Hey guys! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about harnesses, and when they can be useful. First off, let’s go over the different types of harnesses, so that you are familiar with the options out there.
There is a sling harness, which is simply something that goes underneath the entire body and has handles that you can hold on to. This can be anything, from a towel, shopping bag that has been cut down, or something youbough on chewy. A sling is helpful if there is any spinal issues or hip discomfort, in giving full lower back and hip support. The downside to this sling is if you have a male dog, it will make it difficult to urinate outside. There is also more pressure on the bladder, so try to be aware of giving your pup more bathroom breaks.
The next type is a loop type harness, that goes around the back legs, not underneath them, and connects to a harness by the back shoulders. I prefer the help em up harness in this style, as there is a handle between the front shoulder blades, and the back hips. You can also use this style with leg braces, and keep it on for easy use. You simply lift the handle to help you dog stand up vs the sling harness you will need to lift your dog up and slide it underneath the belly.
Each harness has its own benefits. If you have a dog that has a newly injured CCL or ACL, then initially it may be easier to use a sling to help them up and down until you can get a help em up type harness. I would suggest an actual harness with handles for a CCL tear. If your dog, however, has both back legs affected, and potentially the spine, I would suggest a sling type harness, to give them better pelvis support.
Let us know if you have any questions about different types of harnesses! You can contact us via our contact page or our Facebook Page.
Healing injured dogs involves a combination of veterinary care and supportive measures at home. Always consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some commonly used canine healing methods for injured dogs:
Remember, individual cases may vary, and it’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s advice closely for the best outcome in your dog’s recovery using any canine healing methods . If you have any questions on how to help your injuried dog you can contact via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
While home treatments can be helpful for minor injuries or as supportive measures alongside veterinary care, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before attempting any treatment. Serious injuries or conditions require professional medical attention. Here are some general home treatments for injured dogs:
It’s crucial to note that while these home treatments can be beneficial for minor injuries or as supportive measures, they are not substitutes for professional veterinary care. If your dog experiences a significant injury or shows signs of distress, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Professional guidance ensures that the right diagnosis is made, and appropriate treatment is administered for a safe and speedy recovery. If you have any more questions about home treatments you can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page.
Hi guys, this is Nikki Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces, and today let’s discuss how many hours a day your dog should wear a knee brace. Now this also really depends on what we are treating. If we have a full CCL tear with meniscus involvement, I may suggest you use the brace more often than a patient with a partial tear.
Also, how much energy your dog has is a big factor on how many hours you really need to be using the brace. Some brace companies say wear the brace all day long, with no breaks. This can lead to a lot of problems initially, if you have not properly broken in the wearing time of your brace.
If you have a high energy dog, one that dives off of stairs and furniture, and is harder to control, you may be advised to use the brace a bit more. Now, we only suggest using braces during times that your dog is supervised. This is a medical device, and should not be worn without direct supervision. I would suggest starting out slow, just using the brace during walks and activities hours your veterinary technician will go over with you. Once your dog has been using the brace well, and you feel more confident, you can begin to increase the amount of time (hours) your dog uses the brace.
I still like to give breaks during the day, especially if there is a time they like to lay down and nap. For instance, using the brace for 2 to 3 hours in the morning, while they get the wiggles out, go potty, walk, and breakfast is perfectly fine. You may then opt to remove the brace during lunchtime, as most dogs calm down around this time. Then, you can place the brace back on in the afternoon, and remove prior to going to bed. This is just a suggested scenario, but again you do need to continue monitoring them with the brace.
We do not suggest any patient to wear the brace 8-12 hours a day, as anything that is worn that long on human or dog can cause skin irritation.
If your dog is pretty chill, relaxed, and only really active outside (such as giant breeds), then I would suggest using the brace just for activities. These can include walks, car rides, when someone comes to visit, playing with another dog, stairs, ect. If they spend most of their time laying down, it would not be comfortable to leave a brace on all day long. Let them get cozy, but we will be suggesting some Physical therapy activities to help prevent atrophy.
Put a sign outside your door, this will help discourage people from ringing the doorbell or knocking. Most dogs react to hearing a knock and doorbell, so if we can cut back on those times that will really help with preventing re-injury. Instead, put your phone number on the sign, so they can text you if someone arrives to visit.
