The Best Dog Lift Harness: Updated

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: November 19, 2022
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It is heartbreaking to watch our beloved canine companions suffer from mobility issues due to age or injury. Making daily activities easier for them is crucial, such as going for a walk, climbing stairs, going to the bathroom, getting up from a lying position, or getting into and out of the car. You can support your dog’s activities that they used to do without difficulty by using a lift harness.

A lift harness relieves pressure on a dog’s shoulders, hips, spine, back, and legs so they can move more easily. A dog with arthritis, hip dysplasia, post-surgical mobility issues, or elderly dogs who have lost mobility may benefit from these devices.

Choosing the best lift harness for your pup requires consideration of several factors. We will explore different types of lift harnesses, their uses, and what you should look for when shopping for one. Find out which harness will allow your pup to move more comfortably and remain happy by reading on.

  1. GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness
    • Support harness for dogs with hip dysplasia and other mobility issues, or surgery recovery
    • Unisex design featuring cutouts for males or females
    • Available sizes Medium & Large for unisex design (other sizes available male/female specific)
    • Veterinary hospital approved
    • Machine washable
    Check Amazon
  2. Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
    • Rehabilitation and support dog lift sling
    • Breathable polyester blend with adjustable straps
    • Veterinarian recommended
    • Available XS - XXL in blue and black
    Check Amazon
  3. Loobani Portable Dog Sling
    • Sling lift support dog harness
    • Comfortable fleece lining
    • Adjustable straps, bright reflective strips
    • Size S-L
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Dog Life Harnesses Today

#1. Best Overall: GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness

We chose the GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness as our overall best dog lift harness. Puppies with limited mobility really benefit from it. In addition to a padded and comfortable harness, the harness also features adjustable straps for setting the height at a comfortable level for the dog’s owner.

A nylon pack cloth covers the exterior of the harness. In contrast to some other sling harnesses, this one has stay-on straps that connect the sling to your dog’s leash or chest harness. A detachable leash is also included.

In addition to helping dogs recover from surgeries and procedures, this harness also helps dogs with health conditions such as arthritis, vestibular disease, or degenerative myelopathy. In addition, it can be used to help pets with special needs who have difficulty with balance or mobility. In veterinary hospitals, the GingerLead Lift Harness is a popular choice for helping dogs recover and move more easily.

There are several sizes available for this harness. To prevent the harness from impairing a dog’s ability to go to the bathroom, there are also options specifically designed for male and female dogs. It has been mentioned that the design does pose a challenge for male dogs when it comes to using the bathroom. With GingerLead’s sizing chart, you can make sure your pup gets the right harness.

Pros and Cons of the GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness

ProsCons
Veterinarians throughout the United States use GingerLeads for dogs recovering from surgery or suffering from various mobility issues.Male dogs have difficulty urinating with this harness on.
In order to assist dogs with using the bathroom more easily, the lift harness comes in a variety of sizes for both males and females.
Adjustable straps allow the owner to set the harness’ height to a comfortable level.
Best Lift Harness
GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness
  • Support harness for dogs with hip dysplasia and other mobility issues, or surgery recovery
  • Unisex design featuring cutouts for males or females
  • Available sizes Medium & Large for unisex design (other sizes available male/female specific)
  • Veterinary hospital approved
  • Machine washable
Check Amazon

2. Best Full Body Lift Harness: Coodeo Dog Lift Harness

If you need to help your dog companion move and walk more easily, you should consider the Coodeo Dog Lift Harness. Even with extended wear, your pet will remain comfortable wearing this full-body vest.

For ease of movement, you can detach the lifting belt from the harness. For dogs with front leg injuries, you can use the front two buckles, while for pups with rear leg injuries, you can use the back two buckles. A user-friendly design was the goal of Coodeo when designing this model. With it, you can assist your dog while walking, climbing stairs, entering and exiting the car, and so many other everyday activities. In addition to Velcro fasteners and buckles, it features a design that allows a dog to go to the bathroom comfortably.

It is easy to clean the harness by handwashing it with cold water and a mild detergent when necessary. You can then use it again after it has dried out naturally. Six sizes are available to fit pups of all sizes. There are six sizes available, ranging from extra-small for dogs with a chest circumference of 13 to 16 inches to extra-extra-large for dogs with a chest circumference of 36 to 39 inches. Getting a proper fit for your dog can be challenging. Durability concerns were also identified by customers, particularly with buckles breaking during use. This harness is generally recommended for dogs who have problems with their front legs.

