Picking up your furry friend might seem simple, but doing it the wrong way could hurt both you and your pet. Knowing how to properly lift and carry your dog is important whether it’s for snuggles, to help them get into the car, or to lift them onto the veterinarian’s exam table. The right way to lift or pick up your dog depends greatly on your pet’s size and age. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tips you need to know to keep you and your pet safe and comfortable.
Lifting a Small to Medium-Sized Dog
First, slide your dominant arm under your dog’s chest between the front legs to support the torso. Then, tuck your dog’s hind end between your arm and body. This way, you can fully support them as you pick them up off the ground. Dogs with long bodies, like dachshunds, or dogs with a bad back need their entire spine supported anytime they’re picked up. So, it is crucial not to pick them up with their arms, legs, or under the armpits as it may cause injury.
Lifting a Medium to Large-sized Dog
Using both arms, place one arm behind your dog’s back legs and your other arm around its chest (in front of the dog’s front legs). As you lift, keep your dog’s body against your chest. The larger the dog, the bigger the risk you may strain yourself. To avoid back strain, keep your spine straight and always lift with your legs. Dogs who are older or recovering from surgery may not have the same mobility as before. They tend to lose muscle mass and may find it challenging to stand, which could make it difficult for you to lift them by yourself. Be careful and consider other ways to lift them if necessary.
Carrying a Very Large Dog
The larger the dog, the harder it is to lift them without hurting yourself, which is why it is good to have a mobility aid to safely lift and support a giant dog. A doggy support harness featuring handles and proper support are required if you want to stabilize your large dog or give them a little boost. Providing balanced support throughout their body is very important, especially for large dogs. Choose a harness that will support your dog in the right part of their body and help keep your dog level as you lift them up. Other mobility devices, such as a ramp, pet stairs, or even a dog wheelchair, may also prove to be useful.
Supporting an Injured Dog
When lifting an injured or immobile dog, you must carefully support them in the right place and lift them without causing any further harm. A pet stretcher is a safe way to lift and support your dog’s entire body when they are too injured to stand or walk on its own. As an injured dog heals, a wheelchair or harness can also reduce the weight placed on the injured leg.
Quick Tips to Safely Carry Your Pet
Here are some quick tips for lifting and carrying your pet:
– Never lift by the legs or under the armpits
– Be mindful of how you support your dog both for your pet’s safety and your own
– For smaller dogs place your arm under the chest and body
– For larger dogs, lift with your legs, not your back
– Ensure you always support your dog properly
– Use mobility aids when necessary
– Be extra careful with pets prone to back injuries, such as dachshunds or corgis
Safety always comes first, so be mindful of how you carry your pet. Before bending over to pick your furry friend up, ensure you do it in a way that is comfortable for both you and your pet. Picking them up the right way will help keep you and your furry friend healthy and happy. Also, it’s important to exercise them properly to keep them muscly, which will make it easier for them to be carried. Staying active will keep them at their best physical condition for lifting and carrying.
