If you have just been told that your dog has a torn ACL, then you are likely beginning your search for the best tools to help them recover. An ACL brace for dogs is a wonderful way to support your canine friend with a torn CCL, especially if you are unable to pursue surgery at this time. A quality ACL brace for dogs will help to minimize their pain with movement, take unnecessary stress off the knee with each step, and prevent further injury to the ligament as they recover. A dog with a torn CCL has a long road to recovery, but a supportive knee brace can get them avoid many bumps in the road.
If your dog with a torn CCL will be recovering without surgery, then a quality knee brace is essential for their healing. Thankfully for your canine companion with a torn CCL, there are a variety of knee braces on the market to choose from. We want to make sure your dog has the tools needed to gain back function of their injured leg, so let’s introduce you to our top picks for the best ACL braces in dogs. We will break them down based on support offered, comfort, quality, and more!
Let’s get started!
Check Amazon- Features a lateral aluminum splint
- Works to stabilize the knee and reduce movement
- Offers an ergonomic design
- Constructed from neoprene to help keep dogs comfortable
- Available in nine different sizes (mini to XXL) for both left and right legs
Check Amazon- Provides support and stability to knee joint
- Helps relieve pain
- Speeds up recovery
- Brace has 10 spring side stabilizers
- 7 sizes to choose from
Check Amazon- Improves stability and balance
- Offers superior comfort
- Helps to reduce pain caused by cruciate ligament injuries
- Enables faster recovery
Check Amazon- Available in eight different sizes ranging from XXX-small to XX-large
- Choose a right- or left-sided brace depending on which knee needs support
- Size guide to ensure a proper fit for your pup.
1. Best Overall – Ortocanis Original Knee Immobilizer for Dogs
Our #1 choice for the best overall ACL brace for dogs is the Ortocanis Knee Immobilizer. This brace comes in nine size options ranging from mini to extra-large, which means you can find the best fit for any size canine friend. You can also choose either a right or left knee option upon ordering, so the stabilizer within the brace will have the perfect angles needed to offer the best support. There is an easy-to-use sizing guide graphic in the product description, so you can make sure that you choose the best sizing option for your little one.
This ACL brace for dogs is designed to offer skilled support for dogs with a severe CCL injury. The brace has sturdy aluminum splints that lie on both sides of the knee, helping to immobilize your dog’s knee joint each time they take a step. You never want your pup to hyperextend the ligament as it attempts to heal, so these structures help to prevent just that.
In addition to preventing any risky lateral movements of the knee, this brace offers enough support to alleviate your dog’s pain as they recover. By keeping the knee joint stable and applying adequate pressure to the area, most dogs appear to have significant pain relief with basic physical activity.
It’s important to note that while there are many positive reviews for this ACL brace, it seems like the most common negative review is that the brace does not always stay in place when a dog is moving around. This is why we suggest also purchasing their knee brace fastening belt pack, as this appears to solve any slipping issues customers have.
Pros and Cons of the Ortocanis Original Knee Immobilizer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure splints on both sides of the knee for immobilization | The brace can slip, so you might need to purchase their brace belt pack based on your dog’s body shape |
| Knee stabilization that helps to prevent painful lateral movements | It is only available in black |
| Sturdy support that prevents stress on the knee joint during physical activity |
- Features a lateral aluminum splint
- Works to stabilize the knee and reduce movement
- Offers an ergonomic design
- Constructed from neoprene to help keep dogs comfortable
- Available in nine different sizes (mini to XXL) for both left and right legs
2. Easy To Use – ABMOS Dog Knee Brace
The ABMOS Dog Knee Brace is one of our top picks due to how easy it is to use. Though it may have a simple to follow velcro application, there is nothing simple about the impressive technology that this brace offers. First, this brace comes in 7 different sizes ranging from small to XXXL. Each velcroed section is adjustable (around the leg and the waist), so there is more room for customization within each size as well.
There is an easy-to-use sizing guide graphic in the product description, so you can best determine your dog’s appropriate size based on their leg girth. However, some reviews did say that the sizing guide was a bit off based on the brace they received, and dogs with shorter legs appeared to have more difficulties with slipping of the brace.