Pros and Cons of the Coodeo Dog Lift Harness

ProsCons
Your dog’s front and back legs will be supported by this lifting harness.There is a risk of buckles breaking when used.
This harness comes in a wide selection of sizes to fit dogs of all sizes.
The buckles can be detached and adjusted so you can lift and secure your dog from the side where it’s needed.
Best Full Body
Coodeo Dog Lift Harness
  • Rehabilitation and support dog lift sling
  • Breathable polyester blend with adjustable straps
  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Available XS - XXL in blue and black
Check Amazon

3. Best Sling Lift Harness: Loobani Portable Dog Sling

With the Loobani Portable Dog Sling, your injured or elderly pup will be able to receive the assistance they need. By sliding the sling under your dog, you will be able to relieve pressure from their injured areas. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, weak hind legs, and limited mobility due to aging can benefit from this harness.

Portable and easy to use, the sling is always at your fingertips when your pup needs assistance. The inner lining is very soft, padded, made from very breathable materials, and without any sharp edges that could irritate the skin. It can also be machine-washed, so keeping it clean will be a breeze.

Furthermore, this model is made of a very sturdy material that won’t slip out from under your pup. You can adjust the length of the handles to ensure that you are comfortable while helping your pal and can provide them with the support they need. For owners, Loobani added removable padding to the handle.

The Loobani Portable Dog Sling has only one disadvantage: it is not suitable for giant dogs. You may not be able to use this sling if your dog weighs more than 50 pounds.

ProsCons
The harness is recommended for dogs who have joint or back leg issues.For dogs exceeding 50 pounds, the Loobani Portable Dog Sling is not recommended.
It has a padded bottom and is made of durable, breathable material.
To make cleaning easier, the harness can be machine washed.
Best Sling Lift
Loobani Portable Dog Sling
  • Sling lift support dog harness
  • Comfortable fleece lining
  • Adjustable straps, bright reflective strips
  • Size S-L
Check Amazon

What to Look For in the Best Dog Lift Harness

A lift harness typically consists of just a few essential parts, and its design is quite simple. A great lift harness, however, will make things easier for your pet, while a substandard product will not provide him with the comfort and support he needs. 

In selecting lift harnesses, we looked for designs made with comfortable, yet strong materials that could support any pet’s weight. Choosing harnesses that are comfortable to grip for owners was also an important factor since the owner must help the dog maneuver successfully without being inconvenienced. Furthermore, we looked for lift harnesses recommended by veterinarians and appropriate for a variety of mobility issues dogs may have as a result of surgery, aging, or innate limitations. 

When choosing the best dog lift harness for your dog, keep these three factors in mind:

  • Design and needs
  • Materials and comfort 
  • Size and fit 

Below we will take a closer look at all of these factors in more detail:

Design and Needs

Your dog’s specific needs should be considered when choosing a lift harness. Is there any specific kind of injury they have suffered, and what part of their body is affected most? There are harnesses that are designed for the front end, others for the back end, and still others that offer support to gently lift both ends of the dog.

A sling harness may be a good option if your canine companion only needs support for certain activities or only requires a lift harness on a temporary basis. With these models, you can take them with you wherever you go.

If you want to hold your dog comfortably, choose a model that has an ergonomic design that distributes the weight evenly. This can be achieved by choosing a harness with adjustable straps.

Materials and Comfort

When shopping for a lift harness, materials and comfort should also be considered. It’s important to choose something that will be comfortable for your dog’s skin and won’t irritate it. An animal who struggles with mobility should not be subjected to further discomfort.

In addition, the material must be durable, flexible, and strong enough to support your pup’s weight. In addition, look at the material and design of the hand straps, since you’ll be holding and using them to support your pet’s weight.

Size and Fit

Lastly, pick a lift harness that fits your dog well. A harness must be tight enough to prevent them from slipping or escaping and provide enough support to relieve pressure. An overly tight harness, however, may also irritate the pup’s skin as it rubs against it.

To help you find the right size, manufacturers offer sizing guides. The tape measure will be your best friend when it comes to measuring and choosing the right harness size. It is still advisable to try the harness out inside before bringing your pet outdoors even after careful measurements have been taken.

