Choosing from the best dog braces can help alleviate your dog’s suffering; a dog knee brace can be one solution, or another might be a hock brace if your dog’s problem is arthritis or joint pain.
Because we love our dogs, we hate to see them in pain or suffering from any illness. If your beloved dog struggles with arthritis, CCL (cranial cruciate ligament), or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) problems, you know you must do something. Sometimes even the most straightforward injury, such as sprains, need extra support to help ease the pain.
A dog brace will help support the leg muscles and knee joints, give your dog back most of his mobility and help the healing process. A dog’s mobility is crucial for health, both mental and physical. Fitting the best type of brace for your dog’s injury or condition might be an alternative route rather than expensive and sometimes risky surgery.
If this is the first time you’ve had to face this problem, we understand that finding the perfect dog brace will not be easy. That’s where we come in; we’ve researched for you and selected a cross-section of dog braces, whatever your best friend’s specific problem.
We’re confident you’ll find precisely what you’re looking for in our list of best dog braces.
In this article:
Labra Extra Supportive Joint Wrap For Dogs
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
The Labra joint wrap is a hock brace and not for your dog’s knees. If the problem is in the dog’s knee, then this is the wrong brace. However, the Labra will help give extra support to the whole leg, including the knee.
If arthritis is your dog’s issue, then the Labra hock brace would help your dog regain some of his mobility.
The brace is flexible neoprene, so it will help stabilize the leg without compromising your dog’s movements. However, the brace is sturdy and will stand up to the wear and tear your dog will put the brace through.
The Labra is a compression brace that will support the entire back leg. Thinking about other types of injuries your dog may sustain, this joint wrap might help prevent your dog from chewing and licking at those wounds.
The Labra is vet-approved and exceeds the requirements of certified veterinarians. When you first fit the brace on your dog, leave it in place for an hour or so first; it will allow your dog to get used to the feel and to ensure there’s no irritation. If your dog seems fine after a while, then you can extend the amount of time.
Why We Like It: The Labra brace is excellent for maintaining your dog’s stability and movement and also applying sufficient pressure along the entire length of the dog’s rear leg.
Key Features
- Compression support for the rear leg.
- Protection for wound injuries.
- Hock brace that also supports the knee.
- Vet-approved.
- Supports joint issues.
- Flexible neoprene.
- Straightforward to use.
- Ideal for dogs with arthritis.
- Four sizes.
- Satisfaction Guarantee.
Agon Dog Front Leg Brace
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
Dogs typically suffer from arthritis in the knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders. The Agon leg brace is a compression wrap for a dog’s front leg. If your dog has arthritis in this area in one or both legs, this joint wrap will provide excellent support. The smaller size of the Agon means you can better target the precise location of the joint causing the pain.
The Agon will support various knee problems from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries, arthritis, after surgery support, leg limping, fatigue, and knee stabilization following injury.
The Agon brace will help to stabilize the dog’s knee joint and features two velcro straps for quick and easy adjustments. Compressing the joint in this way allows the dog’s mobility, he might not regain 100% of his mobility, but it will undoubtedly be a huge help. Immobilizing the dog’s knee joint in this way can reduce pain and inflammation.
Wearing the brace for some time can also provide support when your dog isn’t wearing the brace.
The Agon knee brace is 70% neoprene and 30% nylon, making the brace flexible and will not restrict the dog’s movements.
Why We Like It: The Agon brace provides direct compression to the knee joint and is excellent support for dogs suffering from arthritis of the knees.
Key Features
- Excellent arthritis support.
- The brace works to increase mobility and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Reduces limping.
- Positive help for ACL AND CCL injuries.
- Neoprene and Nylon for flexibility and hard-wearing.
- Available in three sizes.
- Velcro fastenings for straightforward adjustments.
IN HAND Dog Leg Brace
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
IN HAND dog leg brace comes as a pair and is available in two sizes. This particular brace is a hock joint wrap, not a knee brace, specifically for use on a dog’s front legs. It might be advisable to support both legs in a brace even if only one leg has suffered the injury or has arthritis.
