

Based on our bracing candidacy guidelines, your dog may meet one or more disqualifying criteria, which means our Dynamic Mobility Support Bracing System is not the right tool right now.  Double check with a zoom with our veterinarian first .  But when a dog cannot rise independently, has had knuckling longer than one month, or shows severe back arching, a resistance based brace can ask too much of a body that needs a different level of support. In these situations, using the brace could increase strain, fatigue, or frustration instead of improving movement. Because we care deeply about outcomes and your dog’s quality of life, we have to decline bracing service in this case.

That said, you still have good options and we want to help you move forward with a plan that protects your dog’s dignity and keeps them as comfortable and mobile as possible.
Here are the next best steps we recommend.

Make the home safer today
If slipping is part of the picture, traction changes everything.  Anti- slip floor mats can reduce falls and panic steps, especially around water bowls, beds, hallways, and transitions from tile or hardwood to rugs. If your dog still wants to stand and shuffle,dog booties or toe grips can also help with grip and reduce toe scuffing.

Consider other mobility devices designed for advanced support
For dogs who are beyond bracing candidacy, a properly fitted wheelchair or cart can be life changing. We can support the anterior legs with our bracing system since the shift in weight will be on the forward limbs. Carts can restore daily routines, preserve mental health, and reduce the physical burden on you. A lifting brace wis helpful. Try to get a lifting brace with a shoulder strap as dogs over 10-15 lbs will take a toll on your back as well. A rehab professional can help select the right style and fit so it is comfortable and safe.

Please hear this clearly: you did not fail your dog. You noticed the changes, you took action, and you kept searching for help. That is love in motion. I feel that. I truly wish we had found each other earlier, before the body had to work this hard just to stand. Even though bracing is not the right match today, you are not out of options, and you are not alone in this.

With respect and care,

 Dr Huma Pierce
 LuckyandLoyal.com