The Best Dog Knee Braces in 2022

In the following section, we have a buying guide which starts by looking at the key features to look for in a dog knee brace. Next, we will discuss some of the benefits of using a brace of this kind in a higher level of detail. We will continue by discussing ACL injuries and some possible recovery methods, before recapping our favorite product of all the ones which we have reviewed.

You may feel like you have already settled on the dog brace which is right for your mutt. But if you still need some more information, here are a few of the main features to consider in greater detail.

• Purpose

Every dog owner is looking for a brace for a different reason, but they can usually be split into two categories: healing existing injuries and preventing future problems from occurring. While many of the products above can be used for both purposes, some have more specific uses, so check the product description in closer detail for more information. If your dog only needs help with a single leg, you probably only need to buy one, but some come in pairs in case your pooch need support with multiple limbs.

• Front or Rear Legs

Make sure that you choose a product which is specifically designed to support the leg which your dog needs help with. If you pcik the wrong one, it will not fit their leg correctly to offer the help which your pooch needs. Some are suitable for both front and rear legs, but make sure that this is clarified in the product description before purchase.

• Size

The knee brace will not work properly unless you choose one which is the right size for your hound. All brands should offer sizing guidelines of one variety or another. Some offer specific measurements, while others simply match the size up with each breed of dog, so check these in closer detail to determine which one is right for your four-legged friend. Otherwise, you could end up with one which is too tight or loose, and it will cut off blood circulation or will not support your dog’s leg properly. Remember, your pooch needs to feel entirely comfortable at all times while they are wearing it.

• Material

Check what materials the brace is made from. It should offer qualities like flexibility, breathability, and support. Ideally, it will be long-lasting as this may be something which your dog wears every day – but it also helps if it is easy to clean. Your dog should be able to move as normal, but the brace should support their injury to reduce the pain they are in. Also, you don’t want it to pinch your dog’s skin or cause them any unnecessary discomfort.

• Attachments

How does the brace attach to your dog’s legs? Velcro or loops over the back? Are there straps for tightening? These are a few questions to ask of the brace which can impact how easy it is to take on and off, and how much support it will offer.

• Warranty

If the brace is covered by a warranty, you have an additional degree of protection as you can return it if it doesn’t work out for any reason.

• Extra Features

There may be some additional features which help you to make up your mind. For example, some braces have reflective strips which offer increased visibility in darker conditions. While this may not be the main reason for buying a particular leg brace, it could help you to make your mind up.

There are many reasons why a dog ACL brace can be beneficial for your dog to wear. Here are some of the main advantages which they often provide.

• Recovery After Surgery

If your dog has recently undergone surgery on their ACL or another part of their leg, it is important that they take the time to recover properly and not risk causing themselves a further injury. While it is difficult to stop your pet from moving around as they would like, you can make sure that they are properly supported. Dog leg braces can also help to reduce the pain that they are suffering from post-surgery.

Check out our guides on Dog Cones and Wheelchairs For Dogs.

• Prevents Future Injuries

Dogs who are recovering from an injury are at a greater risk of suffering from future problems, but a dog torn ACL brace can help to reduce the odds that they are going to cause themselves further damage by supporting their joints in a crucial place. They also help to restore the balance of their body, ensuring that pressure is distributed more evenly.

• Helps with Long-Term Conditions

Some dogs suffer from long-term health conditions like arthritis which can be debilitating. These knee braces can be used on a regular basis to increase stability and mobility, which would otherwise be seriously impacted.

• Supports Weakened Joints and Muscles

Whether your dog has a specific medical condition, or they are simply getting older, a canine ACL brace can offer support to their weakened joints and muscles, which will help to improve their quality of life. Head over to our review of dog joint supplements for more options.

• Loosens Inflammation

Inflammation in dogs occurs when plasma and white blood cells are drawn to a certain part of the body to battle against infection. When blood flow increases, this can lead to the area reddening and feeling warm. Fluid can leak into the surrounding tissue, which causes swelling. This increased pressure can then stimulate the nerve endings and cause pain. Arthritis is a common condition which often comes along with inflammation. Giving your dog a knee brace to wear can help to loosen this inflammation, thereby reducing the aches and pains which they are suffering from.

• Alternative to Risky Surgery

Some dog owners whose pets suffer injuries like torn ACL decide to put their dog through surgery. However, whenever your dog goes under the knife, there are always going to be risks involved. As an alternative, knee braces can often facilitate successful recovery in many situations, and they don’t require your dog to go under anesthetic.

• Affordable Recovery

Any kind of treatment for your dog can prove to be prohibitively expensive, but this is not the case for dog knee supports. So, if you are on a tight budget, you could opt to put knee braces on your dog as a more affordable recovery method.

Take a look at our guides on Dog Lift Harnesses and CBD Oils for Dogs.

An injury to your dog’s anterior cruciate ligament is often serious, but there are situations when it can heal without surgery. The ACL is one of the tough fibrous bands which connects the thigh bone with the shin bone. A rupture often occurs during exercise or running. Both surgical and non-surgical recovery methods are viable, as well as a combination of both. Smaller dogs are less likely to undergo surgery as there is a higher risk of complications occurring.

When your dog first suffers the ACL injury, you should consult with your vet to see whether they recommend total restriction of their physical activities or some limited exercise. Avoid games like frisbee which will make them want to jump and only take them out on a short leash to ensure that you have maximum control.

Helping your dog to reduce their body weight through a combination of diet and exercise can reduce the amount of stress put on their ligaments. You don’t have to reduce their calorie intake too suddenly. Simply try feeding them smaller portions during the day. You may not be able to increase their exercise levels straight away until they recover more, or you could try a less intensive form for workout like specialized hydrotherapy. Many veterinary hospitals have facilities which help to speed up your pet’s recovery.

Sometimes, medical treatments are recommended including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Prolotherapy is another method of regenerating the ligaments which has proven to be effective in certain cases. There is also the relatively new treatment of stem cell regenerative therapy. There are also physical therapy exercises which you can do at home. However, you should consult with your vet to ensure that you don’t hurt your dog further. Of course, you also have the dog braces which we have been discussing in this blog post. These are especially good for dogs who are too old or young for surgery.

However, if there seem to be no improvements after a period of around four to five weeks, your dog may need to have a surgical procedure. Often, it is the bigger and heavier hounds who require surgery. Bear in mind that even if the symptoms resolve themselves, there is a chance of other complications like arthritis occurring. Delayed or partially healed ACL injuries can end up increasing the severity of this condition.

You may also like our guide on Liquid Bandage for Dogs.

Let’s wrap up this blog post by referring back to our number one pick once again, which is this one from Labra. This brace is designed to fit onto the hock of your dog’s leg with four Velcro straps to ensure that it fits nice and snugly.

Vets across the United States have recommended this product. There are four different sizes available, along with a sizing chart based on the breed of dog you own and their weight. The neoprene compression brace is specially designed to help dogs recover from rear leg injuries, and it also offers stability and support to dogs who are at a higher risk of injury like older hounds.

We have chosen it as the best dog knee support currently available.