One of the most impressive aspects of this ACL brace for dogs is the pain relief design. While the material itself is breathable neoprene, it contains thin splints within the brace that run alongside the knee. This means that while it is flexible and offers comfortable movement for the dog, it still provides enough support to prevent stress to the area with movement. It does not completely immobilize the knee, but it does stabilize the area when it is tightened properly.
Pros and Cons of the ABMOS Dog Knee Brace
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy Velcro application | Dogs with short legs appear to have more difficulty with sizing |
| Velcro can be adjusted for the best fit | Does not completely immobilize the knee |
| Supportive splints within the brace for stabilization and pain relief | It is only available in black |
- Provides support and stability to knee joint
- Helps relieve pain
- Speeds up recovery
- Brace has 10 spring side stabilizers
- 7 sizes to choose from
3. Best Comfort – Ortocanis Original Dog Knee Brace
Our top pick for the most comfortable ACL brace for dogs goes to the Ortocanis Original Dog Knee Brace. This brace comes in nine sizes that range from mini to extra-large, and it offers both a right and left option to best support your dog’s unique injury. There is an easy-to-use sizing graphic that helps you choose the best sizing option for your pup, as well as a breed reference for additional clarity.
While this is from the same company as the Ortocanis Knee Immobilizer we listed as our top choice, this product is for the pups that do not need the amount of support that the knee immobilizer offers. The Ortocanis Original Dog Knee Brace is made of 2mm neoprene and is completely flexible, and it does not contain the thick splints that the Immobilizer contains. This means that while this brace may not prevent the knee joint from moving completely, it is much more comfortable for the furry friend that wears it.
In addition to being comfortable enough for the dog to wear all day, this brace utilizes temperature control to promote optimal healing. By keeping the area surrounding the knee warm and increasing the blood circulation to the healing ligament, this helps to create an environment that is ideal for tissue repair.
The main con for this product is that it appears to slip easily in some canine friends. Similar to the Ortocanis Knee Immobilizer we listed above, they do suggest purchasing their knee brace fastening belt pack to help keep this brace in place for long term wear.
Pros and Cons of the Ortocanis Original Dog Knee Brace
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible material that improves comfort | The brace does seem to slip in some dogs, so you may need to order their brace fastening belt pack as well |
| Temperature technology that improves blood circulation and promotes healing | It is only available in black |
| Right and left options for improved sizing ability |
- Improves stability and balance
- Offers superior comfort
- Helps to reduce pain caused by cruciate ligament injuries
- Enables faster recovery
4. Best Value – Kruuse Rehab Knee Protector
Our knee brace for dogs choice that offers the best value is the Kruuse Rehab Knee Protector. This brace offers all the support without the hefty price tag, so any pet parents on a budget can still support their dog’s torn CCL recovery journey. This brace is offered in sizes ranging from XXX-small to XX-large, but it does appear that their stock fluctuates from time to time. Their sizing guide offers guidance on how to measure your pup in 5 different locations to ensure the best fit, so you are sure to find the best option for your canine friend. The brace is also offered in both a left and right option, so this helps to ensure that each brace best suits the injured leg in question.
The Kruuse Rehab Knee Protector uses elastic technology to help stabilize the injure knee in dogs with a torn CCL. When adjusted properly to squeeze around the knee and wrap around the hips, the dog is offered knee support that prevents unnecessary stress to the healing ligament. This brace is designed with rehabilitation in mind, so it supports the injured ligament until the body no longer needs the help of the brace. This brace allows your dog to still participate in basic activities with minimal pain, so by the time your dog’s ligament heals, the other muscles in the area will not have withered away.
Pros and Cons of the Kruuse Rehab Knee Protector
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable cost without sacrificed quality | The stock appears to fluctuate, so they may not have all size options at all times |
| Wraps around both the knee and the hip for optimal support | It is only available in black |
| Uses elastic technology for joint stabilization |
- Available in eight different sizes ranging from XXX-small to XX-large
- Choose a right- or left-sided brace depending on which knee needs support
- Size guide to ensure a proper fit for your pup.
