Booties for DM

[DaveJ]

And I wonder if I can make my own?

I thought about trying to make one but by then he was past any kind of leg assist. It might take several attempts to get the correct amount of force and something to use on legs but it couldn't hurt to try.

Like I said I really wanted to try one because I thought it might actually help but he so weak in the legs that we moved on to a harness with a handle:

Amazon.com: Dog Lifting Aid - Mobility Harness - Large Size: Pet Supplies

He was my buddy and I was ready to try anything and everything.

 

[Mega's Mom]

You are not wrapping this over his pads for traction are you? Are you only using vet wrap and for what purpose? I am confused. Thanks

Yes, I was wrapping around his pads (up to his "ankle") for traction. I left his toes out. And at this point, I am only using the Vetrap for traction purposes nothing else but he seemed more stable with it on.

 

[furrykidmom]

Hmm. I may try that when we get home. Thanks

 

[Mega's Mom]

I thought about trying to make one but by then he was past any kind of leg assist. It might take several attempts to get the correct amount of force and something to use on legs but it couldn't hurt to try.

Like I said I really wanted to try one because I thought it might actually help but he so weak in the legs that we moved on to a harness with a handle:

Amazon.com: Dog Lifting Aid - Mobility Harness - Large Size: Pet Supplies

He was my buddy and I was ready to try anything and everything.

Sorry, I'm re-visiting this thread. DaveJ what harness did you purchase? I'm trying to get ahead of the game and buy a harness for when we need it. Thanks!

 

[DaveJ]

I didn't really like the one I used. I had the Bottom's Up which consists of 2 padded loops for the legs and a leash. Marty just hated having the straps under his legs and it falls off if you need to let go of the leash.

Amazon.com: Petmate Bottom's Up Leash Osfa, Red: Pet Supplies

On the DM forum where I hung out at the time the favorites were :

Hartman's Hip Helper
Hartman's Hip Helper | Hip and Rear Support Harness for Dogs | Hip Support Harness for dogs suffering from Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy, Arthritis, Spinal Injuries, Surgery

And

Help’EmUp Dog Harness
Help 'Em Up Dog Harness | Hip Dsysplasia | Dog Carrier

I think either of those would work better. I used a beach towel for a while with a knot under his belly. During the evening in the house I just squatted behind him and placed my thumbs inside his rear legs and helped him walk.

Without knowing for sure I would think that something he could wear until bedtime would be best.

 

[Gunther]

If you are planning on dealing with this till the end. Then go with either of the higher priced alternatives! If you don't think your heart is broken enough already then try the Petmate Bottom's Up Leash!

The Hartman's is a new one to me but it looks like a good one. Struddell hated the Petmate Bottom's Up Leash it, it was useless. It might be useful in a temporary situation but not for DM!

I think there is another one listed on Thatchers thread. Three viable choices now that I am aware of.

But the Petmate for this.., just say "NO"!

 

[Mega's Mom]

I placed an order this afternoon for the Hartman's Hip Helper Harness. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[furrykidmom]

Well we got the baby socks and sprayed them. They helped with traction but he seems to have less support in his hind end to me now. It is like the booties made him worse. I keep pushing DH with the Dorsi Flex assist device but he is against it. He thinks it will make him trip more. I say what do we have to lose. Let's try it.

 

[DaveJ]

This thread is bringing back many memories of my struggle with Marty. If he still walks outside any you need to watch and prevent him from dragging the top of his toe nails away. Once they are ground into the quick they won't heal as quickly as he grinds them away.

I glued Soft Claws Nail Caps over his existing nails and replaced them when they wore down or came off. This may not be an issue at all I just wanted to alert you to watch.

Soft Claws Nail Caps for Dogs

The Dorsi Flex like all these contraptions is both good and bad. The piece that goes on his upper leg will rub and cause sores. The boot isn't really the same shape as a dog foot and will also cause sores. If you do get one I would suggest using Vet Wrap under both pieces to help prevent the sores from starting. Also get a bread tie and put it about the middle of the straps to keep him from getting his leg trapped between them.

The whole thing adds weight to his leg and he will drag his foot more but at least he has protection. It probably gave Marty 2-3 months more of mobility that he wouldn't have had without it.

It is a tough road and I wish you well.

 

[Gunther]

It's all pretty much trial and error something might work for awhile and then not work anymore, The soft nail caps look like a good idea. That dragging foot will take a pounding if they are still walking.

The boots some dogs adapt to very quickly some have issues. The sooner the better is the best choice if you know it's coming.

Time and patience.