As you probably know, Chuy has a compressed disc that started a couple of years ago and periodically flares up with no warning or reason. A few weeks ago when it happened again I immediately started researching more ways to help him in between flare ups including building him a dog ramp for the bed. I stumbled across the website for the WiggleLess Back Brace and was immediately intrigued by what I found. I totally connected to the story about June and Henry and their journey with IVDD or Intervertebral Disk Disease.June and Henry were Lisa’s (the founder and creator) Dachshunds and the inspiration behind WiggleLess! Lisa and I started chatting about our similar stories and she offered to send Chuy a WiggleLess Back Brace so that we could try it out and share our review with you.
When the back brace arrived it had personalized instructions on how to use it that were extremely helpful. Their website also has lots of helpful information on how to use the brace.
Chuy wears an extra small and it fits him quite well. He seemed to be in between the extra small and the small at first but now he’s fitting into the extra small perfectly. If your dog is in between sizes they do have a Velcro extender.
The quality of the brace is fantastic and I like the way it looks on Chuy. The Velcro is really strong so it doesn’t budge once you put it on. When I take the brace off of Chuy, I have to be careful not to pull the Velcro apart quickly or I feel like it will jerk his back. I hope that makes sense because it’s hard to articulate that! At the same time it’s comfortable enough for Chuy to walk, run, and do his business. Aesthetically speaking, it does push some of his “neck fat” up because of the snugness but I can live with that if it means it’s helping his back!
We’ve been using the brace in lieu of his harness when going on walks. There’s an O-ring so you can easily attach a leash. We’ve even noticed that Chuy doesn’t pull as much on the leash as he does with his regular harness. He has been way more focused on our walks and not trying to stop and pee on every single tree!
The brace noticeably keeps his back straight and aligned. When wearing it in the house I’ve noticed that Chuy can’t rough house the way he can without the brace. Chuy likes to run around and make sharp, crazy turns when he’s playing. With the brace on it forces him to go slower and literally Wiggle Less!! We try to keep it on him for a few hours a day when he’s not napping or resting.
All in all, we are really satisfied with what the WiggleLess Back Brace is doing for Chuy! If your dog has IVDD, I highly recommend looking into purchasing one. If you want more information, please check out the links below:
Jessica Shipman | Beagles and Bargains says
What an interesting product! I do think it looks great on Chuy too! If I didn’t know I’d think it was just a jacket or harness. Glad it is helping him!
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
I am glad you found something that helps him! I thought it was a stylish jacket when I first saw it!
Lisa Luckenbach says
Extremely happy to know this is helping Chuy! When we see a testimonial like this we are deeply rewarded. We now have eight sizes to accommodate many breeds and builds of dogs. Chuy truly does look wonderful in his brace! Thank you! Lisa Luckenbach/Founder
Gitsell robles says
My chihuahua has spinal problems and I’m considering on buying it what do you think ?
Irresistible Pets says
I would consult your vet to see what they recommend based on your dog’s spinal problems.