Sixmill Dog Lift Sling Review + Vet’s Assessment

An Introduction To The Sixmill Dog Lift Sling

If your dog has recently sustained an injury or is afflicted by physical health conditions like hip dysplasia or arthritis due to old age then a dog lift sling could be helpful.

While there are many on the market, I like how practical and affordable the Sixmill dog lift sling is. What’s more, it’s very easy to use and offers superior comfort for your dog.

In my Sixmill dog lift sling review, I’ll take you through all of the important features and discuss whether this is the right product for your dog.

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Are Dog Sling’s Good for my Pets Health? – A Veterinary Professionals Perspective

As a veterinarian, I commonly see joint and mobility issues on a daily basis, especially in older dogs who have either undergone orthopedic surgery or have developed arthritis. Dog slings are a great tool for pet owners as they help to easily offload excess weight bearing on their dogs’ joints, which significantly reduces pain. This helps to improve the quality of their dogs’ lives while also avoiding the need to carry their dogs everywhere, which can be very labor-intensive for the owner.

There are a wide range of conditions where a dog sling would be appropriate, for your convenience I have listed some below: 

• Osteoarthritis – Joint inflammation and degeneration, typically associated with old age. 
• Hip Dysplasia – When the femoral head luxates from the hip (acetabular region). 
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Patella Luxation – When the knee bone displaces, usually medially. 
• Septic Arthritis – Infectious inflammation in the joint (typically bacterial) 
• Bone Cancer/ Neoplasia – Typically Osteosarcoma.

Although a dog sling can significantly help to aid in supportive care for these conditions, it is important to note that they are not intended to be sole treatment, but can be used in conjunction with other treatment options. Please visit your vet for further advice on treatment. 

Features Of The Sixmill Dog Lift Sling

The Sixmill dog lift sling is a good quality accessory for dogs that are injured or struggle getting around with old age. Especially useful for larger dogs that are difficult to lift unaided, the Sixmill dog lift sling comes with a range of simple yet effective features.

Materials And Durability

One of the main selling points of the Sixmill dog lift sling is the material. The outer part is made from nylon which is known for its durability. Plus, this gives the sling a water resistant edge, meaning it can be used outdoors with no problems.

The lining of the Sixmill dog lift sling is made from a faux sheepskin-like material that’s designed to be super soft on your dog’s skin. It’s a good thickness and ensures that the sling won’t rub or cause irritation.

The straps are designed to be heavy duty although I could not find any information on the recommended dog weight that this sling can be used with. For this reason, I would err on the side of caution and test the sling before putting it to proper use.

That said, the straps appear to be very well sewn and don’t look as though they’ll weaken when the sling is used correctly.

Ease of Use

I really like how simple the design of the Sixmill dog lift sling is. There are no buckles or fastenings to contend with. It’s simply a matter of wrapping the sling around your dog and lifting it. Although, you will need to adjust the length which I’ll discuss more in the next section. However, this is not complicated.

The handle is thick and robust so it’s very comfortable for the user and allows you to lift your dog without the material cutting into your hands.

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Practicalities

I really liked that the Sixmill dog lift sling comes with a carry bag. While it’s by no means an oversized item, it’s still nice to have something to protect it with when it’s not in use.

Not only is the Sixmill dog lift sling super affordable but it’s also great for a wide range of dog breeds thanks to the adjustable strap. It’s just like altering the strap on a rucksack or similar item and takes a few seconds to do.

However, I have noticed that a lot of users state that the strap can be quite long even when it’s on the shortest setting. This might mean that the Sixmill dog lift sling isn’t suitable for some dogs, especially very large ones that would be difficult to lift with a lengthy handle.

In any case, the handle will adjust between 125 cm and 171 cm and the sling itself measures 18 cm in width. While this is good for most dogs, the width might not be accommodating for larger breeds who will certainly need more support.

Pros and Cons

 

Is The Sixmills Dog Lift Sling Right For You?

If your dog has an injury and requires the use of a sling for a short amount of time then I think the Sixmill dog lift sling is a good choice. That’s because it doesn’t cost the earth and is easy to use for the short term.

However, if you have an old dog with ongoing health problems then I think there are stronger, more suitable dog lift slings out there that might be better for long term use.

Overall, this is a good quality product but it’s not without its issues and these are certainly worth considering before making a decision on whether the Sixmill dog lift sling is right for you and your dog.

 

Where Should I Purchase the Sixmill Dog Lift Sling

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Last update on 2024-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Slings – Revised

What is a dog lift sling used for?

Dog lift slings are designed to help dogs with limited mobility to get around. This could be getting up the stairs, in and out of the car or giving your semi-mobile dog a helping hand during exercise. These slings are designed to take the weight off the dog’s legs and can be used after recovering from an injury or surgery as well as for dogs with physical health conditions like arthritis.

How do you lift a dog with a sling?

With most dog lift slings, the user will wrap the sling around the dog so that it provides support from under the belly or chest. There is a handle which you can use to lift the dog gently, pulling it up to relieve your pet of their own weight.

What size dog lift sling should I use?

While some dog lift slings come in a one size fits all design, others are made to meet the requirements of a particular size or breed. It’s important to check the recommended size and buy something that suits your dog. Using a sling that is too large or too small could be uncomfortable or even dangerous for your dog.

How do you get a dog used to a lift sling?

Some dogs may be a little apprehensive in using their lift sling so it’s important to give your pet some time to get used to the idea. Allow your dog to touch, sniff and explore the sling before initially trying it on. At first, just put the sling on and take it off again, gradually increasing the amount of time until your pet is happy and ready to use the sling. Don’t forget that treats and rewards reinforce desired behaviours.

Are dog lift slings safe to use?

As long as you use a lift sling that’s designed for the size and needs of your dog and you use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, there’s no reason it should not be safe. That said, always look for lift slings that are made from durable materials and that are well put together. You don’t want to end up with something flimsy that could pose a safety risk.

Further Dog Lift Harness Reading

The Definitive Guide To Purchasing a Dog Lifting Harness & Sling UK