What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

by Britt

Published: January 24th, 2024

Photo credit: Ladanifer / Shutterstock.com

As our dogs age, their needs often change. Decisions we made for them as young pups no longer provide the safety, security, and comfort they need in their golden years. Many will suffer from mobility struggles during walks and daily activities. While there is no single tool that will offer a quick fix solution, turning back the hands of time and giving your dog their puppy body again, there are ways we can help provide support and comfort – like switching to a senior dog-friendly harness.

Let’s explore the unique requirements of our aging friends, discussing the features you should consider when choosing a harness suitable for their changing needs. From ease of use to better support, I aim to help you select the ideal harness to help your senior dog enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Are Harnesses Better for Older Dogs?

Which is better for a dog, a collar or a harness? It’s an age-old debate that has no definitive black-and-white solution. Both collars and harnesses are valuable tools that offer benefits and disadvantages, depending on your dog’s size, body shape, personality, and age. Your training style and your work together will also impact this.

Of course, like anything, the “best” solution may change over time.

As our dogs age, they lose muscle mass, making them more fragile and susceptible to injury. Wearing a collar runs the risk of injury from putting pressure directly on the neck. Harnesses distribute the pressure more evenly across a dog’s chest to prevent trouble.

A well-made harness can also be used to give your senior dog more support when needed. If you see your dog is unsteady or if they trip, you can grab onto the handles on the back of the harness to prevent an injury. Even if your dog isn’t at the age where they are showing signs of aging to that degree, a harness can make it easier to navigate obstacles and uneven ground safely.

Do Vets Recommend Harnesses?

As we already mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether to use a harness or a collar. You will find veterinarians and experts who recommend each option, depending on the situation and their experiences.

If you are interested in the best recommendation for your dog specifically, it is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian. They know your dog well and will be able to suggest the best option specifically for them.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Harness for Your Senior Dog

If, after reading that, you decide that a harness is the better option for your senior dog, it’s time to go shopping. There are many different harnesses on the market, making it a challenge sometimes to decide where to start. To help you with your shopping journey, here are a few key factors to consider:

Material

You may have noticed that many different materials are emerging in the dog harness world. Each material has pros and cons, making it essential to consider which is best for your dog and your lifestyle.

Cloth harnesses are often more style-focused, with a wide assortment of colours and designs to choose from. Traditional nylon collars are also available in a wide range of colors. However, if you have a dog that tends to spend time outdoors in the dirt and mud, these harnesses will likely get stained and dirty very quickly. Some cloth harnesses are machine washable, while others require hand washing, making them a bigger commitment in terms of upkeep. If you don’t keep up with the cleaning necessary, this could put your dog at risk of skin irritation and infection from the harness carrying bacteria and germs.

A waterproof and easy-to-clean alternative is Biothane. While it still comes in many colors, the material is often stiff compared to nylon or cloth, which could make it uncomfortable for a sensitive older dog.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer regarding the best material for a dog harness. Instead, you must weigh the pros and cons and find the harness that best suits your (and your dog’s) needs.

Budget

Of course, any time you invest in quality dog gear, your budget is an important consideration. Take some time to determine a budget before you start shopping. This will help you narrow your options to those in your price range, making it easier to stick to your budget without feeling like you are missing out.

There are some great options available for budget-friendly shoppers! Alternatively, if you have your heart set on one of the bigger brand names, you may want to consider purchasing your dog’s harness second-hand. Not only is this a great way to save money, but you’re also making an environmentally friendly choice, which is important to many of us.

Soft, Comfortable Padding

As we already discussed, our senior dogs are often a little more fragile than they were in their younger years. This could result from muscle loss, joint problems, sensitive skin, or any other number of ways that aging has changed the body.

To ensure your dog is comfortable wearing their harness, check the material lining the inside. Is it soft and gentle on their skin? Does it run a risk of causing irritation? Is there padding in areas where the harness may come in contact with pressure points or areas of concern for your pup?

