How to Pick Up a Dog

If your dog has an injury or illness that prevents him from being able to walk on his own, it may become necessary to pick the dog up and carry him to his destination. Hip dysplasia, arthritis or an injury to the dog's legs requires you to lift your dog. There are some do's and don't's when it comes to picking up a dog. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Allow the dog stand on all fours, if possible. This makes it much easier to access underneath the dog, which is what you need to do when picking up a dog.

2. Slip one arm around the front of the dog, across the front of his shoulders so that his head can rest in the crook of your arm. Make sure your arm is not across his throat. Otherwise, he might choke when you lift him.

3. Slide your other arm underneath the dog's stomach, just in front of his hind legs. If this is not comfortable for the dog, you can slide your arm across his hindquarters and pick up him by supporting his rump and back legs.

4. Stand up gently and slowly. Don't jerk the dog up, especially if he is injured. Hold him close against your midsection.

5. Set the dog down gently. If he is not able to stand, lie him down on your arms, then gently slide your arms out from under him. Always place the dog down with his paws toward the floor, not on his back or side.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a towel slipped under the dog's belly like a sling to help lift his back end, if necessary.
• Use two people to lift large dogs like Great Danes or mastiffs.
• You can pick up small dogs like Pomeranians or Chihuahuas and hold them in the crook of your arm.
• Never pick up a dog by the neck, forelegs, hind legs or tail.