Always feel free to speak to your service veterinary technician with any questions, that is what we are here for! Thank you, and give your dog a big hug for us!
You can contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page for more information.
Let Your Dog Recover With Our Custom Dog Knee Brace!
We’ve Helped Dogs All Around The World, Now We Want To Help Yours…
The Posh Dog Knee Brace is a 100% custom Dog knee brace, hand made only for your Dog. We make our custom brace with no casting. Our state-of-the-art brace for Dogs is very durable, waterproof, sand proof, and easily adjustable by customers. Our Veterinary Technicians provide personal live video supervision of measuring, and fitting of your Dog ACL brace in the comfort of your own home.
Hey guys, my name is Nikki, and I am the Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s talk about Elbow Braces, and when your dog may need one. First of all, make sure you have a firm diagnosis from a Veterinarian that there is in fact an issue in the elbow. We suggest this prior to ordering any of our braces, just to be sure the issue is not something else. Neck pain can also show up as limping in the front leg, so make sure your veterinarian has gone over the entire body before diagnosing one of the following issues.
First issue, and the most common, is Osteochondrosis Dessecans, or OCD. You may hear OCD said a lot in reference to younger dogs that grew too fast. This can happen in the shoulder, knee, and hock/ankle, as well as the elbow. We see this In large breed puppies receiving too much energy/protein and calcium in the diet. Genetics, rapid growth, trauma and hormones may also be a factor. This can be treated with surgery to remove the cartilage, however, bracing can provide some pain relief and support in the meantime.
Second is elbow dysplasia. This is basically arthritis in the elbows, and can be painful. Bracing can alleviate some of the strain and pressure on the elbow, allowing the patient to use the sore leg again.
Another issue we see in the elbow is Degenerative Joint disease. This can also cause multiple joint issues, such as CCL tears and hip issues. Support of the joint with an elbow brace will definitely help in these cases.
Chronic Joint instability is another issue, where we need to stabilize the joint to prevent motion and pain. The more a joint moves abnormally, the more chance of early on set arthritis forming.
Elbow Luxation is another issue, although not as common. The brace in this case will help keep things in alignment, and alleviate some of the discomfort with this condition.
We have also had patients that had Tricepts Tendon Avulsion surgery, and braced them post op with lots of success. This is usually due to a trauma, but keeping the elbow stable and preventing movement can be key for healing.
Lastly, prevention of elbow hygromas. These are those swollen areas that can sometimes be filled with fluid on the back of a dog’s elbow. Usually due to laying on hard surfaces, like concrete, for long periods. Having protection on that elbow can really help.
Below is a recap of things the elbow brace can really help with, please let us know if you have any questions!
If you are interested or have questions about our Posh Dog Elbow Brace you can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Carpal hyperextension and other wrist injuries in dogs can cause discomfort and affect their mobility. Identifying these issues early is crucial for prompt veterinary intervention. Here are some signs and symptoms, as well as potential causes of canine carpal hyperextension and other common wrist injuries:
If you suspect a wrist injury in your dog, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, possibly including imaging, to diagnose the specific injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may involve rest, medication, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgical intervention. Early detection and intervention contribute to a better prognosis and faster recovery for your dog. If you are interested in a Posh Carpel/Wrist Brace or have questions you can contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Dog knee braces, also known as stifle braces, are orthopedic devices designed to provide support, stability. These braces are commonly used in the management of various knee-related issues, including ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, or after surgical procedures. The science behind dog knee braces involves biomechanics, support, and the promotion of healing. Here are some key aspects:
While knee braces can be beneficial, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and their effectiveness may vary depending on the nature and severity of the knee issue. Always consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and guidance on the use of knee braces for your dog’s specific condition. Also check the materials, and make sure the brace is custom.
If you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace you can order online or contact us with more information, visit our Facebook Page to see what our customers have to say.
Hello! This is Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today let’s go over how to break-in a new Posh Custom Dog Brace. First, we want to take things nice and slow. You wouldn’t take a brand new pair of boots to Disneyland resort for 10 miles of walking each day I hope. Neither should we put a custom brace on a dog for 8-12 hours without first working into that time. Just like in people, a dog’s skin needs some time to get adjusted to wearing something.
