Haute L'il Back Bracer

FAQS

HOW DOES THE L'IL BACK BRACER PROVIDE SUPPORT?

The L’il Back Bracer is an orthopedic support garment for dogs suffering with IVDD or other back injuries.  The brace is made of a very high quality breathable and antimicrobial neoprene that is very comfortable for your dog.  There are stays that line the back and abdomen to provide the needed support and stabilization of the spine.

When is heat therapy beneficial for my dog?

Heat therapy is a great option for your dog if they have a chronic condition, such as arthritis, IVDD, or chronic muscle spasms. Heat works by penetrating into the muscle tissue to increase blood flow, which then delivers beneficial nutrients to the affected tissues and removes any harmful waste and toxins in the area. This boost in nutrients may also help an injured dog heal faster.

Please note that heat should NOT be applied to an acute injury or surgical site within 24 hours of the injury as this can cause excess swelling and may cause further injury.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DOG WEAR THE BRACE?

It depends on you and your dog.  Some pet parents will put the back brace on for the majority of the day while some just use our back brace for walks or times of high activity and play.  The back brace is flexible, so it allows the muscles to engage and ‘work’, it is not like a stiff cast.  This is important so that the muscles do not become weak from wearing the brace.

*Please note that our dog back brace is not meant to replace the crate rest period that is prescribed by your Veterinarian. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY DOG use the haute dog warmers?

One heat pack will last for a 4 hour therapy session. We recommend to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan for your pup. For optimal results, we recommend completing one four-hour treatment everyday for one week. Once this period is over, please use the Haute Dog Warmers as needed for pain relief.

CAN I LEAVE THE BRACE ON MY DOG ALL DAY?

We do not recommend letting your dog wear the brace all day. You may leave the brace on your dog for up to 14 hours a day. However, be sure to remove the brace when your dog is resting, this will prevent irritation and allow their body to air out. Check for any signs of irritation and/or swelling after removing the brace.

Please remove the brace before your dog goes to bed at night.

CAN MY DOG “DO THEIR BUSINESS” WHILE WEARING THIS BACK BRACE?

Yes, our back brace fits in a way that leaves that area of your dog free to take care of business without the brace blocking that part of their body.

DOES MY DOG NEED TO HAVE A SEPARATE HARNESS FOR WALKS?

The L’il Back Bracer has an attached “D” ring so when taking walks the brace acts as a harness.  Just attach the leash to the ring and enjoy a safe supported walk.

How do the Haute Dog Warmers work?

The Haute Dog Warmers are the easiest way to give your dog heat therapy with their brace. They are air-activated heat warmers that provide up to 4 hours of heat therapy for your dog. Simply peel open the package and place the warmer on the brace. Once the 4 hour therapy session is over, simply discard the used Haute Dog Warmer. You can order more Haute Dog Warmers if your dog needs more therapy sessions.

CAN MY DOG JUMP WITH THE BRACE ON?

The L'il Back Bracer stabilizes the spinal column (from about where a collar would sit) and its snug fit provides overall comfort. While all dogs and all cases can vary, the L'il Back Bracer has successfully helped in many cases with increased mobility and relief. The feedback we have received on dogs regaining their mobility or at least increasing it has been tremendous.

As far as "jumping", it depends on whether your l'il one will continue to jump with the brace on. Our L'il Back Bracer's design is flexible, not like a stiff cast, so they are able to move as they normally would - just with a l'il support. Some dogs keep real still with the brace on and do not jump or run due to the calming effect the snug fit has on the nervous system, while some dogs resume their normal activity while wearing it.

WILL MY DOG GET MUSCLE ATROPHY FROM THE L'IL BACK BRACER?

No. Our back brace is lightweight. Helps give support down the spine.

WHAT IF MY DOG DOESN’T LIKE IT?

It is common for dogs not to like a brace.  A natural thing for them is to sit still. Or perhaps even whimper with it because they aren’t sure what to do with the brace on. To help with this, we recommend a break-in period of 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Give your dog a treat and praise him/her for wearing the brace. This will hopefully allow your l'il one to associate the brace being a good thing.  Increase the amount of time each day. 

CAN THE BRACE BE WORN IN THE WATER?

Yes.  The material is a breathable, neoprene material.  Recommended washing instructions is: hand wash and then air dry.