As a veterinarian, I’ve seen many dogs struggle with mobility issues as they age or recover from injuries or surgery. That’s why I always recommend lift harnesses or slings to help them move around with ease.
It’s not uncommon for pet owners to get overwhelmed by the number of options available in the market. That’s why I take the time to review and recommend the best dog lift harnesses and slings to my clients. With the right accessory, your furry friend can walk, climb stairs, and get into the car without any difficulty.
So, if you’re worried about your pet’s mobility, don’t hesitate to ask me about the best lift harnesses and slings available on the UK market. I’m here to help you make the right choice for your furry friend’s needs.
Best Dog Lifting Harnesses At a Glance?
In a hurry? If so, below are my top picks for the best dog lifting harnesses and slings selected by the most popular feature.
Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Does A Lift Harness Do And Who Needs It?
A dog lift harness or sling is a simple piece of equipment designed to help a dog take the weight of its legs and thus make moving around easier and less painful.
The harness is secured around the dog’s body and features straps which the owner can hold onto while supporting and guiding the dog in its movements.
These aids are ideal for senior dogs whose mobility has decreased over time but are also a great accessory for dogs that are healing from an injury or surgery.
For the most part, dogs with mobility issues may find it a challenge to climb, for example, when getting onto the sofa, moving up and down stairs or getting in and out of a vehicle. However, with a harness or sling, you can support your dog, making it much easier.
For dogs whose mobility is severely impaired, a harness or sling can even come in handy when walking as much of the weight will be taken by the harness, putting less strain on your pet’s body.
5 Best Dog Lift Harnesses And Slings For Mobility-Impaired Dogs In The UK
A harness or sling is a great way to help your mobility-impaired dog get around but there are so many to choose from. After reviewing many different products, I have concluded that the following are among some of the best. I also have full, detailed reviews for each one if you’d like more information.
1. Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
The Coodeo dog lift harness is a great choice for people who want the perfect balance between durability and comfort. The harness is made from a polyester blend which is extremely heavy duty but is also padded to ensure that the material doesn’t rub on your dog’s skin.
What I really like about the Coode dog lifting harness is how versatile it is. It is fastened using velcro which makes it really easy but there are also several buckles which allow you to change how the harness is used. I won’t lie, these buckles can be fiddly but once you’ve set them as you need, you won’t need to mess with them again.
While the Coodeo dog lift harness is not machine washable, it is easy to care for and comes in a brilliant range of sizes, making it suitable for dogs up to 111 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good range of sizes | Buckles can be fiddly |
| Durable materials | Sizing is said to be off |
| Easy velcro fastenings and adjustable strap | |
| Padded and comfortable | |
| Easy clean |
2. Tierecare Dog Lifting Harness
The Tierecare dog lifting harness is great because it’s so affordable without sacrificing important features. One of the things that really makes it stand out is the reflective panel which gives added safety when walking at night.
This harness is made from nylon which is incredibly durable but features a fleece lining to ensure your pet is comfortable. However, fleece isn’t the most breathable material and there are no mesh panels to improve this.
The Tierecare dog lifting harness comes in a choice of six colours which I think allows you to get a more personal style. Plus, it has an adjustable strap, an anti-slip handle and no fiddly fastenings so it’s really easy to use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fleece lined for comfort | Not breathable |
| Easy to use | Strap is a little short |
| Machine washable | |
| Choice of colours | |
| Reflective strip |
3. PetSafe Care Lift Support Harness
For anyone looking for a harness for long term use, the PetSafe Care lift support harness is ideal. This is an incredibly well made harness constructed from nylon which is an extremely heavy duty material so there’s no concerns over durability. What’s more, for your dog’s comfort, the sling is padded and features breathable mesh material.
The PetSafe care lift support harness boasts a rubber handle for improved grip for the owner and the strap is adjustable for your own comfort. What I really like is that the strap is as short as possible on each setting which means you get a greater amount of support when lifting your pet.
This harness is designed to be used either as a whole or can be divided to support either the back legs or the front legs, as needed. In terms of versatility, it’s definitely one of the most superior. That said, it can take some time to get used to how to take the harness apart and use the various pieces.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for medium to large breeds | Tricky to fasten |
| Made from durable materials | Leg straps are reported to unfasten by themselves |
| Adjustable strap | |
| Machine washable | |
| Provides even support |
4. Sixmill Dog Lift Sling
The Sixmill dog lift sling is brilliant for everyday use as the nylon material is not only extremely heavy duty but also provides a water resistant design.
