HOW DOES THE K9 HIPLIGN WORK?
The garment is designed to work in two ways. One, the garment itself–constructed of a form-fitting, 4-way stretch material–is designed to provide sensory input to the dog’s trunk and hips as they move to help enhance better posture and more symmetrical movement. Two, the 4 elastic bands are designed to provide light resistance to the muscles surrounding the hips, to build strength over time, which will assist in providing more dynamic stability of the hip joints. This can assist in reducing the pet’s pain level and improving their mobility.
CAN MY VET TALK TO YOU ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT?
Definitely! As we’re introducing our innovation to the veterinarian and canine rehabilitation communities, we’d love to talk to your vet about what our product is and how it may help your dog. Reach out to us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com and introduce us to your clinician!
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED USE OF THE K9 HIPLIGN?
When you first try this garment on your dog, observe his or reaction to the product. Allow the dog to adapt to the garment for a few minutes around the house or in familiar surroundings. Then take your dog out on its usual walk with the garment on, again observing for any signs of resistance (does he/she bite, scratch, or chew on it, or refuse to move with it on?), in small increments of time, building from 5 to 30 minutes per walk or activity.
If your dog is resistant to moving in the garment, bring his/her favorite toy or treat and encourage the dog to take a few steps then reward it with the toy/treats to make wearing the garment a positive experience. Most dogs accept the garment readily, but occasionally it will take a few times of putting it on and having them wear it before they are not distracted by the garment, so be patient.
Since there are elastic straps and Velcro parts to our garment, which can get snagged on other objects, we always suggest that you supervise your dog while the garment is on. Once your dog has worn the garment several times and is comfortable with it on, you may choose to leave it on during the day when you are not home, but use proper judgment as some dogs are prone to chewing objects, and be aware of any potential objects in the house/yard that could get caught in the garment.
Once you observe that your dog tolerates the garment during his/her usual walks, we recommend usage as below:
First 2-4 days: 30-minutes wear in the morning, then a second 30-minutes wear in the afternoon.
Days 4-6: 45-minutes wear in the morning, then a second 45-minutes wear in the afternoon.
Days 6-10: 60 minutes wear in the morning, then a second 60-minutes wear in the afternoon.
After day 10, continue to add 20-30 minutes of time to each use, as long as your dog is not showing any negative signs (refusal to move, excess panting, slower movement during walks, wanting to sit down more, or increased scuffing of hind feet during walks). If you see marked improvement in your dog’s mobility with consistent use of the garment, it is possible to work up the tolerance level to the point of having the dog wear the garment from morning till bedtime. Remove the garment in the evening once your pet is settled in for the night.
We do not recommend leaving the garment on 24/7. Please be sure to consult with your veterinarian or physical/rehabilitation therapist if you have any questions about using our garment in conjunction with any rehabilitation program currently provided by your practitioner, or if your dog has any skin irritation/issues.
WHAT SIZE IS RIGHT FOR MY DOG?
The K9 HipLign is available in three sizes. Please consider all factors–including four areas of measurements, weight, and breed–in our sizing chart to ensure the best fit. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND REACHING OUT TO US AT contact@caninerehabsystems.com/hiplign PRIOR TO ORDERING A SIZE TO PREVENT THE TROUBLE OF EXCHANGES DUE TO FIT.
Click Here to View Sizing Chart
Click Here to View Guideline on Taking Dog Measurements
HOW DO I PUT THIS GARMENT ON MY DOG?
Please click here for the instructions manual or here for a video tutorial of how to put the garment on and to take it off.
HOW DO I CHECK THAT THE FIT IS CORRECT ON MY DOG?
- You should be able to fit your fingertips between the dog’s neck and the garment around the neck hole.
- The leg flaps should be able to reach around the dog’s thigh without being excessively tight.
- There should be little to no wrinkling/bagging in the body of the garment.
- The back edge of the garment should sit near the base of the dog’s tail, and the elastic straps should attach over the hips.
- The chest piece that comes up to the rib cage should not be excessively tight.
IS OVERHEATING A CONCERN WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT?
Our garment is composed of a lightweight, breathable fabric. But if you see signs of overheating—such as heavy panting or tongue hanging out of the mouth–while your dog is in extreme climates or conditions, remove the K9 HipLign immediately and wait until the weather has cooled off or the environmental conditions have improved.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING?
Click here for an e-copy of our user manual.
CAN I USE THIS GARMENT WITH A STANDARD COLLAR OR HARNESS?
