Frequently Asked Questions

Our braces, by design, are not custom fit braces so that they are more affordable. They are, however, adjustable and fit a wide range of dog breeds and sizes. Our braces do not fit all dogs, so please reference our fit guide and the sizing calculators on each product to determine if a specific Ortho Dog brace will fit your pup.

Ortho Dog’s flexible, adjustable braces range in cost anywhere between $30 and $535, depending on the brace model. Because our braces are flexible, we’re able to offer each type of brace at the same price regardless of the size of your pup.

Our adjustable knee brace was designed as a more affordable alternative to custom-fit braces (which range from about $900 to $2,198).

We do not make a size small knee brace as a small dog’s legs are not long enough to accommodate our brace. Use our sizing calculator on the dog knee brace page to determine if an Ortho Dog brace will fit your pup. If our knee brace is too large for your dog, consider a custom-fit brace.

Our mobility braces can benefit dogs of all ages. Using a brace can help relieve pain and regain muscle mass. However, if your elderly dog cannot stand on their own, our braces will likely not provide enough support. If you’re unsure if a brace is right for your dog, please contact us.

Puppies and young dogs can also benefit from bracing. Particularly for conditions like hip dysplasia, using a mobility brace early on in your dog’s life can be significantly helpful in long-term management of the condition.

If you are having issues fitting your Ortho Dog brace, please first consult our instructional video.

If you have any issues or concerns regarding the fit of the brace, please email us photos of your dog standing in the brace so we can help determine the proper fit.

We don’t recommend bracing both knees unless there are acute recent tears in both as bracing both inhibits walking. When the injured knee is braced, it takes pressure off of the other leg. If both knees have acute tears, you may order both. Contact us to discuss.

Ortho Dog braces support a wide range of conditions and injuries, ranging from hip dysplasia to torn ligaments. First consult with your vet to diagnose your pup, determine health needs, and ask if a brace may help. Learn more about understanding dog injuries.

Whether your dog needs surgery depends on many issues, including general health, age, severity of the tear, and more. Only your vet can determine your pup’s needs. Ask your vet if bracing is an option. We primarily provide our knee braces to those who opt not to have the surgery. The brace allows scar tissue to form a callus over the tear for healing.

Because our mobility braces are used for a variety of conditions and situations, the time frame for seeing improvement varies. Hip dysplasia is a chronic condition, so the Hip Hound Brace should be used daily when your dog is exercising. You will notice more stability, mobility, endurance, and stabilization of the hip and lower back areas. The Cruciate Care Knee Brace will alter your dog’s gait as it limits the flexion and extension of the knee. It takes a soft tissue injury (torn ACL) 8-10 weeks to heal.

It is fine for your dog to wear the brace during the day, but take the brace (including the harness) off at night so that the skin can breathe and the brace/harness won’t cause skin irritation. It typically takes a soft tissue injury 8-13 weeks to heal, so your dog should wear the knee brace consistently for this period of time.

Since hip dysplasia is a chronic issue, your dog will need to wear the brace daily, especially during exercise.

Please remove your dog’s brace and harness if they will be unattended or crated.

It can take some dogs a bit of time to get used to wearing a brace. We suggest that once the brace is on and fitted, you immediately take your dog for a short walk around the house, give them a treat, or give them a toy.

Your dog’s gait will be altered when wearing a brace, especially the Cruciate Care Knee Brace. The knee brace limits the flexion and extension of the knee so that scar tissue can form a callus over the tear for healing. This is normal and expected.

No. We do not accept returns. We love dogs and we love our customers! We do not love confusion about refunds or returns, so we are here to help clear it up. Due to health concerns and the issue of contagion, we are unable to accept returns. (This is standard practice for our industry). To learn more, see our Return Policy.

Yes! We are happy to work with you to find the correct sizing for your dog. If you have a concern about the size or fit of your dog’s brace, please reach out for a fit consultation in a timely manner. Please email us three photos of your dog standing in the brace so we can check the fit and application. Exchanges are best made in 30 days. See our Exchanges and Shipping Policy. Customers are responsible for shipping fees for any exchanges.

Yes! If you are no longer in need of the brace, you can donate it to your local shelter or send it back to us and we will be glad to donate it to a dog in need. Please contact us if you want to inquire about a donated brace.

Our braces are sold online only and are not currently available in retail stores.

Yes! Please read our shipping policies.

We ship our braces daily, Monday through Friday. Generally orders ship within 2-3 business days, unless there are concerns about sizing or shipping. We will email for clarification if needed. At checkout, you have the option of shipping with either USPS Priority Mail (expected delivery generally 3-5 days) or Express (expected delivery 2-3 business days). Delivery time will vary based on location. Read our shipping policies.