Support both knees before you book surgery.

For many dogs, yes — though not all. Veterinarians widely recognize conservative (non-surgical) management as a legitimate path, especially for smaller, older, or less active dogs and for partial tears. It typically combines rest, weight management, controlled activity, and supportive bracing while the joint stabilizes. Larger, very active dogs and complete ruptures often do best with surgery. The Wag Wize brace is a support tool for that conservative approach — decide alongside your vet.

One brace, both legs — you do not buy two. This is a single connected harness that wraps both hind knees at once. That's the core of why we built it: a large share of dogs that injure one CCL go on to injure the other within a year, so supporting both from day one covers the leg that's statistically next at risk.

Braces ship free within the U.S. and arrive in 7–10 business days. You'll get tracking by email as soon as your order leaves the warehouse. About 29 braces go out each day, so orders move in the queue they're received in — ordering today puts you in the next batch.

That's what the 60-Day Perfect Fit Guarantee is for. Email support@wagwize.com with a photo of the brace on your dog and your measurements. We'll identify the correct size, you ship the original back, and we send the right one out — no restocking fee. If a brace turns out not to be right for your dog's needs, we'll issue store credit toward a product that is. The guarantee covers exchange or store credit rather than a cash refund.

Most dogs accept the brace within a few days. The soft, breathable neoprene avoids the rigid discomfort that causes rejection with hard-shell braces. Start with short 15–20 minute sessions on day one and build up across the first week. Most dogs stop noticing it by day 3–5.

That's the failure mode of sleeve-style braces, and it's exactly what the harness anchor is for. Two things keep it seated: the reflective connection strap running from the back harness down to each leg wrap, and the rear height-adjustment strap over the hind end. Set that rear strap so both wraps ride high on the thigh and the brace stays put through sitting, lying down, and stairs. Step 5 of the fitting slider above walks through it.

The design leaves the groin and belly clear, so dogs can relieve themselves normally while wearing it. For sleeping and crate time we recommend taking it off — the knee benefits from unrestricted circulation overnight, and it gives you a daily chance to check the skin underneath. Most owners use it for waking hours, walks, and stairs.

Many owners notice their dog putting more weight on the leg and limping less within the first 1–2 weeks of consistent wear, with continued change over 6–8 weeks. Recovery isn't linear and depends on injury severity, your dog's age, and how consistently the brace is worn alongside rest and your vet's plan. It's support for the process, not an overnight switch.

Yes — the same hinged, compressive support that helps a CCL-deficient knee also helps stabilize a mild-to-moderate luxating patella (Grade 1–2) and eases stiff, arthritic knees through gentle warmth and compression. For the very small breeds most prone to luxating patella, our standard sizes may run large — if so, ask us about a custom brace.

Age itself isn't a disqualifier — in fact, senior dogs are a large part of who we build for, because they're often the ones for whom anesthesia is the hardest conversation. What matters more is the severity of the instability and your dog's overall health. Talk it through with your vet, and if bracing is part of the plan, this is a low-risk way to try it.

Some plans reimburse mobility and support aids when they're part of a documented treatment plan; others don't. We're happy to send an itemized receipt you can submit — email support@wagwize.com after ordering and we'll get it to you. Check your policy's language on "durable medical equipment" or "mobility aids."

Slide the hinge out of the outer pocket on each leg first, then hand wash the neoprene with mild soap and lukewarm water, and air dry only. Don't machine wash or tumble dry — heat degrades neoprene and velcro. Most owners clean it every 1–2 weeks during active use, and check the skin underneath periodically for rubbing, especially early on.