If a dog can no longer move properly, two- and four-legged friends often suffer equally. Regardless of whether it is caused by old age or an illness – problems with running are stressful.
So that your dog can always be with you and you don’t have to lift him up – which is often simply not feasible with heavy, large breeds – there are special carrying aids. These harnesses or straps help you to lift your darling or at least to relieve it while running. This also makes them ideal for rehabilitation.
In this article I will introduce you to different harnesses for dogs and explain what you need to consider.
My harness favourites
Dog harnesses tested
Dog carrier Nature Pet
The carrier from Nature Pet is a kind of harness or the product looks like a stable dog sweater. It consists of a 4mm thick neoprene fabric, which is closed with a special belt system.
Thanks to the anatomically shaped chest area, your pet cannot slip out of the harness and injure itself.
A long strap is attached to the dog harness, which allows you to lift or carry your four-legged friend. The belt has a soft grip so that you don’t chafe your hand. The frame is particularly suitable for older dogs that need support when walking.
But dogs in rehabilitation also benefit from the product. The tighter you hold the dog on the carrying handle, the more the animal’s musculoskeletal system is relieved. This allows you to control the stress yourself during recovery.
The advantage is that the frame can be washed at up to 40 degrees. The neoprene fabric then dries best in the fresh air.
Sixmill dog harness carrier
This product is not a harness to carry the dog, but rather an auxiliary harness. This belt is passed under the dog’s stomach once and allows you to support your dog quickly and easily.
The structure is very simple, so that there is no need to put on a harness if necessary. This is particularly useful for dogs with restricted movement.
The shoulder strap is softly padded, which prevents pressure points and chafing. This is an important quality criterion, especially with longer use. The belt is made of nylon on the outside and is therefore very resistant and robust.
The care is very easy. You can easily wash the baby carrier in the washing machine and then let it air dry.
Nature Pet full body harness dog
By far the most expensive product in our test is a full-body dog harness from Nature Pet. Compared to most competing products, which often only support either the dog’s fore or hindquarters, this product is designed to be able to lift the entire body.
The full body carrier is made of 4mm thick neoprene and is reinforced with additional straps. The leg loops can be closed individually using Velcro fasteners and buckles so that getting into the harness is not too complicated.
Due to the large surface of the harness, which covers the entire body of the four-legged friend, the lifting pressure is evenly distributed. This prevents overloading of individual parts of the body.
The dog carrying harness is suitable for old or sick dogs weighing up to 40 kilograms. Heavier animals can hardly be lifted for the average Joe, let alone carried.
Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness
The harness from Ruffwear is not a specially made lifting harness, but actually designed for everyday walking. Due to the two leg straps, which give the product a lot of stability in addition to the chest strap, the harness is also suitable as a carrying aid.
With the help of a handle on the dog’s back, you can lift your darling or, if necessary, reduce the load on the legs by gently pulling upwards and thus protect your dog. This is a great relief, especially for old or sick dogs. But these harnesses are also used for climbing tours or rescue operations.
Due to the suitability for everyday use of the harness, you always have your carrying aid with you, even on walks. For example, I know dogs that can walk on level ground without any problems, but can no longer manage stairs on their own. Many baby carriers are not suitable for walking, which is why you would have to avoid any stairs in this case. With the harness from Ruffwear, on the other hand, you are well prepared for every situation.
Julius-K9 IDC dog vest 3 in 1
Another all-rounder in our test, which was not originally intended as a carrying aid, but can be used very well for this is the dog vest from Julius K9.
This product is actually a life jacket for dogs and is therefore very weather-resistant. Thanks to a practical handle on the top, the vest can also be used as a carrying harness.
If you only need the baby carrier for certain situations, such as climbing stairs, you can also use the vest as a normal walking harness. There are two very strong rings on the dog’s back, one closer to the front between the shoulders and one further back. Depending on your needs and individual preferences, you can attach your leash to it and off you go.
Purchase advice
What is a dog harness and for whom is it recommended?
A carrying harness for a dog is a harness or belt that allows your four-legged friend to be lifted up and carried a little way.
The possible uses are very diverse.
For very small or young dogs that cannot (yet) walk that far, a carrying aid is practical because you can simply pick up the dog and carry it. In this way you can also cover longer distances without overloading your four-legged friend.
Carrying harnesses are also in great demand when hiking or climbing. If you come across an obstacle on a route that the dog cannot safely overcome alone, it is very practical if you can simply pick up your four-legged friend and carry it a little.
Probably the most common application is with old or sick dogs that cannot move properly. Older dogs in particular often suffer from hip, knee or back problems and are no longer able to move around as well as they used to. Stairs are the most common problem for dogs. A carrying aid is also useful for sick dogs that have just had an operation or are in rehab, so that the four-legged friend does not immediately overload themselves again.
With the help of a carrying handle, you can determine whether you lift your dog up completely or you just take some weight off it by gently pulling on the handle. In this way, you can cater to the needs of the dog every day and relieve it in the best possible way.
Relief and pull forward is also particularly important with a mantrailing harness. In this hobby, the harness must offer a lot of freedom of movement and must not prevent breathing.
What types of harnesses are there?
There are different types of harnesses. Most are similar to classic dog harnesses used for walking. A distinction is made between two types:
- Harnesses that only have a chest and a waist strap and therefore only relieve the front legs.
- Whole-body harnesses that have an additional waist belt and thus also reduce the pressure on the hindquarters of your four-legged friend.
In addition to the classic harnesses, there are also carrying straps that are simply wrapped around the dog’s stomach and thus relieve the dog. Although these risers are not as stable and can slip, they make it possible to protect the front as well as the hindquarters if necessary.
If your dog doesn’t like the classic dog harnesses, then a Norwegian harness can be just the right thing for him. These dog harnesses do not have a strap between the front legs and are suitable for dogs that otherwise feel restricted.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
1st Materials
The material from which the harness is made should be as stable and robust as possible. At the same time, it is important that there is soft padding that does not cause your dog to chafe and ensures that it is comfortable to wear. The straps and straps should also be sufficiently padded.
The best materials for a dog harness are neoprene or nylon. Both materials are very stable and weather-resistant. Neoprene in particular is also very cuddly and slightly stretchy.
2. Fit
A good fit is important for the dog harness to work and support your dog in everyday life. When choosing a product, make sure that the dishes do not press or rub anywhere. In addition, the dog harness must not be too loose, otherwise there is a risk that your dog will slip out of the harness. This can lead to unsightly injuries, especially in dogs with problems in the musculoskeletal system that are not able to recover in time.
3. Comfort for the dog owner
So that you don’t hurt yourself when carrying it, it is important that the carrying handle is well padded. Some harnesses have a…