For example, a good friend has a 12-year-old lab that has recently experienced arthritis, primarily in her shoulders. When selecting a harness, she needs to ensure that the one she chooses is well-padded around the shoulder area to avoid causing any further discomfort.

Bulk and Weight

One consideration you may have overlooked is how the bulk or weight can impact your dog’s comfort level at this stage. While you may have loved the look of a tactical harness when your dog was a healthy adult pup, in their prime, it could be too heavy for the same dog later in life. Instead, it’s better to stick to a lightweight harness, allowing free movement without fighting the added weight.

Photo credit: Annette Shaff / Shutterstock.com

Adjustability and Ease of Use

As dogs get older, they often struggle with changes in mobility. This can make it harder to manipulate their legs to get into a more elaborate dog harness. Instead, choose a harness that is as easy as possible to put on. This often means one that closes at the chest and stomach so that the harness can simply be placed on them and fastened in place.

Check how many adjustment points each harness offers. If your senior dog is uncomfortable in their harness, it could be too tight in one area. The more adjustment opportunities available, the easier it will be to customize the fit to suit your dog’s needs.

Full Body Support

If you are counting on using your dog’s harness to assist when they are shaky on their feet, help them navigate obstacles, or prevent a fall on uneven terrain, you want to ensure that the harness you choose offers full body support. This means it extends further down the body so that when you lift on the top of the harness, it also supports the torso.

Correct Sizing

Sizing is important when harnessing any dog, but it’s essential for a senior. If you are unsure about your dog’s sizing, consider bringing your dog with you shopping at your local pet store. This will allow you to try on different sizes to find the harness that fits them best.

The harness should be able to adjust so that it is snug, but you can still fit two fingers beneath the straps at any point. A harness that is too small can cause pain and discomfort, whereas if it’s too big, it won’t safely secure your dog and fails to offer the support you may be relying on.

What to Avoid in a Dog Harness

If you pay attention to the above guidelines for shopping, you are already on the right track. However, there are a few things you should avoid when buying a harness for a senior dog.

The most important thing to avoid is a harness that will limit or impact your dog’s mobility in any way. This is true for dogs of all ages but is especially vital when shopping for a senior. Check that the front of the harness doesn’t lie across the shoulders, restricting movement of the front legs. This is regularly seen in products labelled as “no pull.” Your older dog may already be dealing with changes in their mobility, and the goal is to find ways to make that easier, not harder.

Additionally, steer clear of harnesses with unnecessary extra parts or features. This could include pouches for their gear, elaborate added decorations, or anything that could add to the weight of the harness. Remember, a lightweight harness is best. The simpler the style, the less unnecessary weight you are expecting your dog to carry.

What Harnesses Do We Recommend?

As I previously mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when shopping for a harness. However, there are definitely some products that stand out on the market. Some of the products that I have tried or still use with my older dogs today that I would recommend include:

How Do You Train an Older Dog to Wear a Harness?

If your older dog has been wearing a collar their whole life, introducing a harness suddenly could introduce unnecessary stress. Instead, consider ways to ease into it by slowly introducing your dog over time.

To begin, simply place the harness in a familiar room and allow them to check it out. They may take some time eyeing it from a distance before coming close to this new addition to their space. That’s okay! Give them time and allow them to explore it at their own pace. This includes walking around it, sniffing it, and becoming comfortable with its presence.

When your dog appears ready, try placing it on their back for a second before removing it and offering a reward or praise. Try latching the harness for just a second. When they are comfortable with that, you can start to extend the time that it is latched before removing it. The goal is to create a positive association.

If, at any point, you feel your dog is upset or showing signs of anxiety, take a step back. Go back to a prior stage and focus on making it positive. This could take a day, or it could take a week. But investing the time to do it properly now will set you up for success for the rest of your dog’s life.

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs

Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement.

There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps.

