Commonly Asked Questions

Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace 

My dog has hip dysplasia in the right hip. Will the Hip Hound Brace help?

Yes. The Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace was designed specifically for dogs with Hip Dysplasia in one or both hips. It works by providing gentle traction, lifting the femur heads into the hip sockets. This up and slightly forward motion provides a gentle support for the dog's hind end and will stabilize and support the hip and lower back areas. This stabilization transfers to the hind legs, promoting more mobility and endurance, while also allowing for muscle toning.

My dog has arthritis in his hips. Will the Hip Hound Brace support that condition?

Yes. The spacer mesh material and design of the brace allows for slight compression to the hips and creates heat for the hip joints, helping the muscles stay fluid and flexible.

While not specifically enabling your dog to get up from a seated or down position, the Hip Hound Brace will help with overall leg and lower back weakness, improving your dog’s ability to negotiate common movements with greater ease.

My dog has Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). Will the Hip Hound Brace help?

Unfortunately, no. The Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace is an orthopedic brace that does not offer the type of support that a neurological condition like Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). Knuckling is a condition often associated with a neurological condition like DM. It is a strong indicator of a delay in communication between the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve) rather than a paw injury itself. 

IMPORTANT: Before purchasing a brace of any kind, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian for an official diagnosis.

My dog has Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) . Will the Hip Hound Brace help?

Unfortunately, no. The Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace is an orthopedic brace that does not offer the type of support that  IVDD requires. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in dogs is a neurological condition causing pressure on the spinal cord. It is painful and symptoms in your dog include sudden inability to walk, dragging the hind legs, loss of bladder control. It requires a veterinary consultation as soon as possible.

I am not sure what my dog has but I want my dog to be able to walk better and hope the Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace can help.

Unfortunately, we are not veterinarians and we are not able to offer assessment or medical advice for your dog. Based on what you have shared, we would advise seeing your vet as soon as possible for a proper assessment.  Time is often an important factor in treating injuries in dogs. 

Dogs are often stoic and mask symptoms. It is important to check in with a veterinary professional regarding your dog’s particular situation. 

The Ortho Dog Hip Hound Brace is not recommended for the following conditions:

  • DM - Degenerative Myelopathy
  • IVDD - Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Knuckling
  • Lumbosacral disease
  • Vestibular disease: no brace for this condition
  • Wobbler Syndrome

You are welcome to email us at info@orthodog.com with any questions. We are happy to help.

Ortho Dog Cruciate Care Knee Brace

My dog has arthritis in his knees. Will the Ortho Dog Cruciate Care Knee Brace help with this?

Yes.The Cruciate Care Dog Knee Brace can help dogs experiencing arthritis in the knee joint as well as luxating patellas, or torn CCLs.

My dog has torn CCLs in both knees. Can the Ortho Dog Cruciate Care Knee Brace be used for both legs?

Yes.The Cruciate Care Dog Knee Brace can help dogs experiencing Dual cruciate ligament tears. During the order process when asked to choose which leg is injured,  select Both.

How long should my dog wear the Ortho Dog  Cruciate Care Knee Brace? 

A soft tissue tear takes 8-12 weeks to heal so the knee brace should be worn during this time period consistently especially when your dog is walking or exercising. Also note that during the time of repair, your dog's physical activity should be limited and your pup walked only on a lead so that the injury can heal and there is no chance of additional injury to the knee.

Can my dog sleep in an Ortho Dog Brace?

The brace should be worn consistently during the day but removed  at night to allow the skin to breathe and remove the brace portion if you are leaving your dog unattended for a longer period of time.

Do Ortho Dog Braces cost more money than other braces?

Ortho Dog Braces are hand-made in the USA using local and sustainably sourced materials. We are a Living Wage Certified Business that provides exceptional customer service and Free Fit Consultations for every brace. We check the fit through email using still photos, and customers can reach a live Fit Specialist, Monday through Friday during normal business hours, if questions arise.