The Best Hock Braces For Dogs to Help With Recovery
When your dog is injured or has creaky joints, it is normal that they would need a little extra support. Strapping hock braces onto your dog's back legs will help them feel secure and get them on the right path to recovery.
Whether your dog is recovering from major surgery or needs to support their weak leg muscles, hock braces are the way to go. They look similar to a brace you would use for a sprained ankle or sore knee, but they are specifically designed for man’s best friend.
The braces slide over your dog’s back legs and fit securely over the lower section, known as the hock. Most designs are adjustable to provide a comfortable and tight fit. Hock braces help support your dog’s legs and provide compression, making it easier to walk. Though your dog may not love it at first, they’ll get used to it quickly, and you can always reward them for their efforts with a tasty treat. And the more they can continue walking on their own, without your assistance, the faster they’ll be able to get back to their normal, active lifestyle.
Best Hock Braces For Dogs to Consider
When purchasing hock braces for your dog, there are a few elements that you should research before narrowing down your decision. Your pup’s leg length, type of injury, and support needs should all be considered when purchasing hock braces for one or both back legs.
Hock braces can be worn after minor accidents, such as a dog bite or tripping while running. But your pup can also wear them before and after major surgeries. A hock brace holds the lower section of your dog’s leg, on either side of the ankle, to ensure it doesn’t experience any more pain or damage. When strapping the brace onto your dog’s leg, you should secure it more or less depending on their specific injury. Most options have multiple adjustable straps that tighten or loosen to fit your dog’s leg comfortably. But the best thing about hock braces is that they hug the unique angle of your dog’s lower legs to prevent hyperextension.
The size and length of your dog’s legs will also be a factor when purchasing hock braces. For example, a corgi requires much smaller braces than a golden retriever or Great Dane. In most cases, there is a sizing guide to help you compare your dog’s measurements to pick out the ideal braces. It is better to buy them slightly oversized as you can tighten them using the adjustable straps.
Finally, you should consider your dog’s support needs when choosing hock braces. While some designs are stretchy and slide over your dog’s ankle bone to provide compression, others have more specific support purposes. For dogs with torn ligaments, hock braces with an interior metal frame will more efficiently keep their legs upright than softer alternatives. But with so many options on the market, we know it can be overwhelming to pick the correct hock braces for your pet. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to help you decide.
Labra Dog Extra Supportive Hock Brace for Dogs
Made from high-quality neoprene, this Labra Dog hock brace has the perfect combination of strength and flexibility to support your pup. There are two straps on either side of the hole where your dog’s ankle can sit without getting squished. And you never have to slide the brace over their sore leg since the straps open completely to readjust.
The soft material uses compression to hold your pet’s joints and muscles in place instead of using stiff metal or plastic supports. And it is an ideal alternative to a traditional cone used for recovery since it won’t restrict their movement or ability to eat and drink.
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Covers wounds and supports weak joints
- Fits comfortably on either leg
Cons:
- Not designed for small breeds under 20 pounds
NeoAlly Hock Brace Set for Dogs
For dogs that need regular ankle support to get them through the day, this set from NeoAlly will get the job done right. These simple braces are identical, so you can use them on either leg. And the stretchy material is easy to slide over your pup’s feet and lower legs to secure the braces in place.
Each brace has adjustable straps on the side that double as reflective strips to make your dog more visible in the dark. And even though your dog may have injured only one leg, it is recommended that they wear both braces to ensure they don’t develop a limp or uneven walking pattern.
Pros:
- Breathable and soft neoprene material with nylon lining
- Multiple color options
- Soothes sore and swollen muscles
Cons:
- Dogs with slight hock bones may be able to remove the braces on their own
MerryMilo Compression Hock Brace for Dogs
It may be challenging to determine when your dog is experiencing joint pain because they can’t tell you. But if you notice they are limping or there is swelling around their hock bone, it is likely that they need some extra support in this area. MerryMilo’s hock braces come as a pair and are specifically designed to help with your dog’s aches and pains.
The full-coverage braces have metal supports on either side to hold your dog’s legs in place without hyperextending the joints. And there is a silicone ring around the open ankle hole to keep the braces in place as your dog moves and plays. Your dog will feel safe and secure in every situation when they’re wearing these modern hock braces.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight material
- Helpful size guide
- Safe to machine or hand wash
Cons:
- There aren’t small sizes available
AGON Hock Brace Joint Wrap for Dogs
Since every dog is unique, it can be challenging to find a hock brace that fits just right. AGON’s brace is available in multiple sizes and includes four adjustable straps on each one to ensure it isn’t too tight or too loose.
Helpful when dealing with a healing surgery or arthritis-related pain, this brace sits securely on either side of your dog’s ankle bone to provide relief. And, when they wear it regularly, it will help your dog get back on their feet faster and more comfortably than if they didn’t wear a hock brace.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Prevents dogs from licking wounds and raw skin
- Ideal for dogs with thin legs, such as greyhounds
Cons:
- It isn’t safe to wear this brace for more than two or three hours
NeoAlly Short Rear Leg Hock Brace Set
Breeds of all shapes and sizes need help recovering from an injury, which is why we love this hock brace from NeoAlly. Designed for dogs with short legs, this brace will keep your furry friends comfortable, no matter how close they are to the ground.
This pair of hock braces is slightly shorter than the standard to support short legs. And they slide easily over your pet’s paws to fit securely around their ankle bone. The adjustable straps create an even tighter fit if necessary. Plus, the added spring and metal inserts help with stability as your pup heals.
Pros:
- Reflective strips for added safety at night
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- You can remove the metal supports if your dog doesn’t need them
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a hock brace?
On your dog’s back legs, the hock is the bone that protrudes above the foot and points backward. You may be more accustomed to calling it your dog’s ankle since their knee sits further up on their leg. A hock brace holds the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in place around this delicate bone, especially after an accident or injury has occurred.
For minor strains and sprains, your dog may recover on their own with help from a brace. It will help keep them mobile while holding the leg in place to decrease swelling. But with more extreme injuries, the brace is useful as a secondary healing tool to discourage licking on sensitive areas and secure the leg before and after surgery.
How do I know if my dog needs to wear a hock brace?
If you notice your dog developing a limp or licking a spot around their hock, you should use a brace for added support. It may take a couple of days to notice a difference in how they walk and carry their weight. But if they have worn it for at least a few days and you don’t see any improvement, we recommend contacting your vet for further instruction.
How long is it safe for dogs to wear hock braces?
Hock braces should only be worn for two to three hours at a time. Even though they help hold your dog’s legs and provide support, they can become a crutch that prevents your pup from improving on their own. Taking the braces off after a couple of hours of wear will ensure they can regain strength in their muscles that they may have lost when recovering from surgery or an injury.
It is also recommended that dogs wear hock braces on both back legs, even if only one is hurt. Your dog will feel more comfortable walking because they’ll have even weight on each leg, which should help them recover faster and more efficiently. They can be worn alongside other accessories like their dog collar and dog harness, too.
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