Pet Support Devices

As pets age, recover from surgery, or experience changes in mobility, vision, or anxiety, the right support tools can make a meaningful difference in comfort, safety, and quality of life. We are thoughtful and selective about the devices we recommend. In our experience, well-designed, name-brand veterinary products consistently work better, last longer, and are far better tolerated by pets than inexpensive alternatives.

Below are some of the tools we most commonly recommend and why they are so effective.

Mobility Support for Dogs

Help ’Em Up Harness

For dogs with arthritis, weakness, neurologic disease, or post-injury recovery, the Help ’Em Up Harness is one of the most valuable mobility tools available. This harness provides balanced front and rear support, allowing owners to assist dogs safely without awkward lifting or strain. Unlike simple slings, it distributes weight evenly and gives dogs a sense of stability.

Equally important, it prevents dogs from scrambling on slippery floors. Many senior dogs fall not because they are profoundly weak, but because they lose confidence when their feet slide out from under them. The Help ’Em Up Harness provides predictable support, which restores confidence and encourages movement rather than fear or hesitation.

Bulk Yoga Mats

One of the simplest and most effective ways to support dogs on slippery flooring is the use of bulk yoga mats. These provide excellent traction on hardwood, tile, and laminate floors and are easy to cut and customize for hallways, feeding areas, and favorite resting spots. They are washable, cost-effective, and far less frustrating for dogs than boots or socks.

For many dogs, strategic placement of yoga mats results in immediate improvement in stability and confidence, making this one of our first-line recommendations for mobility challenges in the home.

Raised Feeders

Raised feeders can be very helpful for dogs with arthritis, neck pain, or generalized mobility limitations. By allowing pets to eat in a more natural posture, raised bowls reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and spine. This can make daily meals more comfortable and safer, especially for senior dogs or those recovering from injury. Raise to the level of the shoulder.

Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips

For dogs who struggle with traction, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are one of our favorite solutions. These provide continuous grip by fitting directly onto the nails, allowing dogs to maintain natural paw sensation while improving stability.

We strongly prefer ToeGrips over boots for dogs with mobility issues. In our experience, most dogs strongly dislike boots, which can interfere with balance, proprioception, and confidence. ToeGrips offer reliable traction without restricting movement and work well both indoors and outdoors.

Exercise, Strengthening, and Surgical Support

FitBone

FitBone is an excellent tool for controlled exercise, strengthening, and post-surgical rehabilitation. It is commonly used in physical rehabilitation to improve core strength, balance, and limb awareness. For dogs recovering from surgery or managing chronic orthopedic conditions, FitBone allows for safe, targeted muscle engagement without high-impact stress.

When used appropriately, this type of conditioning can support recovery, slow progression of weakness, and improve overall mobility and confidence.

Surgical and Post-Operative Support

E-Collars

Elizabethan collars, commonly called “e-collars” or “cones,” remain an important tool for protecting surgical sites, wounds, and bandages when pets are determined to lick or chew. They are the gold standard product that we recommend for anything that requires protection. A properly fitted e-collar should extend beyond the tip of the nose at least 2 inches to fit correctly. While not every pet needs one, e-collars are often the most reliable option for preventing self-trauma, particularly after surgery or when wounds are located in areas that are difficult to cover with a surgical suit or wrap.

Although many pets find cones inconvenient at first, most adjust quickly with proper fit and guidance. A correctly sized, rigid e-collar keeps the pet safe without restricting breathing, eating, or resting. We recommend using e-collars when advised, even if they seem uncomfortable initially — preventing licking and chewing is critical to proper healing, and cones remain one of the most effective ways to do that safely.

Surgical Suits

Surgical suits are an excellent alternative to traditional cones for many dogs and cats recovering from spay, neuter, or abdominal surgery. They reduce licking and chewing at incision sites while allowing pets to move, rest, and sleep more comfortably. In our experience, pets tolerate surgical suits far better than e-collars, resulting in less stress during recovery.

No Flap Ear Wrap

For ear issues such as ear tip bleeding, hematomas, or laceration protection, no-flap ear wraps are extremely effective. These wraps help prevent head shaking trauma, provide gentle compression, and stay in place far better than improvised bandages. We strongly recommend name-brand versions, as we have found many of the alternatives often fail to provide adequate support.

Limb Injury and Wound Support

DogLeggs

For limb wounds, pressure sores, and injury protection, DogLeggs products are specifically designed for dogs and provide thoughtful, functional support. These products protect healing tissues while allowing appropriate movement and circulation, making them particularly useful during recovery from injury or surgery.

MediPaw Boots

MediPaw boots are a useful short-term solution for protecting an injured or healing paw. They are particularly helpful for keeping bandages clean and dry, protecting surgical sites, wounds, or irritated skin during outdoor walks, and preventing licking when direct supervision isn’t possible. Compared to many pet boots, MediPaw boots are more secure, more durable, and better designed for medical use rather than fashion.

Vision Loss Support

Walkin’ Pets Halo

For dogs experiencing vision loss, the Walkin’ Pets Halo can be a life-changing tool. The halo acts as a gentle buffer, preventing face and shoulder collisions while dogs learn to navigate their environment safely. Many dogs regain confidence and independence as they adjust to vision changes, particularly as they age.