If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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With an estimated 3.1 million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, the need for funding and support is evident. For many, this is a call to action to find ways to make a difference – including for Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista. Starting today, November 28th, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is launching a new fundraising and awareness campaign with 54 Bautista and his four rescue pit bulls in the spotlight. The campaign was created as part of Giving Tuesday, a global response to the corporate focus of Black Friday (as well as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday). Rather than highlighting sales and taking advantage of deals through your favorite stores and brands, Giving Tuesday encourages Americans to take a moment and consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others – including, of course, animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Bautista’s involvement in the campaign is motivated by his experiences with animal rescue and its impact on his life. “My home is where my dogs are because there is just such a sense of love,” Bautista stated. “I feel like wherever they are, there’s this sense of normalcy, which is hard for me to attain these days.” He went on to explain, “My first rescue dogs were Ollie and Maggie, and I’ve had them for about five years. I adopted them, and after becoming so connected with them, I started to be more aware of how many dogs are just waiting for someone to give them good, loving homes. You get so much in return when you adopt a pet, and I’m going to preach adoption for the rest of my life.”

What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

Human-Cat Amputee Duo Teams Up To Help Others Through Animal Therapy

Juanita Mengel from Amanda, Ohio, and her five-year-old dilute tortoiseshell cat Lola-Pearl, make a unique therapy team. The 67-year-old Mengel is missing a leg, and her fluffy feline is missing a left hind leg. This special duo is one of an estimated 200 therapy cat teams registered in the US through Pet Partners. This nonprofit organization puts together owners and their pets as volunteer teams. They aim to provide animal-assisted therapy in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. “A therapy animal is an animal who’s been assessed based on their ability to meet new people and not just tolerate the interaction but actively enjoy it,” said Taylor Chastain Griffin, the national director of animal-assisted interventions advancement at Pet Partners. This organization registered nine different species of animals as therapy animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, horses, mini pigs, alpacas, and lamas. Therapy cats are less common than therapy dogs, and people are often surprised to see cats in this role. However, Griffin studies the impact of therapy cats and emphasizes the importance of cats in therapy teams. There’s a lot of research on other therapy animals, especially dogs, so there is often a ‘shock factor’ associated with therapy cats because many people don’t know these felines exist. “They go into a setting and people are like ‘Whoa, there’s a cat on a leash. What’s happening?’” said Griffin. According to her, cats inspire people to connect to them in a way that’s not seen with other kinds of therapy animals. Juanita Mengel knew that her cat Lola-Pear would be an excellent therapy animal a month after she adopted her. The feline’s therapeutic potential became clear after Mengel took her to an amputee conference. “She was so good with people I just knew she would be a good therapy cat,” said Mengel. “People really were attracted to her, too.”During a recent limb loss support group, Mengel pushed Lola-Pearl around in a cat stroller labeled “Therapy Cat’, so participants could pet the cat as she woke from a nap. When she wasn’t sitting in a stroller, Lola-Pearl could be found brushing against participants’ legs or cuddling in their laps, bringing a smile to the face of every person she decided was worthy of her company. “She’s very intuitive of people,” said Mengel.Although Lola-Pearl is very special, she isn’t the only cat Mengel owns. Mengel, who lost her leg after years of surgeries following a near-fatal car accident, is a mom to seven cats, most of whom have disabilities. “They find you, you don’t find them,” she added.Lola-Pearl was only a few weeks old when she was found with her back legs completely twisted together. The kitten was unable to walk and was brought to Mengel’s friend at a shelter in Missouri. Unfortunately, the vets there couldn’t help the feline. The shelter located a specialist in Iowa who was able to splint Lola-Pearl’s legs in order to save them. However, it was clear that the left hind leg was beyond saving and the vets decided to amputate. Mengel adopted Lola-Pearl after she recovered from the surgery and they formed the unique therapy team. After everything Mengel has been through, she is extremely grateful for Lola-Pearl and appreciates all the good work they do together. “It’s a really rewarding experience,” she said. “I get just as much out of it as the people that I visit.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

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