The sling is fitted with an adjustable strap for your own comfort and doesn’t require the use of any fiddly fastenings or buckles. If you’re looking for something user-friendly, this might be just what you’ve been searching for.
In terms of comfort, the Sixmill dog lift sling is lined with fleece which is soft against your pet’s skin. However, this doesn’t provide much breathability so this is something to consider.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable materials | Straps are a little long even on the shortest setting |
| Durable and water resistant | |
| Adjustable size | |
| No fastenings to contend with | |
| Easy to clean and comes with a protective carry bag |
5. Labra Dog Sling Lift
The Labra dog sling is one of the more expensive options however, it’s so well made that I think it is a great investment. Not only are the materials incredibly durable and hard wearing but they’re also comfortable. The inner part is lined with a fleece material which means it won’t rub on your dog’s skin.
What’s more, the Labra dog sling lift comes with a heavy duty, adjustable strap that allows you to provide even support with both balance and mobility, thereby reducing any pain your pet may be experiencing.
This sling comes in an excellent range of sizes from small to XXXL which makes it an ideal choice for any breed. While it cannot be machine washed, it is very easy to wipe over with a damp cloth so there’s no need to worry about maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great range of sizes | Not breathable |
| Comfortable materials | May not be suitable for post surgery recovery |
| Designed for heavy duty use | Reports that size guide is off |
| Easy to use | |
| Helps with pain, mobility and balance |
Choosing The Right Lift Harness For Your Dog’s Needs
All of the lift harnesses I have included above are among the very best. However, not all harnesses are going to be suitable for all dogs. It’s therefore super important to take a look over the features to make sure the harness is going to provide comfortable and reliable support.
Size And Fit
One of the most important things is to find a harness that fits your dog well. You’ll notice that most come in a range of sizes from small to XXL and each manufacturer will provide a size guide to make choosing easier.
That said, it’s also worth looking at reviews as I found that some size guides were a little off. Of course, when you receive the harness, it’s vital to first try it on your dog and make sure it fits comfortably.
Choosing a harness that isn’t designed for your dog’s size or weight can mean it’s not only uncomfortable for him to wear but also poses a safety risk.
Materials
Concerning comfort, I’d always recommend going for a harness whose materials are designed to feel soft and non-irritating against the skin.
A lot of harnesses are fleece lined which is excellent as this material makes the harness less likely to chafe. However, keep in mind that this material isn’t very breathable so going for something with mesh panels is ideal if you’ll be using the sling in hot weather, and will prevent your dog from overheating.
In terms of the hardware, such as buckles and fastenings, it’s essential to make sure they’re tightly secured and well made, to avoid the likelihood of them snapping or breaking.
Durability is key and again, reading user reviews is a great way to determine how durable the materials are. You’ll also find useful information about how well the materials wash and whether they can be put through the washing machine, which is essential if you’re looking for convenience.
User Friendliness
While your dog’s support and comfort is of the utmost importance, you also have to consider yourself when choosing a harness.
Some harnesses come with very complicated buckles and fastenings which can make them a nightmare to use. You want something that’s quick and easy to secure as anything that takes too long could cause stress to your dog.
What’s more, take a look at the strap length as this will determine how comfortable it is for you to guide the harness. The last thing you want is a strap that’s too long or too short, meaning you have to overstretch yourself. Looking for an adjustable strap is usually the best option.
Veterinary Advice – Dog Lift Harnesses and Slings
A dog lift harness can be a helpful tool for pet owners who need to assist their furry friends with mobility issues. Whether due to injury, age, or illness, some dogs may require extra support to stand up, walk, or climb stairs. A lift harness can provide the necessary support to help dogs move around more comfortably and safely.
When using a dog lift harness, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the proper fit and use. A vet can help determine the best type of harness for a dog’s specific needs and provide guidance on how to properly use the harness. They can also assess a dog’s overall health and mobility and make recommendations for additional treatments or therapies to improve their quality of life. Overall, a dog lift harness can be a valuable tool for both dogs and their owners, but it’s important to seek professional advice to ensure safe and effective use.
Jason Haley
The Definitive Guide To Purchasing a Dog Lifting Harness & Sling UK
Being a 5th year Vet student and having a passion for improving the health and welfare of all animals, I am providing AblePaws.co.uk with a veterinary perspective / insight into the real word applications, including strengths and limitations of the products it reviews. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to the suitability of the pet products reviewed on the site to keep your pet mobile, comfortable and full of life!