The 3 Different Types of Dog Lift Harnesses

Different types of injury and mobility issues can be handled with lift harnesses. Harnesses are available to assist dogs with arthritis or spinal issues that impact their front legs, assist dogs with torn knee ligaments, and for lifting dogs when they need support. Dog lift harnesses come in three different types, each with its own pros and cons. 

The three types of dog lift harnesses include: 

  • Front Leg Support Harnesses — This harness relieves shoulder and neck pressure caused by traditional harnesses. Finding the right size for your dog may be more challenging. A leash can be attached to it
  • Rear Leg Support Harnesses — Supports a dog’s rear legs to make walking easier. When male dogs need to urinate, it can get in the way 
  • Occasional Lifting Harnesses — The device is easily portable so that it can be kept on hand when needed. It cannot be attached to a leash. Helps with both front and rear leg problems. An ideal solution to offer temporary support to a dog recovering from an injury

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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

The Best Dog Lift Harness: Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a lift harness?

A lift harness is designed to help dogs with limited mobility. They are often designed as a sling or something similar that can wrap around a dog’s body and alleviate pressure on their legs, hips, or spine. Owners can use the lift harness to help support their pets through daily activities such as stairs, walking, using the potty, getting into or out of a car, and more.

Why do dogs need a lift harness?

Lifting harnesses are often recommended for older dogs or other dogs who are having mobility issues. They are designed to allow owners to help their dogs with everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking, or getting up and down out of a car.

Using a lifting harness supports a pup, places less strain on their ligaments and tendons, and makes it easier for them to remain stable and move easily. With less pressure on their legs, hips, or spine, dogs with an injury will be able to recover more quickly.

What is the best lift harness?

The best lift harness for one animal may look different from the best lift harness for another animal. When choosing a lift harness for your canine companion, consider the overall design. Look for a sling that has an adjustable height and multiple points for carrying to help you offer the best support for your canine. You should also choose a harness that is made from durable materials to ensure it will hold up well to frequent use.

As you’re shopping, also consider the fit of the harness. Use the sizing guide and measure your pup’s chest to make sure the harness won’t be too tight to cause irritation of the skin or too loose to prevent them from getting the support they need.

Our overall top pick for the best lift harness is the GingerLead Dog Support & Rehab Sling Harness. We chose this model because of the excellent support it allows you to provide to your pup to relieve pressure and help them increase their mobility or recover from an injury.

How do you use a lift harness?

Since each lift harness is a bit different, the exact manner in which you use them may vary. However, generally, you’ll need to grab the handle or strap on the harness or sling and pull it up gently as your pet is walking. This will help remove pressure from your dog’s legs, shoulders, hips, spine, and feet and make it easier and more comfortable for them to walk.

You can also use these harnesses for stairs to take some weight off their hips and legs to make it easier to get up their stairs. Lift harnesses can also help you carefully get a dog with mobility issues or injuries into or out of a car safely.

Does a lifting harness make it harder to go potty?

Depending on the specific design of the harness and the nature of your pup’s ailment, a lifting harness may make it more difficult to use the bathroom. This is particularly true of males trying to pee. Generally, females don’t have trouble peeing or pooping with a lifting harness on. If you are worried about your furry friend being able to pee or poop easily in their harness, there are some models specifically designed with this in mind.

How do you clean a lifting harness?

The cleaning directions for lifting harnesses may vary between manufacturers, but most can be washed in a washing machine. In most cases, you’ll need to air-dry the harness, rather than putting it in the dryer. Always consult with the specific care instructions from the manufacturer before cleaning a lifting harness.

What benefits are associated with using a lifting harness?

Many dogs with limited mobility can benefit from a lifting harness. It can help you support your dog’s weight and make his or her walk easier, give you more control over the direction your dog moves, and help you assist them in performing everyday activities, such as getting into the car, walking, and going potty. These harnesses are great for rehab and healing injured muscles or joints.

Can my dog wear his lift harness for an extended period of time or when sleeping?

No, in most cases, your dog will not be able to wear his or her lift harness for an extended period of time. Many lift harnesses are not fixed onto a dog like a standard harness is and will simply fall off if you aren’t holding them.

Although some harnesses can be left on a dog during the day, it is probably best to remove them at night. It may be uncomfortable for your dog to wear the harness for too long. Additionally, if the harness rubs against your dog’s skin too much, it may irritate it.

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