Over the next few weeks, as we gradually increase the times we have them in the brace, the skin will start to thicken and get stronger. Just like our feet do with a new pair of shoes. After a few short weeks, they should be able to tolerate wearing the brace longer and longer.
In the first 1-2 weeks, we suggest only using the brace during short leashed walks. This is to get your dog used to walking in the brace, to prevent soreness, and to get their skin used to having something touching. It can take a patient sometimes up to 3-4 weeks for the soreness in the muscle to get better, just like if we did physical therapy.
You wouldn’t want to run a 10K marathon with no practice or training, right? Even if your dog was walking 4+ miles each day before the injury, we now have atrophy and muscle loss (yes even if its only been a few weeks). Starting out with nice slow walks, and building up the times slowly, will really help prevent soreness and rubbing issues.
We typically don’t see rubbing sores with Posh, because we are so clear on our direction to our clients. Wearing the brace gradually more and more each week, really helps them adapt to having something touching their sensitive areas. The upper groin and ankle area seem to be the most common areas we see any irritation, and usually if the brace was worn for too long too fast. Doing 10-15 minutes twice daily for 2 weeks, then adding 15 minutes weekly to their walk schedule will really help.
We have this break-in schedule completely broken down for our clients in the handouts we send after the brace has been fit properly with a technician. A custom brace should never be worn right off without some sort of consultation, to ensure proper fit and make sure your dog is using the brace properly. Any company that does not do this is a red flag in my book.
Let me know if you have any questions about our break-in schedule! Please contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page.
Nikki, Posh Lead Veterinary Technician
Holistic treatment for your dog’s injuries involves considering the overall well-being of the animal, addressing physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Always consult with a holistic veterinarian before implementing holistic approaches to ensure they are safe and suitable for your dog’s specific condition. Here are some holistic strategies for treating your dog’s injuries:
Remember that holistic approaches should complement, not replace, conventional veterinary care. It’s important to work closely with a veterinarian who has experience in holistic or integrative medicine to create a comprehensive and safe treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
If you are interested in one of our Posh Dog Braces you contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook Page for more information.
Enzyme therapy is a holistic approach that involves the use of specific enzymes to support the healing process in injured dogs. While some anecdotal evidence and studies suggest potential benefits, it’s important to note that this approach should be used under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian, and more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy. Here are some aspects of enzyme therapy that may be considered for quick dog injury recovery:
It’s essential to approach therapy with caution and only after consultation with a veterinarian. Enzyme supplements may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain medical conditions. Additionally, the quality and source of supplements can vary, so it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers.
While some pet owners report positive experiences with this therapy, it should not replace traditional veterinary care. Veterinary guidance is crucial to ensure that the chosen therapy is appropriate for the specific injury and overall health of the dog. Always discuss any complementary or alternative therapies with your veterinarian before incorporating them into your dog’s treatment plan.
If you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace contact us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page for more information.
Reiki is a form of alternative therapy that originated in Japan and is based on the concept of channeling healing energy through the practitioner’s hands. While scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Reiki is limited, some dog owners and practitioners believe that it can provide various benefits for dogs. It’s essential to note that Reiki should not replace conventional veterinary care but can be used as a complementary approach.
While some dog owners report positive experiences with Reiki, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and consult with a veterinarian before incorporating it into your dog’s care plan. Always prioritize conventional veterinary care for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
For more information on how to help your dog recover with their injuries or if you are interested in a Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact page or visit us on Facebook.
Hey guys! Nikki, Lead Veterinary Technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces here. Let’s talk about the importance of pet insurance. I know I have touched on this before, but let’s explain the benefits, especially where orthopedics are concerned. If you asked me 2 years ago, I did not have my dog’s insured, and thought they were healthy, so it’s a waste of money right? Boy was I wrong. My very healthy 8 year old athletic dog went down suddenly, not wanting to get up or eat. I immediately took her to the emergency vet, where it was diagnosed she had a ruptured splenic tumor.
