Yes I know. This is normally a website for human Compression sleeves. But we ran across an article online about compression sleeves for dogs and thought this would be something fun to review. While you cant use these sleeves on humans, perhaps you have a furry friend that could use one. Thankfully, we have never had to use one of these for our dogs, but I can imagine we will when they get older. Compression sleeves for dogs have the same benefits for humans. So lets dive right in. Hope you enjoy our review article on the best compression gear for dogs.

Introduction

There are several factors to keep in mind when purchasing the right compression gear for your furry companions. First, measure the circumference of your pets intended limb (utilize the measuring requirements on the given website). Second, purchase compression gear made with the best materials to reduce any negative reactions on your pets legs (we prefer high quality neoprene, mesh, and other elastic material). Third, it is our opinion to avoid compression gear that has steel parts to avoid any further injury in case any of the steel bits poke through the elastic materials. And finally, make sure the compression gear is easy to wash (either in a washing machine or hand washable with mild soap). 

Although a lot of these injuries and symptoms affect both cats and dogs, we will be mainly referring to dogs just for simplicity reasons. Most, if not all, of these sleeves and braces can be utilized for both cats and dogs alike. 

What braces, sleeves, and wraps do?

Compression garments can offer the same advantages to our beloved pets as they do for us humans. From helping sore muscles heal faster, to correcting and supporting injured joints, our canine friends can benefit regularly from wearing them. Different compression gear assists pets experiencing Joint, tendon and ligament instability or early fatigue while exercising depending on their individual needs. They are useful in reducing swelling in the limbs and joints by adding extra support to help increase oxygen and blood flow to the surrounding joints, muscles, and tissues. And just like for humans, the compression reduces muscle soreness by increasing the joint stabilization, and circulation to minimize aches and pains (from arthritis and other joint issues) by warming up the legs before exercise. 

Injuries and the compression gear associated with them

What is Dysplasia?

The word “dysplasia” refers to a condition where the joint has developed incorrectly. When a pet (or human) has this condition, it leads to a remodeling of the joint that then changes in shape and tightness. Overtime, a dysplastic joint will get worse and eventually cause arthritis and pain.

Dysplasia is a common condition in our pets. Some dogs start showing signs as young puppies, while others live a fairly normal, pain-free life until they become seniors. 

It’s important to note that Dysplasia is not limited to the hip, but other joints are susceptible to it as well. The most common is the elbow however, it is harder to recognize the signs of front leg pain, so a lot of pets never get diagnosed and the condition often goes undetected.

Knee Braces

Most of the knee braces for pets are primarily for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries indicating that injuries to the ACL are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs.

Knee braces are used to control various unwanted knee motions by controlling the ACL movement of the tibia on the femur. They are most commonly utilized as an alternative to surgery but they can also be used post-surgically to provide support and protection for the repaired knee and to prevent further injury.

Rear Ankle Braces

Since most injuries occur in the hind legs, especially in active or aging animals, rear ankle braces are some of the most commonly provided orthotic braces for our pets. The most common symptoms that are corrected with ankle braces for dogs are knuckling and hyperextension at the rear ankle. They are successfully used for Achilles tendon injury or repair, tendonitis, and nerve injury.

Ankle braces are often provided for post-surgically for Achilles tendon damage. They can be designed to include range of motion control that can be adjusted to allow greater motion over time as the tendon heals. The amount of motion and the timing for the changes in motion will be determined by your veterinary professional and typically the brace can be adjusted by the pet family or veterinary professional.

Wrist Braces

Wrist braces are usually used long-term for nerve damage or other chronic conditions but can also be used on a short-term basis for pre- or post-surgical applications. They are commonly applied to support or immobilize the joint for injuries to the paw and/or carpal areas. 

Wrist braces are generally used to support or limit movement to the joints, paws, and other areas. They correct symptoms such as pain and limping, and conditions such as fractures, knuckling, paralysis, arthrodesis, luxation and severe strains.

Elbow Braces

Generally, elbow braces provide support or immobilization for the distal end of the humerus in the upper arm and the proximal ends of the ulna and radius in the forearm. Elbow braces are used to correct symptoms such as limping, inability to bear weight and excessive looseness (laxity) in the elbow joint. They are used for conditions such as Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Dysplasia, and Chronic Instability of the Elbow Joint.

Elbow braces are usually used long-term for chronic conditions or instability but can also be used on a short-term basis for pre- or post-surgical applications. Based on the diagnosis, they can include various types of flexible or adjustable joints in order to allow or restrict motion.

Best Dog Sleeves on Amazon

Knee Compression: Yuqoka Dog Knee Brace for Torn ACL Hind Back Leg Dog Canine Protector Rear Leg Hock Joint Wrap Protects Compression Sleeves for Injury and Sprain Protection.

• PRICE: $14.95 – $14.99 (depending on size)
• PROS: 49%- 5 star rating. Many customers mentioned how well this brace stays in place with its velcro straps and improves mobility
• CONS: Other customers mentioned that the sizing is difficult to get correct. Some said that it wasn’t near as big enough to go around the dogs leg, others said that it slipped right off due to it being too large.

View on Amazon

Rear Ankle Compression: Agon Dog Canine Rear Hock Joint Brace Compression Wrap with Straps Dog for Back Leg Protects Wounds. Heals PreventsInjuries and Sprains Helps with Loss of Stability Caused by Arthritis

• • PRICE: $17.99 – $19.99 (depending on size)
  • PROS: 54%- 5 star review. Many customers praise how well it works for their aging dogs, those with torn ACLs, and Arthritis. 
  • CONS: Some pet owners mentioned that it could cause chafing on the opposite leg that does not have the brace. The sizing was also listed as a common con to for this brace.

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Wrist Compression: Agon Dog Canine Front Leg Brace Paw Compression Wraps with Protects Wounds Brace Heals and Prevents Injuries and Sprains Helps with Loss of Stability Caused by Arthritis

• • PRICE: $11.99 – $15.99 (depending on the size)
  • PROS: 51%- 5 star rating. Made of excellent neoprene material and stays on well even for those pesky chewers. Many customers praise how well it works for their dogs and even reduced the amount of pain medication needed for normal mobility. 
  • CONS: Some customers mentioned that it did not work as intended and their dog still had limping and pain. Others mentioned that it slipped off and/or their clever pup figured out how to rip it off.

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Elbow Compression: Walkabout Elbow Support Wrap

• • PRICE: $30.00 – $35.00 (depending on size)
  • PROS: 61%- 5 star rating. Many customers mentioned that it worked wonders for their furry companions and also decreased the use of pain medication!
  • CONS: One customer mentioned that it did not work for their dog, it would often slip down his arm not not compress his elbow as intended. 

View on Amazon

Closing Words

There are many options when choosing a compression sleeves, wraps and braces for your puppy. Thank you for reading our short article on the Best compression gear for dogs. We hope this helps you find what your little guy needs to help him recover.

As always, please contact and consult with your vet before purchasing any orthopedic products for your pets. A licensed professional will be able to tell you if any type of compression gear will be appropriate. 

Read More: 20 Scientific Articles on the Benefits of Compression Sleeves

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