You should apply the brace for a few hours at a time. Every two to three hours, remove the brace to allow the leg to breathe and take off the brace at night.
The braces have two metal strips down the brace sides to add extra stability, allowing for more robust support and increased mobility. The velcro fastening straps have reflective material on them.
The brace is high-quality neoprene, which is exceptionally soft and hard-wearing. It’s also waterproof, so relatively safe for your dog to wear on rainy days.
Correctly sizing the leg brace is extremely important, and as there are only two sizes available in this model, you need to ensure they have the correct fit for your dog. The three velcro strips will allow some leeway on sizing, but it pays to measure your dog carefully.
Weighing only 3.2 ounces, your dog will hardly even notice he’s wearing a leg brace once the initial sensation has worn off.
Why We Like It: The IN HAND leg brace has two metal spring supports for greater protection and increased stability and mobility.
Key Features
- Metal spring strips down each side add stability and give extra mobility.
- Flexible and waterproof neoprene material.
- Shockproof.
- Purchase includes one pair of leg braces.
- Ideal for arthritic dogs.
- Disabled dogs can benefit from these leg braces.
- Available in two sizes.
- Reflective velcro fastening straps.
Labra Dog Stifle Brace Wrap
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
If your dog has sadly suffered a severe knee injury such as a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or a luxating patella, the Labra dog stifle brace is an excellent choice. This particular brace could be an option instead of paying for costly surgery and without the long rehabilitation time afterward.
In fact, any severe knee injury can benefit from the use of this brace.
There is a range of sizes, and you’ll need to check your dog’s size carefully; the braces are not for small dog breeds. For the brace to work correctly, you’ll fit a chest harness, and you must purchase them separately. But the brace comes with a secure hip strap that goes over the dog’s back and fastens to the opposite back leg.
This brace would be an ideal choice if your dog has already undergone surgery and is rehabilitating.
Should your dog be ultra-sensitive to anything attached to his legs, this brace might be difficult for them because it’s a pretty substantial brace that incorporates a metal hinge and heavier fabric. These are all components that make this brace worth the purchase price, but they might not suit every dog.
Ensure you take accurate measurements, so the brace fits correctly and is comfortable for your dog.
Why We Like It: The knee stifle brace ensures there is ample support for severe knee injuries. The brace can be an alternative to surgery and also for rehabilitation use after major surgery.
Key Features
- Excellent support for severe knee injuries.
- Hip strap secures on the opposite hind leg.
- Helps in the rehabilitation of knee injuries.
- Alternative to surgery.
- Rigid metal support system.
- Not suitable for small breeds.
- Heavy-duty material.
Ortocanis Original Knee Brace for Dogs
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
The Ortocanis knee brace for dogs is a superior quality back-leg brace. It is beneficial for dogs that have suffered severe knee injuries such as ACL and kneecap dislocation. The knee brace promotes fast recovery from injury by providing the optimal joint temperature. This helps to increase blood circulation to the injured joint and to improve oxygen delivery.
Increasing the joint’s temperature will help calm inflammation reducing the pain caused by osteoarthritis and cruciate ligament issues.
High-performance neoprene with enhanced elasticity ensures the brace molds to the dog’s leg shape. Even if your dog is a long-haired variety, the brace will not trap the hairs, causing pain when the dog moves.
The knee brace’s design and manufacture ensure the maximum comfort level without restricting the dog’s mobility.
The upper belt fits over the dog’s hips to hold the brace securely in place. If you find the strap slips down your dog’s hips, you might need the knee brace fastening belt pack, which you buy separately. But try out the knee brace first because you might not need the belt pack.
Why We Like It: The Ortocanis is a handmade knee brace manufactured to exacting and veterinary standards; the brace is ideal for fast recovery and pain relief.
Key Features
- Aluminum splints provide excellent stability.
- Supportive design.
- Flexible sizing options for a range of small to large dogs.
- The knee brace is simple to fit.
- Handmade superior quality.