How to Choose the Best ACL Brace for Your Dog
When it is time to search for the perfect ACL brace for your dog, there are a few important considerations you need to keep in mind. We want you to find the very best brace option for your canine companion, so let’s break down the factors you need to determine before your purchase.
The Severity of Your Dog’s Injury
Understanding the severity of your dog’s CCL injury will help you choose the best knee brace for them. For example, if you have been told that your dog has a complete CCL tear and you cannot move forward with surgery at this time, then you will need to choose a brace with complete knee immobilization. On the other hand, if your dog has just strained their CCL, then your pup might do well with a brace that simply offers support and pain relief when they go on long walks. The best way to better understand your dog’s CCL injury is by speaking with your veterinary team.
Sizing
The only way an ACL brace will work for your dog is if it fits correctly. Because of this, you will want to make sure that you examine each brace’s sizing guide before you purchase it. Most quality braces will offer detailed sizing and instructions on how to measure your dog correctly. If your brace of interest does not include a sizing guide, then it might not be the best choice.
Material & Durability
Making sure your dog ACL brace of choice is made of quality material is essential for your canine friend. This is not only because the brace has an important job of supporting a dog’s injured knee, but it is something your dog will be wearing for an extended period of time. Most dogs require a CCL brace for a minimum of 8 weeks, so you want to make sure you are choosing a brace that can stand up to repetitive use. We suggest keeping an eye out for braces that are made with a material called neoprene, as this material is comfortable on the skin, water proof, and durable.
Veterinary Approval
Once you have considered each of the factors listed above, we always suggest getting the final approval from your veterinarian. They will know exactly what to look for in regards to the severity of their injury, so you will want to make sure your vet is involved in the process each step of the way.
Wrapping Up Our Picks on the Best ACL Brace for Dogs
We want the best for your dog with a torn CCL, so we searched for the best ACL braces for dogs on the market. To make sure you have a clear picture on which products we think are best, let’s offer a quick review of our top dog knee brace choices!
Ortocanis Knee Immobilizer: This is our top pick for dogs with a torn CCL due to the impressive support it offers. This brace contains supportive splints on each side of the knee, which in turn immobilizes the knee and prevents further trauma to the area. If your dog has a complete tear of their ACL and cannot bear weight on the limb, this is the brace we recommend.
ABMOS Dog Knee Brace: This brace offers both impressive support and ease of use. Not only can you choose the best size for your dog based on unique measurements, but you can also adjust the brace velcro around the leg and the waist. This ensures a snug fit that best helps your canine friend.
Ortocanis Original Dog Knee Brace: This CCL brace is the one we suggest for optimal comfort. It might not offer complete immobilization of the knee joint, but your dog will be happy to wear it for long periods. The material is highly breathable and comfortable, but it is still thick enough to stabilize your dog’s leg with each step.
Kruuse Rehab Knee Protector: This brace offers the most value for dogs with a torn CCL. It might be the most affordable option on the list, but that does not mean any quality is sacrificed. The reviews for this brace are filled with dogs that have found incredible relief throughout their torn CCL recovery.
Up Next
Best ACL Braces For Dogs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can my dog's torn CCL heal without surgery?
Surgery is the most effective treatment option for a torn CCL in dogs, but some dogs can heal without it. The healing process is often much longer due to the ligament needing to heal on its own, and there is also an increased risk of joint complications down the line. Your dog has the best chance at healing their CCL without surgery if they are undergoing strict rest for 8-14 weeks, wearing a brace during all physical activities, using prescription medication for inflammation and pain, and undergoing physical therapy from your vet.
How long does my dog need to wear the knee brace each day?
If your dog has a torn or injured CCL that requires a knee brace, then they will need to wear their brace during all physical activity for at least 4 weeks. At the 4-week mark, you can then speak with your vet about what to do moving forward. Some dogs end up needing to wear their brace every day for a few months, and others still require their knee brace years later during intense exercise.
How many weeks will my dog need their knee brace?
This will vary from dog to dog, as every CCL injury will range in severity. Some dogs will only need their CCL brace for 4 weeks, while others will need to wear it intermittently years down the line.
How much do ACL braces for dogs cost?
CCL braces for dogs seem to range from about $40 to $150. Those with more support typically cost more, as they contain additional material and splints.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
