I’ve had a lot of questions about the lifting harness that Leroy wears so I thought that I would dedicate a blog post to share more information about it.
Before I get to the harness I’ll explain why we have it and why we use it.
I first bought this lifting harness for Sherman.
Sherman was having some mobility issues and I thought it would be great to help him get up.
I had been wanting to get him this harness for a long time now because I had seen so many other Newfie owners use and recommend it.
Honestly, I should have gotten it way earlier than I did because it is such a blessing.
Anyway, Sherman hated the harness and he refused to move in it so it did the opposite for his mobility.
Sherman was always that way about things that touched him so it didn’t surprise me at all that he didn’t like it.
We tried to get him used to it but he was as stubborn as ever with it so we gave up.
Leroy is a different story.
Leroy used the lifting harness for basically the entire last year of his life.
He lost a lot of his backend mobility due to long-term steroid use for his IBD and he also has flare-ups with his neck.
About The Help ‘Em Harness Lifting Harness.
After looking at and researching several lifting harnesses I decided to go with the Help ‘Em Up Harness based on feedback from other Newfie owners.
The unique design of this harness lifts the dog’s mass from below, beneath the chest and pelvis, distributing weight over large padded surfaces.
The chest and back panels are lined with new airflow materials and perforated neoprene to keep the harness as cool and comfortable as possible.
Straps are also covered with neoprene sleeves and areas of most friction are covered with super-soft microfleece.
What makes this harness great is that it’s designed to stay on your dog for extended periods.
The placement of the handles makes it super easy to grab and lift all in one swift movement instead of fumbling around with towels or DIY harnesses that are great in a pinch but not so great for long-term use.
What Dog Is The Help ‘Em Harness Good For?
The dog lift harness is especially helpful for owners whose dogs are feeling the effects of aging or health issues.
This lifting harness provides a way to offer better care for dogs recovering from injuries or surgery simply by reducing the chances of re-injury during recuperation.
It also takes so much strain off of senior dogs that are having a hard time getting up on slick surfaces or having trouble lifting their back end up.
Not to mention it also takes a lot of strain off the person who is doing the lifting!
I could easily lift Leroy a dozen times a day without straining my back or hurting my shoulder.
I could help him come up the stairs without worrying that I can’t support him or that he’s going to slip.
And it made loading a senior Newfoundland into the car much easier and safer.
The Help “Em Up Harness is also machine washable and buoyant for dogs that are doing water therapy.
Sizing For The Help ‘Em Up Harness.
When I purchased this lifting harness I purchased it based on Sherman’s measurements.
It fit Sherman well with tons of room to adjust.
Back in his glory days, the XL harness would have fit Leroy well too but it is too big for him right now. (the XL Fits most dogs 110-220 pounds)
I have it adjusted as small as it can go and it still slides all over BUT it works for him and it doesn’t leave any chaffing on his skin.
Since this harness comes with 2 pieces, a front, and a back lift harness, it was a little confusing at first for me to get it on properly and adjusted.
I reached out to one of our friends on Instagram who uses the Help ‘Em Harness and she walked me through it.
You can use just the front part of the harness if your dog doesn’t need assistance with the back end but you can’t use the back lift safely without the front.
It’s machine washable and has held up well after several trips through the washing machine here.
Where To Buy The Help ‘Em Up Lifting Harness
I’ve found the Help ‘Em Up Harness at a few online stores and this may not be a complete list.
You also may be able to purchase this harness at some veterinarian clinics and physical therapy facilities.
Please note that this is NOT a sponsored post and there are no affiliate links.
I purchased the Help ‘Em Up Harness and wanted to share it with anyone who may have a dog that needs this kind of assistance.
I would recommend this product 100 times over.
Lydia
Wednesday 16th of November 2022
We used the Help Em Up Harness for my mom's Seymour when he was having trouble getting up - a game changer for him and us. Now Balthazar is having trouble getting up so I took out the harness and am trying to figure out how to put it on again. Bal is persnickety so I have to make sure I get it right in a short amount of time - he does not have patience to stand for me long and will walk off as he can be rather obstinate like your Sherman- but I have high hopes that once I get it on him he will like it!
Max's Mom
Tuesday 13th of July 2021
Did you get the regular rear harness or the U band for the rear? Thank you.
Jen
Tuesday 13th of July 2021
I did not need the U band for Sherman or Leroy so we just got the regular lifting harness with no U band.
Cindy Minor
Saturday 28th of December 2019
I used this harness for lifting my 13 year old 135 lb Newfie. His hind legs gave out completely and amazing as it was for me at 110 lbs and 70 years old I was able to lift him and take him outdoors several times a day. He knew it was necessary and didn’t flinch at wearing nearly all his waking hours. It is an excellent harness.
Sharin
Monday 23rd of December 2019
We used this harness for our Saint Bernard who had DM, it was a lifesaver! It is great that you shared this info. I think this is the positive power of social media. We can all learn, making our lives and our pets lives that much better! I
Tails Around the Ranch
Monday 23rd of December 2019
Looks like a terrific aid especially for a large senior dog.