- Insulating material.
- Improves muscle and joint recovery.
- Veterinarian quality.
NeoAlly Super Supportive Dog Braces for Rear Leg
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
These NeoALLY dog braces are for the rear legs and are a short version for smaller dogs. If you’re looking for leg braces for your small dog or your dog has short legs, then these braces would make the ideal choice. The NeoALLY are perfect for tiny joints and provide a nice snug fit for added support.
You buy these braces as a pair; the manufacturers insist that should a dog injure one leg, the dog needs to wear a pair of braces to prevent any imbalances that lead to an injury occurring to the second leg.
Forming semi-rigid stabilization support are two removable metal spring strips; this helps speed up injury recovery time. Once your dog is well on the way to recovery, you can take out the metal strips and use the brace until the dog regains full mobility. The metal strips do not come into contact with the dog’s skin.
Once you have measured your dog correctly and chosen the best size, the adjustable velcro straps will ensure no brace movement on your dog’s leg.
The brace is perforated neoprene which ensures the brace is comfortable and breathable. However, you must not leave the brace on your dog all night.
Other uses for the brace include covering a wound to prevent your dog from scratching, nibbling, or licking the wound.
Why We Like It: The NeoALLY dog brace is designed to suit smaller dogs and dogs with shorter legs. It can be challenging to find braces to fit small dogs snugly.
Key Features
- Ideal sizing for small dogs.
- Reflective material on the velcro straps.
- Dual metal spring inserts (removable).
- They are purchased as a pair.
- Wound protection.
- Perforated neoprene.
VANVENE Extra Supportive Dog Front Hock Joint Wrap
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
The Vanvene extra supportive leg wrap is a whole front leg wrap for the hock joint; it’s not designed for the knee joint. However, being an entire leg wrap, it’s perfect for covering wounds preventing your dog from licking or pulling at stitches, etc.
The wrap is an insulating material that provides heat to the injured area or muscles; this increases blood flow and aids faster recovery. If your dog suffers from aching, stiff, or arthritic joints, the heat from the wrap will reduce pain and inflammation.
The wrap protects the whole leg, is excellent for severe injuries and wounds, and provides the extra stabilization your dog may need. Using the wrap will also help keep your dog mobile, which is essential for dogs with stiff joints and arthritis not to stop exercising.
While the wrap does provide support and aids mobility, it isn’t a compression wrap; it will not be tight enough around the leg.
The material (neoprene) is quite thick, so there might be some restriction of movement, and it’s not small enough to fit tiny dogs such as miniature terriers.
Why We Like It: For dogs that require a wrap to protect open wounds, stitches, or for some reason, injuries to their front legs, the Vanvene is an excellent choice.
Key Features
- Provides support to the whole front leg.
- Remains in place.
- Excellent for wound or injury protection.
- Thick neoprene traps heat, aiding a faster recovery.
- Excellent support wear for at home but will restrict movement outside.
- Ideal for larger dogs or dogs with longer legs.
- Does not offer knee support.
AGON Dog Rear Hock Joint Brace Compression Wrap
Amazon link: CLICK HERE
If you’re looking for a hock joint compression wrap type brace at a very reasonable price, the Agon dog rear hock compression wrap is a perfect choice.
The wrap will help against the pain from injury or after surgery. It will help stabilize the dog’s joint and give them the extra support they need while the heat generated by the wrap reduces inflammation.
The brace’s design and shape will provide specific support for the dog’s rear back leg joints.
Agon dog braces are made from a smooth mesh sheet that is entirely comfortable for your dog to wear without irritation or hurting, or pinching the skin. The nylon material is highly robust but extremely flexible.
The adjustable velcro straps make it easy to attach the brace to the dog and make it tight enough so the brace doesn’t slip down the dog’s leg and is held in the correct position to provide the best support.
If your dog is still happy to go outside even in wet weather, don’t be concerned because the brace is easy to wash and dry.
