Slings
There is no substitute for good veterinary care.
This information is for educational purposes only and should NOT be used in place of consultation with your veterinarian
How to Use A Sling
If your dog is wobbly or paralyzed but still has bladder control, you want to use a sling to support its back by keeping it straight and level while assisting your dog during potty breaks. A sling can be a men’s neck tie, a rolled-up woman’s scarf, or a very thin and narrow piece of sheet or inexpensive fleece blanket you cut up. It doesn’t have to be fashionable, just functional.
Figure 8
Males seem to tolerate a figure-8 sling better since it does not cover their maleness as much as some of the other options. A figure-8 sling can be made out of 2 inexpensive leashes joined by vet wrap or an ACE bandage. Here is an example:
Legs go through the figure 8 made by the two
handles joined by the ACE bandage in the middle.
Ergonomically Correct
Make the sling long enough so that you can stand straight up and not have to bend over which will help save your back while supporting your dog’s. Place the sling under the belly close to the rear legs. Hold the sling taut enough so that his/her back is straight and level. Don’t jack up the rear end like a wheel barrel. Your dog will be able to move using his/her her front legs with you supporting the rear end with the sling. This works if your dog is weak in the front legs too. Simply place the sling near the front legs.
If your dog will need a sling for more than a few months, you may want to consider one of the commercial products. Here a few of the options:
Gingerlead Harness comes in both male and female versions:
http://www.gingerlead.com/mini-dog-sling-details.htm
Walkabout Harness:
https://www.walkaboutharnesses.com/
Bottoms Up Leash:
https://www.healthypets.com/bottomsupleash.html
Other options at Handicapped Pets:
