Tips For Introducing Balto USA Braces To Your Pets
1
Introduce Brace to Pet
Start by introducing your pet to the brace using a high-value treat as positive reinforcement. This will begin a positive association with the brace. For example, you can hold the brace out to your pet and reward them when they express interest:
- sniffing the brace
- boop-ing with their nose
- showing interest in what you’re holding
2
Sound of Brace
Allow your pet to hear what the Velcro straps will sound like when the brace is being applied or removed. They may be startled by the new noise at first, but as they are able to place the sound with the brace, they will recognize that the sound is harmless
3
Short increments of wear time
Like breaking in a new pair of shoes, the brace should first be worn in short increments at first, increasing daily as your pet adjusts to the brace. It’s recommended that you place the brace on your pet for only half an hour (30 minutes) on the first day. Supervision of the brace on your pet at first is encouraged.
4
Increase wear time
Try taking your pet on a short walk to allow them to adjust to the brace while also providing them with positive reinforcement. If your pet is adjusting well to the brace, you can increase wear time by another half hour every day after that. Your pet may wear the brace for up to 12 hours a day and be removed at night unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian.
5
Clean and Care of Brace
As your pet continues to wear the brace and it is exposed to their environment, it is likely the brace will get soiled. To clean Balto bracing, follow our cleaning tips here.
6
Acclimate
Finally, enjoy watching your pet safely resume their favorite activities.
For more bracing video tutorials, visit Balto USA on YouTube