The Best Knee Braces for Dogs

You have to take care of your best friend, and you'll do anything for them. But as they get older, some health problems may arise, like arthritis. You can't just let them deal with it. You have to find a way to ease their pain. These dog knee braces can do just that. Whether you have a little dog or a bigger dog, these dog braces can handle whatever the problem may be. Sometimes, there isn't even a problem and you just want to take preventative measures. We've ranked all of the following to fit your and your dog's specific (k)needs.

What to Look For

When searching for knee braces, it’s important to make sure they are not only supportive and comfortable for your dog to wear, but that they’re also designed for the specific joint or muscle issue your pup is dealing with. For stabilizing general injuries, including hock sprains, our favorite option is the brace from Agon, which can even also be used to help ease inflammation and cover up wounds. For even greater support, we recommend the brace from Caldera, which also comes with gel pads for cooling or heating an injured area. Read on for more on these options and to find a knee brace that’s right for your pup.

Agon Canine Dog Hock Brace

The most trusted choice

This dog brace is used to heal and prevent many different canines injuries.
Best Overall

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To be clear, this brace is specifically designed to protect the hock, not the knee. It can help heal after surgery or injury or support and stabilize during the injury. The brace also loosens inflammation and helps with the loss of stability caused by arthritis. It can also be used as protection against cuts and can cover existing wounds. It’s made of flexible and lightweight material, making it easy to travel with and apply. This is the best dog brace on the market and has been clinically proven to reduce chronic inflammation and pain.

Pros:

  • Clinically proven to be effective
  • Helps before and after an injury or surgery
  • Great for stabilization

Cons:

  • Might be bulky if you don’t get the right size

Pet Lovers Stuff Dog Leg Brace for Rear Legs

Two is better than one

These dog braces come in a pair in case your dog is suffering from multiple injuries or issues.
Runner Up

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The Pet Lovers Stuff dog brace comes in small, medium, large, and extra large for any size dog. It’s specifically designed to improve the pain of arthritis in your dog’s hind legs. The brace reduces the need for medication, which can have horrible side effects that can affect your dog’s liver and kidneys. It helps relieve soreness in muscles, joints, and tendons and has been veterinarian-approved. This deal comes with a pair of two braces, so if your dog is struggling with both hind legs or you have two dogs with arthritis, this is the package for you.

Pros:

  • Comes in a pair
  • Veterinarian approved
  • Helps with soreness in muscles, joints, and tendons

Cons:

  • Comes in camo pattern

Labra Co. Canine Rear Leg Wrap

More mobility is more fun

This brace isn't as big and bulky as the others, allowing your dog to move around more as they heal.
Best On A Budget

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This is the best price you’ll find on a single-leg brace. It’s designed to support the hock joint of your dog. It comes in small, medium, large, or extra large to fit any size dog. It helps support your dog’s hind leg after a sprain or other injury or if they suffer from arthritis on a regular basis. The compression will heal your dog’s leg even after an ACL sprain.

Pros:

  • Comes in different sizes
  • Good value for price
  • Helps with arthritis or an ACL sprain

Cons:

  • Only comes in one color

WalkAbout Canine Knee Brace

Ahead of the game

This dog brace is the best option to keep your dog's legs in the proper position so there's less of a chance of your best friend getting injured.
Best Preventative

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This knee brace comes in many different sizes, including extra large, large, medium, small, extra small, XXS, and XXXS for your teeny, tiny puppies. It’s designed to support the joint, ligament, and tendon after an ACL injury. The brace attaches to your dog’s chest collar for extra support. It can also be used in cases of a dislocated knee or just used for mild pain caused by arthritis.

Pros:

  • Extra support from your chest collar
  • Comes in many different sizes
  • Treats ACL injuries

Cons:

  • Might not stay in place if it’s not attached to a chest collar

Caldera Pet Therapy Wraps

Perfect performance

Although pricey, this brace comes with gel packs that can either cool or heat an injured area.
Best Support

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These therapy wraps can be used for almost all of your dog’s joints, whether you need support for the hock, knee, shoulder, elbow, or stifle. Although it’s a pricier option, these wraps are able to deliver hot or cold therapy to the injured or suffering area. The wraps are easy to put into place with velcro straps and a quick-release buckle system. It’s specifically designed for repeated use and is machine-washable. This will support your dog no matter what they’re suffering from.

Pros:

  • Handles all joints
  • Machine-washable
  • Deliver hot or cold therapy

Cons:

  • A little pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hock joint?

The hock joint is the dog’s back leg knee joint.

Is it important to hook the wrap up with a chest collar?

If the wrap or brace is specifically designed to latch onto a chest collar, then it will perform best if it is attached. However, it can still be somewhat effective even when not attached.

Can these be used for licking wounds?

Some of the braces and wraps can be used to cover lick wounds, but some sort of additional wrap underneath the brace is recommended to further protect the wound.

About the Author

A self-proclaimed dog person, Eugene grew up with several pooches and is looking to adopt a new one. He knows that not all pets are the same, so he wants to make it easier for owners to find products that are just right for their furry friends. Eugene is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, and hiking.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.