It’s not the most secure brace; if you have a determined dog focused on removing the brace, he will be able to tug it off eventually. But the brace is an excellent choice if your dog is relaxed about something attached to his legs.
Why We Like It: The Agon rear leg brace is affordable and will help your dog recover from injury more quickly. It’s also excellent for joint support for dogs with stiff or arthritic joints.
Key Features
- Highly affordable brace.
- Targeted support of arthritic or stiff joints.
- Easy to wash and dry material.
- Smooth mesh sheet nylon.
- Adjustable velcro straps.
- Four available size options.
- Robust and flexible material.
Benefits Of Knee Braces For Dogs
While many dog owners appreciate a knee brace can help their dog with stiff joints and arthritis issues, they might not fully understand the exact ways in which braces help. Some of the ways a knee brace can be helpful are:
Braces improve weight distribution
A knee brace helps keep the weight off an injured or stiff knee joint. This helps in two ways; the recovery period is sooner, and your dog stays relatively mobile.
Additional support
A brace will help support the joint, which means your dog can go about his everyday life.
Improved mobility
A knee brace will help to keep a joint in the correct position so your dog will be able to move more freely while the joint is still healing.
Knee Braces and pain relief
While a knee brace isn’t some kind of pain killer, putting weight on an injured or arthritis joint can cause severe pain; a knee brace supporting the joint takes the pressure off the joint, that action alleviates pain.
Alternative to surgery
In some cases, surgery isn’t advisable due to medical complications, or the injury isn’t severe enough to warrant surgery yet still causes a lot of pain. In cases like these, a knee brace can be a viable alternative.
A Knee Brace For Injury
Torn ACL/CCL injuries are common with dogs, and a ligament injury such as this causes a severe amount of pain. A correctly fitted dog knee brace will help alleviate the pain from the injury and, in many cases, can help heal the damage without resorting to surgery. You will need expert advice from your vet before making this decision; however, a knee brace can bring positive results in some cases.
Affordability
Sad as it is, sometimes dog owners simply don’t have the money available for costly surgery that can run into thousands of dollars plus the ongoing rehabilitation costs. They just put surgery out of reach for some dog owners. Knee braces can relieve a dog suffering joint pain or arthritis for a much smaller financial outlay.
What To Look For When Buying A Dog Knee Brace
There aren’t that many choices for buying a knee brace for dogs; however, you still need to choose wisely because picking the wrong brace will not help your dog recover properly and will ultimately be a waste of money for you.
Before buying a dog knee brace, consider these essential factors before you spend your money:
The brace needs to be comfortable but fit snugly
The brace must stay in the correct position during all your dog’s activities. You need to place it comfortable without restricting movement and tight enough to stay in place and do the job correctly. If you buy a brace and aren’t 100% sure how to fit it perfectly, have a word with your vet.
The best dog knee braces provide support
A good knee brace offers the maximum support around the dog’s injured knee and the muscles around that area. The best knee braces cover most of the leg and sometimes extend across the dog’s back to the opposite leg.
Pick a Comfortable brace for your dog
Every dog is different; material that suits one dog might irritate another. Choose the best material; some expensive braces might offer more comfort by putting extra padding in known pressure points; other manufacturers use flexible and breathable fabrics.
A brace should be quick and straightforward to use
Braces typically have to come on and off during the day and usually left off altogether at night. Picking a brace that makes this job quicker and easier will save a lot of frustration for you and your dog.
Choose a Brace made from quality material
You should choose a brace that will offer the best support while still providing a comfortable and snug fit. Remember, your dog might be wearing this brace for some months. So choose a brace from high-quality material. Excellent material is a breathable neoprene, which will provide a lightweight, comfortable, yet snug fit.
Best Dog Knee Braces: Final Words
Dogs are family, and if they get injured or are sick, we want to do whatever possible to cure the illness or fix the pain. When a dog gets older and begins to suffer from stiff, painful joints or arthritis or has an injury where surgery isn’t going to work, a dog knee brace might be the only solution to ease the pain and suffering.
Do you have any other dog braces you could recommend? Let us know in the comments!