231
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #129,029 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★★
When you have a big dog that cannot walk this sling works really well
I have a 110 lb great Pyrenees/Shepard mix. He's got a torn hind CCL and will be having the TPOL surgery soon. When he tore his CCL he also injured his other leg making himself unable to walk for a few days, I ended up purchasing this Sling and a Mobility Harness (I was going to need it after the surgery anyway) and I really believe you need to consider both if you have a big dog.
I can pick up my dog without the sling, it's awkward, and nowhere near easy. Carrying him to the yard for potty breaks or back to his lounging area (my office) was difficult to do with out this sling. I tried to drag him on a blanket, use a towel to assist his walking, but his injury really just made that painful. So I got the sling.
I acclimated him to it by putting it in his sleeping area I'd rest it over/under him, then I'd wrap him in it for a bit. He basically got used to it. Then after about 3 days I picked him up in it. It's pretty easy to slide under a big dog even if they cannot move on their own. The connectors can be operated with one hand (huge plus) My biggest problem was my dog thought it was play time and squirmed to play.
This sling distributes the weight across the entire underside of the dog. This is awesome. The mobility harness I have also has a sling like feature, BUT the weight distribution is on the hip and shoulder joints via straps. So I see these as two different tools for two different jobs. Sling = Need to carry and move a dog that cant walk: Mobility Harness = Need to assist and guide dog that can partially walk
This sling also has 2 straps AND side handles. Why this is important: 1) The 2 carry straps can be used together on one persons shoulders OR 2 people can share the load with each taking a strap 2) The side handles allow you to distribute weight with you arms in addition to your shoulder. When your dog is 110 lbs you will appreciate this feature. My wife cannot pick up our dog with this strap alone, BUT she and my son together can lift and carry our dog. I have carried my dog about 40 yards in this and he did great with it. It 100% beats picking him up without anything.
I don't think for a large dog this sling makes a good mobility harness which is why I say consider both. For a dog to walk using this as an aided assistance tool, the weight distribution is at the center as opposed to the injured area (Elbow/Knee) of the Dog. You support the whole dog with this as opposed to allowing them to put weight on the uninjured area. I think that's important so you can assess the degree of mobility while they are healing. Also the dog using the restroom in it has your dog in an unnatural position because you're supporting via their midpoint preventing them from squatting. With a mobility harness you can support 2 points of weight distribution (Shoulder and hip) So squatting is supported.
Hope this helps a little. All the best to you and your dog(s)
January 2021 · Pet Supplies · verified purchase