Carrying your dog can seem like a straightforward act of affection or necessity. Whether it’s a tiny terrier needing assistance or a larger breed requiring support, the way we physically interact with our pets has a profound impact on their well-being, comfort, and even their long-term physical health. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned owners make fundamental mistakes when lifting and carrying their dogs, leading to unnecessary stress, pain, and potential injury for their beloved companions. This article delves into the common pitfalls of dog carrying, offering guidance on what to avoid to ensure your dog’s safety and your own.
Understanding Canine Anatomy: Why the ‘Wrong Way’ is So Wrong
Before we dive into the “how-not-to,” it’s crucial to grasp a basic understanding of canine anatomy. Dogs are not designed to be carried like inanimate objects or even like human babies. Their skeletal structure, particularly their spine and limb attachments, is built for quadrupedal locomotion.
Spinal Integrity and Stress Points
A dog’s spine is a complex marvel of engineering, designed to bear weight and facilitate movement across four limbs. When a dog is lifted incorrectly, uneven pressure can be applied to this delicate structure. Imagine lifting a person by only one armpit or by their midsection without supporting their back – it would be incredibly uncomfortable and potentially damaging. The same principle applies to dogs.
The Lumbar and Thoracic Regions
The lumbar and thoracic regions of a dog’s spine are particularly vulnerable to hyperextension or compression when improperly supported. These areas house vital organs and are critical for generating power for movement. Incorrect lifting can put undue strain on the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Limb Attachment and Joint Stability
A dog’s legs are attached to their torso via their shoulder and hip joints. These joints, while strong, have specific ranges of motion and weight-bearing capacities. When a dog is dangling or twisted unnaturally, these joints can be subjected to forces they weren’t meant to endure.
Shoulder and Hip Dysplasia
Breeds predisposed to conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia are especially at risk. Improper carrying can exacerbate existing joint laxity or even contribute to the development of these painful conditions. For instance, allowing a puppy’s hindquarters to hang unsupported can put excessive stress on developing hip joints.
The Most Common ‘How Not To’ Mistakes in Dog Carrying
Now, let’s get to the practical errors owners often make. Recognizing these mistakes is the first step towards adopting better carrying practices.
The ‘Under the Armpits’ Grab: A Classic Misstep
This is perhaps the most prevalent, and often the most detrimental, way people carry small to medium-sized dogs. Grabbing a dog firmly under their front armpits and lifting them off the ground, while seemingly secure, creates several problems:
- Spinal Flexion and Compression: When you lift a dog by their front legs, their hindquarters are left unsupported, causing their back to sag. This creates a banana-like curve in their spine, putting significant pressure on the lumbar region.
- Shoulder Strain: The dog’s front legs are effectively pulled outwards and downwards, stretching their shoulder joints and potentially causing discomfort or even injury to the rotator cuff muscles and ligaments.
- Instability and Fear: The dog can feel unstable and vulnerable, leading to anxiety and resistance. They may struggle, making the lift even more awkward and potentially leading to drops or falls.
- Limited Visibility and Control: The dog’s head is often angled upwards, and their body is contorted, limiting their ability to see their surroundings and feel secure.
The ‘One-Handed Hoist’: Ignoring Weight Distribution
For slightly larger dogs, some owners resort to a one-handed hoist, often grabbing them by the scruff of the neck or the belly. This is problematic for several reasons:
- Scruff Strength Misconception: While puppies have a bit of give in their scruff, adult dogs are not built to be carried this way. The scruff is primarily for a mother dog to move her pups. Grabbing an adult dog’s scruff can cause pain and distress.
- Uneven Weight Distribution: Attempting to lift a dog with one hand, especially if it’s unevenly distributed, puts immense strain on your own body, but more importantly, it forces the dog into an unnatural, unbalanced position.
- Internal Organ Compression: Grabbing a dog around their abdomen can compress their internal organs, which is both uncomfortable and potentially harmful.
The ‘Dangling Legs’ Approach: A Lack of Support
This mistake is common across all sizes of dogs, particularly when owners are trying to be gentle. They might hold the dog’s body but allow their legs to hang limply.
- Joint Overextension: When legs are allowed to dangle freely, the joints (especially hips and knees) can be forced into unnatural angles and extension, leading to sprains or ligament damage.
- Lack of Proprioception: Dogs rely on their paws being on a surface to understand their body’s position in space (proprioception). When their legs are dangling, they lose this crucial sensory input, which can be disorienting and stressful.
- Difficulty for the Dog to Aid: A dog that can’t brace or use their legs to help with the lift is more likely to be stressed and struggle.
