By: Terry Lackmeyer, My Pet’s Brace Customer Service Representative
While our custom dog leg braces are very sturdy and durable, they still require some basic maintenance to keep them in good working order. Just like you would not want to wear a messy, dirty brace, neither does your dog. Following a few simple suggestions will teach you the basics of how to clean and maintain a dog leg brace from My Pet’s Brace.
Check for Wear and Tear
It is a good idea to check the brace at least weekly. Check the straps and pads for wear and tear. On stifle braces, check the straps of the suspension sleeve to make sure they are not showing signs of wear, especially at the ends of the straps where you grab them to remove the suspension sleeve. Normal wear will cause straps to fray, but they are still functional — simply trim the frayed threads with scissors.
If you notice straps or pads beginning to tear, please contact us about how to replace them. Clean and wash them along with the rest of the dog leg brace or knee brace. Under a no-hassle warranty, straps and pads are covered for the first 90 days that you have the brace. After the 90-day period, there is a minimal charge to replace these items.
Deter Chewing
Be sure to check for chew marks on the straps, too. If you see chew marks, try spraying the brace with a chew repellent made for pets. You don’t want your dog to get into the habit of gnawing on the straps.
How to Wash & Clean a Dog Leg Brace or Knee Brace With Soap
Dogs naturally seem to gravitate to smelly, messy situations. If your dog has gotten into a messy situation — playing in mud or getting into something we just don’t want to mention — clean the brace as soon as you make this discovery. The brace is easily cleaned with antibacterial soap and a washcloth. If the brace is super dirty, it can be cleaned with a non-toxic cleaner and rinsed with water. Dry the straps with a dry cloth. Remember, the braces are completely waterproof so that makes cleaning easy.
Can You Wash a Knee Brace With Velcro?
Yes, you can wash a knee brace with Velcro. The hook on the Velcro straps easily attracts hair and dirt. After washing the brace with mild soap, you can use a wire brush to brush in one direction to remove any debris and keep the Velcro sticky.
How to Clean a Dog Hock & Carpal Leg Brace
Hock and carpal braces require a little extra attention. Because these braces extend under the dog’s paw and are always hitting the ground, they naturally get dirtier than other braces.
Each day when you remove the brace, look to be sure nothing is caught on the footpad of the brace. It is easy for sticks or tiny stones to get caught between the paw and the footpad. Think flip-flops in the summertime and getting gravel between your foot and the flip-flop. You know how uncomfortable that can be! During the winter snows, it is especially important to remove the brace when your dog comes inside. Check for any snow that may have gotten trapped between the paw and footpad.
Hock & Carpal Sole Replacement
Just as the soles of your shoes need to be replaced periodically, so do the soles of hock and carpal braces. How quickly a dog wears down the sole depends on a lot of factors and there is no way we can predict how soon the sole will need to be replaced. Walking on grass as opposed to asphalt or rocks will extend the life of the sole.
Check the sole regularly to see how it is wearing. It is important to not let the sole wear down so far that the plastic is exposed. You can always return the brace to us to have it resolved or, if you have a good shoemaker in your area, feel free to contact them about resolving the brace.
A clean, well-maintained brace is a pleasure for your dog to wear and for you to handle. Spending a few extra minutes weekly to ensure the brace is in good working order is time well spent for you, your dog, and the life of the brace. Remember, if you have any problems or questions on how to wash and clean a dog leg brace or knee brace, we are just a phone call or email away and are here to help both you and your dog.