Let’s just say the bills from this visit were astronomical, and still I couldn’t save my dog. Now I am still paying off a bill for a dog that has been gone for over 2 years now. I can’t blame the vet, they did everything they could to save my girl. I can only blame myself, because I knew about insurance for her and still held off.
Now with my new girl Coco, we immediately got pet insurance. She has had cheat grass in her ears, tummy infections, and everything was covered. I would be another few thousand in debt if I did not have insurance on my girl.
Let me tell you about a family member’s dog. He developed a cough, which turned out to be the start of heart failure. To treat him for just 2 days, in order to get him stable to go home, was over $5,000. They were not ready to say goodbye to their fur baby, and of course put this on their credit card. They are now into their dog about $10,000. He is doing much better, but they will also be paying for his care many years after he has passed.
My insurance will cover up to 90%, leaving only $97 if I ever need a custom posh brace for Coco. Now that $35/month is sounding better and better I bet. Or, if your dog has any other orthopedic issues, such as luxating patella, shoulder issues, spinal issues, those are all covered.
I have another scenario that happened to a client’s dog. He was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, common in daschunds and other small breeds, and one day could not walk on his hind legs. He needed emergency surgery, which was over $10,000, in order to walk again. Thankfully the owner had insurance, and was able to do the surgery with under $1k out of pocket. He went on to live another 5 years, running and playing like nothing happened.
So, I urge you, if you are on the fence about insurance, please take some time to call a few companies. There are many to choose from now, and most are very affordable. Much more affordable than a monthly credit card bill for treatments. Don’t let money ever be the reason to say goodbye to your best friend. Feel free to reach out to us if you would like some suggestions on companies that we know work with braces. Thanks!
You can contact us via our contact page or you can visit our Facebook page to talk to others who have used our brace.
Today we will go over some common asked questions about custom braces for dogs.
Why does our brace cost more than the over the counter options for $400-$500?
This is a good question! First off, most custom orthotics will be in the $900-$1200 range, as there is much more involved in the production than the over the counter options. For instance, with our brace each client gets 4+ hours of customer service with our veterinary technicians, both guiding them in measurements, fitting calls, rehab assistance, and supplement/diet help. There is also a lot more production time needed for custom products, and we do not start until we have the measurements from the patient. Over the counter braces are a “one brace fits all” product, so they have sized like small, medium, and large.
They do not take into account patients that are more bow legged like our staffies, or patients that need the top shell brought down a bit more to accommodate shorter legs. Plus, we do have a warranty on the parts of our brace, where a non-custom product is not only non refundable, but there is no warranty. The buyer essentially takes on all of the risk. I have many patients that have purchased a non-custom brace first, only to find it did not fit well, and were stuck. Then, they went with our Posh Dog knee Brace, and loved the custom fit, non sliding option.
Does a custom product have straps that go over the back?
No, custom braces will not have straps or stirrups that hold them in place. This is because we are a direct fit to the patient. Non-custom products are not made for your dog’s leg, so they must be held up by straps and stirrups. Our brace utilizes a hock wrap, that goes around the ankle, to help keep things from slipping down. This, and our unique strapping system, make it so our brace is much more simple to use.
Do custom dog braces need to be casted? My vet told me only to use casted braces
No, at Posh Dog Knee Braces we use a proprietary online program, that allows us to make a digital model of your dog’s leg, using specific measurements. This is why we have a veterinary technician watching and helping each patient take the measurements that we need. Our process is much faster and easier than casting, and production typically only 3-4 business days, with express shipping.
What is the materials of a custom vs. non custom brace? Are they made of the same stuff?
Again, great question. A non custom, over the counter brace is made of cheaper materials, such as neoprene and sometimes a cheaper metal hinge. This means they are not going to last you long, and will not be waterproof. Our Posh Brace is made of only the best orthotic materials, similar to pediatric orthotics, so that they are both durable, comfortable, and easily cleaned. Our dog knee brace can also be used in hydrotherapy.
For more information you can reach us via our contact form or visit our Facebook Page.
