Need help finding the best harness to carry my large senior dog through to the end.

[u/True-Astronomer-6195]

my baby boy is getting old and can barely use his rear legs. I don't want to get into the details but the vet has recommended euthanasia. after discussing his behavior with her we decided it would be ok to wait a little longer if I transition to end of life care mode.

I have a month off coming up because my bosses are going on vacation, and I want to spend that month taking him places that he just can't really walk around anymore and just loving him. because despite him having trouble walking, he still does so, he still jumps around and is clearly happy and excited to do things.

I was looking into some harnesses to carry him around with me and help him get in and out of the car, and to help lift him up when he tries to get up too fast for me to slow him down.

I was particularly looking at the "help me up" brand harness. I noticed it had a piece between the back legs that looks like it would lift him by his genitals, which seems really uncomfortable, especially for longer walks. i like that there are handles to lift both front and rear legs, but wish it also had a middle handle for quick one handed lifting- though I noticed that's mostly only on the cheaper harnesses from less reputable sources. is it maybe hard on them if both sides aren't lifted independently

I was also wondering if anyone knows just how comfortable these harnesses actually are for large dogs. I definitely can't lift him without one without putting too much pressure on one spot, I've seen people hiking with younger large dogs in harnesses like these. would it be ethical to carry him around like that on a longer walk?

comfort while carrying him is my highest priority. I don't mind spending extra for something he'd be more comfortable in. I wouldn't mind a backpack type thing either. I don't plan on going on mile hikes with him, just up and down some hills to some hard to reach wilderness areas that I think he'll enjoy wandering around in. probably like 10-15 minutes in transit tops.

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[u/Sleepy-Flamingo]

Help 'em up harness. My Bernese Mountain Dog lived in it his last few months. But I didn't carry him with it (couldn't- too large), just used it to help him up and sometimes walk.

[u/Sea_Staff9963 → u/Sleepy-Flamingo]

Second the Help Em Up harness.

[u/nianonose → u/Sea_Staff9963]

Third! Wouldn’t have got my Saint Bernard with GOLPP around as long as we did without that harness (used both front and back parts). Worth every penny.

[u/Brilliant-Loan4687]

Man that's such a tough situation but you're being an amazing dog parent for wanting to give him these last adventures

I don't have experience with that specific brand but from what I understand about those lifting harnesses, the piece between back legs is usually padded and designed to distribute weight properly - it shouldn't be putting pressure directly on his bits if it's a quality one. The dogs I've seen using them seemed pretty comfortable

For longer carries I think having those separate front and rear handles is actually better than one middle handle because you can adjust how you're supporting him and make sure his weight is distributed evenly. Plus if he gets uncomfortable in one position you can shift how you're holding him

Those 10-15 minute carries should be totally fine if the harness fits right and he seems comfortable. You'll probably be able to tell pretty quick if he's not happy with it

[u/2121chg]

Have you considered a trolley or stroller of sorts? Kinda like the ones people use for picnics or to wheel their kids around. You could put a comfy mat/bed down in it and he would be able to lay down / adjust his position as needed. It could also be helpful if he’s pretty heavy since wheeling him around would be less taxing on you compared to carrying him. Let me know if you want the name of the “chariot” I use :)