The ‘Haphazard Hug’: Over-Enthusiasm and No Structure
Sometimes, owners get so excited to pick up their dog that they just scoop them up in a big hug without proper support.
- No Spinal Support: The dog’s body is often bent or twisted to fit the hug, leading to the same spinal issues as the under-the-armpits grab.
- Pressure Points: The way the dog is held can create awkward pressure points on their ribs, abdomen, or limbs.
- Surprise and Discomfort: If the dog isn’t expecting to be lifted, this sudden, unstructured embrace can be jarring.
Lifting from the Tail: A Definitive No-No
This bears repeating because it’s incredibly damaging. The tail is an extension of the spine and contains delicate vertebrae and nerves.
- Severe Spinal Damage: Lifting a dog by their tail can cause fractures, nerve damage, and excruciating pain.
- Loss of Balance Control: The tail plays a role in a dog’s balance. Grabbing it disrupts this crucial function.
The ‘Right Way’ to Carry: A Foundation for Avoiding Mistakes
Understanding the “how-not-to” naturally leads to the “how-to.” The key principle is always providing full body support.
For Small Dogs: The Secure Cradle
The ideal method for small dogs involves cradling their entire body, ensuring their spine is supported.
- One hand under the chest, supporting the front legs.
- The other hand under the hindquarters, supporting the rear legs and abdomen.
- Hold the dog close to your body, keeping them upright or slightly angled. This allows them to feel secure and have their weight distributed evenly.
A common, safe technique for small dogs is to slide one arm under their chest, between their front legs, and the other arm under their belly, supporting their hindquarters. The dog’s body should rest against your chest, with their head held comfortably. This method ensures their spine remains straight and their limbs are supported.
For Medium to Large Dogs: Strategic Support
Carrying larger dogs often requires more strength and a different approach. Ideally, large dogs should be lifted by two people, or with the assistance of a sling or harness if necessary. If you must lift a larger dog on your own:
- Use a sturdy harness: Many harnesses are designed with a handle that allows for better grip and support.
- Get low: Squat down, bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Support the hindquarters: Slide one arm as far back under their belly and hindquarters as possible.
- Support the chest: Use your other arm to cradle their chest and front legs.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Keep the dog’s body as vertical and supported as possible. Avoid letting their back sag or their legs dangle.
A two-person lift is always preferred for larger breeds. One person supports the front of the dog, and the other supports the rear, coordinating the lift to keep the dog’s spine straight.
When Carrying is Unavoidable (and When to Seek Alternatives)
While we’ve focused on the “how-not-to,” it’s important to acknowledge that carrying is sometimes necessary. This includes:
- Veterinary visits: Especially if a dog is injured or unable to walk.
- Crossing busy streets or obstacles.
- Assisting elderly or infirm dogs.
- Puppies who are too small to navigate their environment.
However, it’s also important to consider alternatives whenever possible:
- Leashes and harnesses: For dogs who can walk with assistance.
- Pet strollers or carriers: For very small or unwell dogs.
- Slings and assistive devices: Specifically designed to support a dog’s weight.
The Long-Term Impact of Incorrect Carrying
The seemingly innocuous act of picking up your dog incorrectly can have lasting consequences.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort
Repeatedly stressing a dog’s spine or joints can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Your dog might not show overt signs of pain initially, but they could be experiencing discomfort that affects their quality of life.
Exacerbation of Existing Conditions
If your dog already has issues like arthritis, luxating patellas, or spinal disc disease, improper carrying can significantly worsen these conditions, leading to more severe symptoms and potentially requiring extensive veterinary intervention.
Behavioral Issues
A dog that is frequently handled roughly or carried in a way that causes them pain or fear may develop behavioral problems, such as reluctance to be touched, anxiety, or even aggression. They learn to associate being picked up with unpleasant sensations.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Dog’s Comfort and Health
The way we physically handle our dogs is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. By understanding the basic principles of canine anatomy and actively avoiding common mistakes like the “under the armpits” grab or the “dangling legs” approach, we can ensure our dogs are carried safely and comfortably. Always prioritize providing full body support, keeping their spine straight, and using proper lifting techniques. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for personalized advice. Your dog trusts you to care for them, and that includes handling them with the care and respect their unique physiology deserves. By making conscious efforts to carry your dog correctly, you contribute significantly to their overall health, happiness, and well-being.
What is the “wrong carry” in dog handling?
The “wrong carry” refers to improper or unsafe methods of physically holding and transporting a dog. This can encompass a wide range of incorrect techniques, from cradling a dog in a way that restricts their breathing or causes strain, to lifting them by their limbs or tail, or even carrying them in a manner that makes them feel insecure and vulnerable. The core issue is that these methods disregard the dog’s anatomy, comfort, and emotional well-being, potentially leading to injury or distress.
