Anna Spangler
Marketing Director & Co-Owner
Can Dogs Get Their Knee Braces Wet?
What Happens If My Dog’s Brace Gets Wet?
Dogs will be dogs, and life happens. Whether it’s a rainy walk, bath time, a day at the beach, or your dog loves swimming, chances are their brace will get wet at some point.
The good news is that braces from My Pet’s Brace are designed to get wet. The brace is fabricated using medical-grade plastic with a non-porous foam liner and stainless steel hardware, making it completely waterproof. A little rain, or even hours of swimming, won’t damage the brace itself.
However, there are two very important things to remember after your dog is out of the water:
- Dry the brace thoroughly. Use a towel to wipe down the entire brace, including the plastic, foam lining, and straps. If the brace was fully submerged, allow it to air dry before putting it back on.
- Dry your dog’s leg completely. If moisture is trapped between your dog’s skin and the brace for several hours, it can lead to skin irritation or simply make your dog uncomfortable. Think about how uncomfortable it feels to sit in a wet bathing suit for hours, that’s how your dog feels too.
With just a little extra care after getting wet, your dog’s brace can continue supporting all of their favorite adventures.
Can my dog swim with the brace?
Yes! Your dog can safely swim while wearing their brace. Whether they’re enjoying the pool, splashing in a creek, visiting the beach, or playing in the rain, the brace is built to withstand water so your dog can continue enjoying life.
Can my dog do underwater therapy with the brace?
Yes. Many dogs wear their brace during underwater treadmill therapy or other forms of aquatic rehabilitation. Some rehabilitation therapists prefer therapy with the brace on, while others prefer it off, so we recommend following your therapist’s guidance.
If your dog wears the brace during water therapy, you may want to place a sock with the toe cut off over the brace. This can help reduce drag in the water, making it easier for your dog to move their leg forward during each step.
What if the water is salt water or chlorinated?
Salt water and chlorine are safe for the brace, but over time they can be harder on the straps and adhesives than fresh water.
After swimming in salt water or a chlorinated pool, simply rinse the brace thoroughly with fresh water. If needed, you can also use a small amount of mild dish soap to remove any residue before allowing the brace to dry.
How do I dry the brace?
Use a clean towel to dry the plastic shell, foam liner, straps, and hardware. If the brace was completely submerged or your dog spent an extended period swimming, allow the brace to air dry for several hours before putting it back on.
Always make sure your dog’s leg is completely dry before reapplying the brace.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry the brace?
We don’t recommend using a hair dryer. Prolonged exposure to high heat can warm the plastic enough to slightly change the shape of the brace, which may affect the fit.
Instead, towel dry the brace and allow it to air dry naturally.
My dog’s brace has sheepskin padding. What should I do?
Sheepskin padding naturally takes longer to dry than the rest of the brace.
If your dog swims frequently or is often in wet conditions, we recommend purchasing a second set of sheepskin pads. Since the pads attach with Velcro, you can quickly swap in a dry set while the other dries.
Should my dog wear the brace while getting a bath or being groomed?
For dogs recovering from a recent injury, baths and grooming appointments can be times when they’re more likely to slip or become excited. Wearing the brace during these activities can provide extra support, but it’s important to make sure your dog has secure footing. We recommend using non-slip mats whenever possible.
If you’re taking your dog to a professional groomer, be sure they know about your dog’s injury. Some groomers may prefer to remove the brace during grooming, while others may simply avoid grooming the braced leg.
My dog’s skin is raw after wearing the brace in the water. What do I do?
If you notice any rubbing or skin breakdown, stop using the brace and contact us as soon as possible.
Please send us photos of the affected area with the brace removed, along with photos of your dog wearing the brace. Every dog is different, and factors such as the type of brace, coat length, skin sensitivity, and time spent in the water can all affect how the skin responds.
Once we review your dog’s photos, we can determine whether the brace needs an adjustment, additional padding, or another modification to help keep your dog comfortable and protected.
Do braces float in water?
Yes. Our goal is to make each brace as lightweight as possible, and most braces weigh only a few ounces. As a result, braces will float in water. For larger dogs, the brace may remain buoyant without necessarily floating all the way to the surface.
If your dog is swimming in a fast-moving creek or current, the brace can come off and may not immediately resurface. Keep an eye on the brace around water, you don’t want to lose it.