How to Lift and Carry Your Dog Safely

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You may need to carry, lift or pick up your dog for countless reasons. Whether it’s helping your dog into the car, lifting him onto the vet’s examination table, or even snuggling up. Regardless of your dog’s size or age, you will most likely need to pick it up at some point. The key is to do it in the safest way possible.

How to get your dog back

The correct way to lift or pick up your dog greatly depends on the size of your pet. So here’s the best way to carry your best friend based on size:

Lifting a small to medium sized dog

Slide your dominant arm under your dog’s chest between the front legs to support the torso. When lifting your dog, place his hindquarters between your arm and your body. This way you fully support them when picking them up from the ground. Long-bodied dogs, like dachshunds, or dogs with bad backs need their entire spine supported every time they are picked up. Never pick up your dog with his arms, legs or under his armpits.

Lifting a Medium to Large Dog

Using both arms, place one arm behind your dog’s hind legs and your other arm around the chest (in front of the dog’s front legs). As you lift, keep your dog’s body against your chest. The bigger the dog, the greater the risk of straining you. To avoid back pain, keep your spine straight and always lift with your legs.

carry a very big dog

The larger the dog, the more difficult it will be to lift it without injury. Instead, use a mobility aid to safely lift and support a giant dog. Special lifting harnesses can be used to support the hind legs, the front legs or both.

Dog support harnesses feature handles and the proper support needed to help stabilize your large dog or give him a little push. It’s important to choose a harness that will support your dog in the right part of his body and provide balanced support throughout. For large dogs, the best lifting harness should have a front harness and a back harness to allow parents full body support. This allows parents to keep their dog level when lifting and helps them lift their pet safely. Other mobility devices, such as a ramp, pet stairs, or even a dog wheelchair, can make it easier for a large dog.

Support an injured dog

When lifting an injured or immobile dog, you need to be aware that you are supporting him in the right place and lifting him without causing him further harm. A pet stretcher is a safe way to lift and support your dog’s entire body when they are too injured to stand or walk on their own. When an injured dog is healing, a wheelchair or harness can reduce the weight placed on the injured leg.

Quick tips for transporting your pet safely

  • Never lift by the legs or under the armpits
  • Be aware of how you support your dog
  • For small dogs, place your arm under the chest and body
  • Big dogs lift with your legs, not your back
  • Properly support your dog at all times
  • Use mobility aids when beneficial
  • Be very careful with animals prone to back injuries, such as dachshunds or corgis

Most importantly, when lifting your dog, safety comes first! Before bending down to pick up your best friend, carry it in a way that keeps it supported and avoids straining your back.



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