Yes! You can use any standard collar or harness, including front or rear-attaching harnesses, over the garment. Some of our customers have also used the Help ‘em Up harness over our garment without impeding our garment’s function.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE PRODUCT IS WORKING?
Improvements seen in our internal clinical trials from dogs that used this garment daily for at least three consecutive weeks include:
- faster at arising to stand from a seated or laying position
- easier time climbing stairs/ramps.
- easier time getting in and out of a vehicle.
- able to walk farther with less fatigue or panting.
- more overall endurance and vitality.
- Improvement in hip range of motion.
- improvement in high/thigh musculature.
HOW DO I CARE FOR THIS PRODUCT?
Our garment is made with durable, washable fabric. When necessary, hand wash then air/hang dry. Do not machine wash, dry clean, machine dry, bleach or iron, as any such application can destroy or significantly deteriorate the garment.
We recommend these steps for easy maintenance of the garment:
Step 1: Remove any dog hair trapped in the velcro tips or velcro receptive patches on the garment. You can use a fine tooth comb or flea comb to do so. Duct tape also works.
Step 2: Hand wash garment in cold water with a mild detergent.
Step 3: Gently wring water out of garment and air dry flat or hang dry.
Helpful Tip: Be sure to stick the Velcro tips to the black Velcro receptive patches on the garment prior to storing or washing the garment. This prevents the Velcro from catching to the main fabric of the garment.
HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE THE K9 HIPLIGN ON MY DOG?
Please refer to the Usage Recommendations section above as you work our garment into your dog’s daily routine. Remember that we do not recommend leaving the garment on 24/7. Please consult with your veterinarian or physical/rehabilitation therapist if you have any questions about using our garment in conjunction with any rehabilitation program currently provided by your practitioner.
Click here for an e-copy of our user manual.
WHAT IF I DON’T SEE ANY IMPROVEMENTS IN MY DOG?
We stand behind our product! Although your dog may readily accept the garment, it may take a few weeks of consistent use before you can observe any improvements. Be sure to reach out to us at any time at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com with any questions. But if for any reason the K9 HipLign isn’t the right solution for your dog, email us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com to begin the return process. You have 30 days, from date of purchase or receipt of item if bought online, for a full refund of your purchase price (less S&H). The product must be in clean, resalable condition for a full refund. See below for detailed return or exchange instructions.
WHAT IF I SEE SIGNS OF DISCOMFORT OR IRRITATION WITH MY DOG WHEN WEARING THIS PRODUCT?
Problems are not common with our product, but if you see any signs of physical discomfort or skin irritation, please discontinue use and contact us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com.
HOW DO I RETURN THIS PRODUCT?
Please contact us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com for your return label and instructions for sending the garment back to us. Once we review your order history and confirm that you are still within your 30 days, we will email you a return label that you can use to return and track your package. When we receive your package, a credit for the original purchase price of the product, less $9.95 for return shipping, will be issued to your credit card within a week. In the event that we cannot process a credit, a check will be mailed to you. If your return is due to product defect or shipping error, we will provide you a return label at no cost. Please note the garment may only be returned if it is in clean, resalable condition or only if there is a manufacturing defect.
HOW DO I EXCHANGE MY GARMENT FOR A DIFFERENT SIZE?
Email us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com first so we can advise you on selecting a better size for your dog. Then we’ll give you instructions for doing the exchange. You’ll need to include the garment with the packing slip and note stating the new size you’d like to exchange it for. Please note there may be an additional $9.95 shipping charge for sending you the new garment. The garment that you are sending back to us should also be in clean, unused, resalable condition.
HOW DO I DONATE AN USED GARMENT?
If you no longer have a need for the garment and it is still in working condition, we’d love to pay it forward and put it to good use for you! We do donate preloved but working garments to shelters and other organizations that will benefit from your generosity. Please email us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com and we’ll get you a prepaid label to send it back to us! We love you for doing this 🙂 !
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR PRODUCT—ARE YOU AVAILABLE GLOBALLY?
The K9 HipLign is currently available at our online store and through a few clinics in the US. If you are overseas, be sure to reach out to us at HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com to see how we can ship it to you outside of the US.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
The fastest way to reach us is by email, but you can also call us or find us on social media!
Email: HipLign@CanineRehabSystems.com
Phone: 213.927.6663. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 3:00PM Pacific Standard Time.
FB: @K9Alignment
IG: @K9_Align
YT: @K9Align