It’s crucial to understand that dogs, depending on their size, breed, and physical condition, have specific needs when being carried. A small dog might be safely cradled, but a larger dog requires a different approach to support their weight and maintain their stability. The “wrong carry” often stems from a lack of knowledge about how to properly support a dog’s body, leading to awkward and potentially harmful handling.
Why is proper dog carrying important?
Proper dog carrying is essential for preventing physical injuries to both the dog and the handler. Incorrect lifting can cause sprains, strains, or even more serious injuries like back problems or joint damage in dogs. For handlers, lifting a dog improperly can lead to back pain or muscle tears. Beyond physical safety, the way a dog is carried significantly impacts their emotional state. A secure and comfortable carry instills confidence, while a clumsy or insecure one can induce fear, anxiety, and a lack of trust in their human.
Furthermore, understanding the correct way to handle a dog, especially when they are injured, sick, or elderly, is a matter of responsible pet ownership. It demonstrates a commitment to their welfare and ensures their experience being handled is as positive and stress-free as possible. This knowledge is particularly vital for owners who need to transport their pets to veterinary appointments or when they are unable to walk on their own.
What are common mistakes people make when carrying their dogs?
One of the most common mistakes is lifting dogs by their front legs or hindquarters alone, without providing adequate support to their torso. This puts immense strain on their joints and spine, similar to how a human would be injured if only their arms or legs were lifted. Another frequent error is cradling a dog too tightly or in an awkward position, compressing their chest and hindering their ability to breathe comfortably, especially in smaller breeds or those with respiratory issues.
Other prevalent mistakes include improperly supporting the hindquarters of larger dogs, leading to their back end hanging unsupported and causing strain. Additionally, people often fail to anticipate a dog’s instinct to struggle or jump when being picked up, leading to abrupt and jarring movements. Carrying a dog in a way that exposes their belly or makes them feel unbalanced can also be distressing for the animal.
How should different sized dogs be carried safely?
For small dogs, the safest method typically involves supporting their chest and hindquarters simultaneously, cradling their body securely against your own. This can be done by placing one arm under their chest, behind their front legs, and the other arm supporting their hindquarters. Ensure their body is held close to yours for stability and comfort. Avoid gripping them too tightly, which can cause discomfort or restrict breathing.
For medium to large dogs, it is generally best to lift them by supporting their torso from underneath. For very large dogs that cannot be lifted entirely, it is often more practical to use a sling or harness designed for lifting. If you must lift a larger dog, bending your knees and using your legs rather than your back is paramount. Support their chest and hindquarters with both arms, keeping them as close to your body as possible to maintain balance and prevent injury.
What are the risks associated with the “wrong carry”?
The immediate risks of the “wrong carry” include acute injuries such as sprains, dislocations, and strains in the dog’s limbs, hips, or back. Repeated improper handling can lead to chronic conditions like arthritis or disc problems. There’s also a risk of nerve damage or even fractures if a dog is dropped or handled roughly.
Beyond physical harm, the psychological impact is significant. A dog that is consistently handled in a frightening or uncomfortable manner may develop behavioral issues such as fearfulness, aggression, or a reluctance to be touched or handled by humans. This can damage the bond between owner and pet and make necessary veterinary care or grooming more challenging and stressful for everyone involved.
How can I learn to carry my dog correctly?
Learning to carry your dog correctly often starts with observation and understanding their body language. Pay attention to how your dog reacts when you attempt to pick them up or handle them. If they tense up, try to escape, or show signs of discomfort, it’s a good indication that your current method might not be ideal. Consulting with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer is highly recommended, as they can demonstrate proper techniques tailored to your dog’s specific size, breed, and any physical limitations they may have.
Additionally, there are numerous reputable online resources, books, and videos from veterinary professionals and animal behaviorists that provide visual guides and detailed instructions on safe dog handling. Practicing with a focus on gentleness, security, and ensuring your dog feels supported and safe will build their confidence and make the experience a positive one for both of you.
What should I do if my dog is injured and needs to be carried?
If your dog is injured and you need to carry them, the most crucial step is to approach the situation with extreme caution and gentleness to avoid causing further pain or damage. Try to keep the injured area as stable as possible. If you’re unsure of the best way to support a specific injury, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian for advice on safe transport methods.
When moving an injured dog, especially a larger one, it is highly advisable to have another person assist you. Use a sturdy blanket, towel, or a specialized pet stretcher to lift and support their entire body. Ensure you support their head and neck, as well as their injured limb or body part, throughout the entire process. The goal is to minimize any movement or pressure on the injured area during the transfer.