Hey guys, this is Nikki, lead veterinary technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. Today, lets discuss weight management in our spayed and neutered pups. It is well known that spaying and neutering, after a certain safe age, is recommended by almost every veterinarian. It is very important in the prevention of overpopulation, and other health concerns, however, it also predisposes our pups to obesity. Unfortunately, many vets are so quick to schedule your dog for surgery, and there is simply no information given to the owners as far as where to go now.
So, now we have this relatively healthy dog, young and probably more active, and we just took away the hormones that helped keep their weight in check. Post spay and neuter, their metabolic energy decreases significantly. This means that we need to also be cutting back the calories, by at least 25%. The other issue, especially with females, is that the hormone estrogen helps to keep their appetite at bay. Taking this hormone away can give your dog an increase in appetite, which is bad in a patient that needs to decrease the calories taken in per day.
So, now you go back in for your annual checkup, to find your baby has gained weight. The veterinarian possibly tells you that your dog needs to go on a weight loss diet, or be given less food per day. So, now you have a dog that just went through major hormonal changes, and has increased food cravings, yet you are feeding them barely any food.
Sound familiar? This equals out to an unhappy dog, and in return and unhappy owner. So, what is the solution, because it is also essential that we spay and neuter to be good pet parents, and do our part to prevent overpopulation.
This is where it is time to get proactive. Feel free to include your veterinarian in your plan, as you will need a way to weigh your dog every 2-4 weeks to check their weight. The good news is this is free😊 Now, it is time to implement the proper spay and neuter diet. For those that feed a raw diet already, you should not need to make any real changes.
The key is to increase protein and fiber, but keep in mind it needs to be healthy fiber. There are a few expensive brand foods marketed to spayed and neutered pets that the first ingredient is chicken by product. Double yuck! Just keep in mind that carbs will not help with weight loss. Foods with lots of rice for example are not meant for weight loss. It may be bland, but it will cause weight gain.
Try discussing with your veterinarian before you plan to spay or neuter, ask them to help you develop a proper diet to keep your dog healthy for years to come! This also will help prevent issues with joints potentially in the future.
Please let me know if you have any questions, you can contact us through our contact form or visit us on our Facebook page.
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Hey guys, this is Nikki, Lead Veterinary technician with Posh Dog Knee Braces. So, today I would like to talk about feeding raw diets, pros cons and why it has been clinically proven. First off, studies show that puppies that are raw fed starting at 8 weeks old have a significant decrease in their chances of Atopic dermatitis, and much less chance of developing obesity and cholesterol/glucose issues later on, such as diabetes. They also have an increased resistance to roundworms, which is great news. There is also shinier coats, healthy skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, smaller stools, and most important is healthy weight.
It has been shown to be a great support for joint health, so dogs with CCL tears! Crushed bone provides calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and marrow. This also helps immune systems!
The biggest questions we hearis, Is it safe to feed or dog a raw diet feed? Well, this is a great question. It depends on how you are raw feeding. Some meat may have chemical contaminants, microbial pathogens such as salmonella or e. colli, or there is the issue of feeding whole bones, or unbalanced diet. Bones if not ground properly, or supervised, can cause impactions, or gastric tears, fractures on teeth, etc. So, it is very important if you choose to Raw feed, please do your homework.
What is raw diet food? Typically, this includes muscle meat (not by products), bones whole or ground (I prefer ground), organ meat, raw egg, vegetables, fruit, some probiotics. This can be either via homemade diet, or via pre-made packages. The nice thing about purchasing packaged raw food is that they must provide cleansing methods to prevent contaminations, and grind down any bone material, so it is a bit safer.
There are many companies that can provide frozen raw diets for your pup, just make sure to look at ingredients to ensure they include things that your dog should be eating. One good thing about feeding frozen raw already prepared, is most will have supplements your dog needs already as a part of the diet.
So, whether you feed kibble currently or raw, your dog’s diet is a big decision. We all know that dogs were not meant to eat things like wheat, corn, and soy. Some carbohydrates are required for energy, so there needs to be a good balance. Raw feeding is a huge life change, and can sometimes not be as budget friendly as commercial diets, so that is another thing to consider before making the change. I am not trying to sway you either way, just giving you all the facts on both sides. Let us know if you have any questions, send us a message through our contact form or visit our Facebook page.
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