Placement of the splint must be correct
Always work with your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s brace is placed correctly. An ill-fitting or incorrectly placed splint can cause skin irritation, swelling, and injury. Your veterinarian will help you choose the right leg brace to ensure that the brace supports the injured part of your dog’s leg. The correct splint should support above and below the injured joint or ligament.
How to tell if a dog’s brace fits properly:
- All toes and paws fit comfortably in the paw portion of the splint.
- The straps are snug but not too tight.
- The animal’s leg fits comfortably in the splint.
- The curvature of the brace aligns perfectly with the natural shape of your dog’s legs.
The fit should be snug, but not tight
A brace should fit your dog snugly but should not be too tight or uncomfortable. Look for signs that your pet’s splint is too small. Are the toes sticking out from the edge of the splint? Does your pet’s skin extend beyond the straps or sides of the splint? A splint that is too small can be uncomfortable and cause further injury.
Signs that the splint is too small:
- The leg portion of the splint is not long or wide enough.
- The dog’s fur or skin is bulging on the webbing or sides.
- The curvature of the splint is under the carpal or hock joint.
- The leg will not fit completely into the splint.
The splint should not be too loose
Your pet’s splint should fit comfortably. If a dog brace is too loose, it could shift or shift unexpectedly. Once the splint is on your dog, look for any signs of gaps or spaces where the splint is not touching your dog’s leg – this could mean the splint is too big and doesn’t offer enough support. member support.
Signs that the splint is too big:
- The length of the splint rides too high on the leg.
- The curvature of the splint is above the carpal or hock joint.
- The splint moves or shifts on its own.
- The leg portion of the splint is too wide.
- The animal can easily remove the splint.
Always check to avoid overtightening
A splint that is too tight can cause swelling, put unnecessary pressure on the limb, and be painful. After positioning the splint, look at your dog’s toes, paw and leg. Are there any signs of swelling, irritation or color change? If so, your dog’s brace is too tight or doesn’t fit properly. Contact your veterinarian if your dog’s limb is swollen, cold to the touch, or has any other change in appearance after a splint is applied.
To avoid accidentally over-tightening your pet’s splint straps, never over-tighten from top to bottom or bottom to top. This can sometimes cause you to gradually tighten up as you go down or up. Instead, tighten the bottom strap first, then adjust the top strap before moving on to the middle straps. Next, check each strap. If fitted correctly, you should be able to comfortably slide one finger under each strap.
Splint Best Practices:
- Keep the splint dry and clean.
- Limit your dog’s exercise, avoid jumping while wearing the brace.
- Keep your dog on a leash when you go out to limit activity.
- Regularly check your pet’s paw for skin irritation or signs of chafing.
- Have the splint placed by a veterinary professional.
Before trying a splint, your veterinarian should assess your dog’s injury to determine if a splint is the right treatment option for your pet.
When introducing a splint to your pet:
Be sure to always start slow when introducing new products to your pet. Monitor your pet for signs of chafing or tightness and remove the splint if these become present. We recommend that your pet wear the splint for 5-10 minutes at a time until you are sure the fit is appropriate and your pet is comfortable wearing the splint.
If you have any concerns please contact our customer service team or refer to your regular veterinarian as a different size may be more appropriate.
