How to Make a Walking Sling for a Dog

Make a walking sling for your dog.

Occasionally your dog may need a little help walking. This is especially true if he suffers from hip dysplasia or joint pain due to an injury. In addition, older dogs may exhibit joint pain when going up and down stairs. Although commercial dog slings are available, you can make one easily for short term use.

Instructions

1. Cut a large bath towel in half lengthwise and slip one end under your dog's lower abdomen. Bring both ends up and hold together firmly, applying upward pressure to assist your dog when getting into a car or up some stairs. This isn't optimal for long term usage but you can use it in a pinch.

2. Wrap your dog's abdomen lightly with an elastic athletic bandage, leaving 18 inches free on each end to bring up on either side of your dog and tie together, making a handle. This is a better choice if your dog will be spending a longer period in the sling as the elastic bandage, when wrapped around a few times distributes the pressure over a larger area.

3. Recycle a child's jacket when you need an insulated dog sling. Measure around your dog's abdomen and take the measurement to a local used clothing store. Locate a child's jacket that measures about an inch longer in circumference.

4. Cut the sleeves off, leaving an inch or so and sew straps on the sides long enough that you can comfortable hold onto them while your dog is walking. If the coat has a hood or large collar, remove them along with an additional section to allow male dogs to urinate. You can spend extra time and seam up the raw cuts for a doggy sling that will last for months.

5. Allow your dog to step into a converted coat/sling as opposed to slipping it on him as he lies down. If two people are walking or your dog is large, slip a broom handle through the straps and allow each person to hold one end.

Tips & Warnings

• Spread the pressure of a dog sling out over a larger area to make him more comfortable. A narrow strap may dig into his skin making walking uncomfortable.

• Keep steady lifting pressure on the sling but allow your dog to move freely. Encourage him to go on frequent outside assisted walks to to use the bathroom.

• See a vet about joint pain that occurs suddenly for no apparent reason.

Resources

• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
• The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats: Over 1,000 Solutions to Your Pet's Problems - From Top Vets, Trainers, Breeders, and Other Animal Experts
• Help Your Dog Fight Cancer: An Overview Of Home Care Options