Proper Fitment of a Dog Knee Brace or ACL Leg Brace for Dogs
Thank You for Choosing Specialized Pet Solutions: A Guide to Properly Fitting Your Dog’s ACL Knee Brace
We’re thrilled you’ve chosen Specialized Pet Solutions to support your dog’s recovery. Our ACL leg brace for dogs is uniquely designed with your pet’s comfort and healing in mind. Unlike many other braces on the market, ours features a built-in Achilles relief channel—a thoughtful innovation that helps prevent long-term damage to the Achilles tendon caused by overly tight straps.
Proper fit is essential. An ill-fitting brace can lead to discomfort, hair loss, and even skin wounds. When fitted correctly, your dog’s brace should feel secure without causing irritation. That’s why we emphasize the importance of accurate casting and measurements—these are the foundation of a successful recovery.
Our Mission: Healing Without Harm
Our goal is to help your dog recover from an ACL or CCL tear without introducing new complications. Once you receive your brace, we recommend taking clear photos of the fit and emailing them to us at [email protected]. This allows our team to verify the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
How to Properly Fit Your Dog’s ACL Leg Brace
- Watch the Tutorial Video
Begin by watching our step-by-step fitting guide here:
👉 Video Tutorials – Dog Knee Brace & Prosthetics - Putting on the Brace
- Slide your dog’s leg into the brace by threading it through the opening at the bottom. Turning the brace sideways can make this easier.
- Tighten the bottom strap first—this is the anchor point and keeps the brace in place. Ensure it’s snug but not overly tight.
- Check for wrinkles or pinching in the skin. Adjust the strap pads so they’re centered and smooth.
- Next, tighten the middle strap to eliminate any gapping at the knee. Again, ensure the skin is smooth and the pad is centered.
- Finally, secure the top strap around the thigh. This one should be snug but not as tight as the lower straps.
- Check the Fit
- There should be 1–2 finger widths of space between the brace and the groin fold to prevent rubbing or slippage.
- The brace should sit just above the hock, allowing full range of motion without resistance.
Break-In Period & Care Instructions
It’s normal for your dog to walk a bit awkwardly or roll over on their toes at first. This adjustment period is expected.
Break-in schedule:
- Day 1: 30 minutes total (e.g., two 15-minute walks or three 10-minute sessions)
- Increase by 30 minutes daily over the first two weeks
- Inspect the skin after each use for signs of irritation or hair loss
After the break-in period:
The brace can be worn throughout the day during activity but should be removed at night to allow the skin to breathe and the brace to dry.
Cleaning instructions:
- The inner liner is made of non-porous foam; the outer shell is durable polypropylene.
- Wipe down daily with antibacterial wipes or a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water.
- Keeping the brace clean helps prevent skin irritation caused by dirt and grime.
When to Contact Us
If you notice any of the following, discontinue use immediately and contact us:
- Hair loss
- Skin breakdown
- Wounds or signs of discomfort
Thank you again for trusting Specialized Pet Solutions. We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way.