Home Dog Supplies How to Make and Use a DIY Rear Leg Sling for Dogs

How to Make and Use a DIY Rear Leg Sling for Dogs

A rear leg sling for dogs may be necessary for caring for your pet.

Your aging senior, at times, might need a little help standing up after a nap, or your young dog has had surgery requiring you to help him upstairs.

This is why knowing how to make this easy DIY rear leg sling for dogs will come in handy.

Using a dog sling helps support and stabilize your pet's hind end.

Some dogs need extra support due to degenerative conditions or weakness in the hips. 

In contrast, others may need help for a brief period during recovery from an injury.

While you can buy a dog sling harness, there's also a way to save money and make one yourself. 

In the below article and above video, I'm sharing my tips on how to make a DIY rear leg sling for dogs from everyday household items. 

It only takes a few minutes to make, and no sewing is required. 

Not only will this sling be comfortable for your pup, but it's also durable and easy to clean.

How to Make and Use a Rear Leg Sling for Dogs

How To Make and Use A Rear Leg Sling for Dogs

Note: As a disclaimer, I must mention that if your dog has any weakness or pain in his hind end, you need to take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Supplies You'll Need

  • Reusable grocery bag
  • Scissors

I cannot stress this enough: you must use a soft cotton bag

The rough plastic bags will not be comfortable for your dog.

DIY Dog Sling Harness

After you get yourself a sturdy, reliable, and soft reusable grocery bag, which you can get in any supermarket, and a pair of scissors, you're all set. 

Cheap, is it not?

Open the bag and cut out the two small side panels

This creates a ‘U' shaped sling with long handles.

The best thing about making a rear-leg sling for dogs is that the handles are long enough to accommodate even the tallest pet owner. 

No more bending to help your dog up.

Now all you have to do is slide the sling under your dog's abdomen and move it down underneath his hips. 

Pulling up on the handles will allow you to support your pet's hind end or lift him slightly to help with stairs.

You can also slide it underneath the dog while lying down to help them stand up.

This technique may take some time, but eventually, your dog will realize that the sling is helping him.

Because the bag is made of a soft material, the sling won't cause him any discomfort.

Just be sure to use gentle pressure and not pull up too aggressively.

READ NEXT: 33 DIY Ideas for a Frugal Pet Owner [Infographic]

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How to Make a Simple DIY Rear Leg Sling for Dogs

Samantha’s biggest passion in life is spending time with her Boxer dogs. After she rescued her first Boxer in 2004, Samantha fell in love with the breed and has continued to rescue three other Boxers since then. She enjoys hiking and swimming with her Boxers, Maddie and Chloe.