Wear Schedule & Break-In Guide
Your pet needs time to get used to their new custom brace or prosthetic. A slow, steady break-in keeps them comfortable and protects their skin. Every pet is different: some settle in within days, others need a little longer, and we may adjust this schedule for your pet's condition and progress.
1Wear schedule
Increase wear time gradually. Please don't skip ahead.
| When | Wear time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | 15–30 min, 2–3 times a day | Indoors only, on flat surfaces | Supervise the whole time. Check the skin after every session. Take it off if your pet shows pain. |
| Days 4–7 | 45–60 min, 2–3 times a day | Short leashed walks on even ground | Still supervised. Gentle outdoor walks are fine. Check the skin every time it comes off. |
| Week 2 | 1–2 hours, 2–3 times a day | Moderate leashed walks | Increase gradually. If redness doesn't fade within 20–30 minutes, cut back and contact us. |
| Week 3+ | 3–4+ hours, as tolerated | Normal daily activity, on leash | Work toward full daytime wear. Never overnight. No unsupervised wear until we clear it. |
Days 1–3
15–30 min, 2–3 times a day
Indoors only, on flat surfaces
Supervise the whole time. Check the skin after every session. Take it off if your pet shows pain.
Days 4–7
45–60 min, 2–3 times a day
Short leashed walks on even ground
Still supervised. Gentle outdoor walks are fine. Check the skin every time it comes off.
Week 2
1–2 hours, 2–3 times a day
Moderate leashed walks
Increase gradually. If redness doesn't fade within 20–30 minutes, cut back and contact us.
Week 3+
3–4+ hours, as tolerated
Normal daily activity, on leash
Work toward full daytime wear. Never overnight. No unsupervised wear until we clear it.
Prosthetics often need a slower, longer break-in. Follow the pace we set at your fitting.
2Skin check guide
Check your pet's skin every time you take the device off.
No redness
Normal, good fit
Keep following the schedule.
Light pink that fades in 20–30 min
Normal pressure
Keep an eye on it. If it lingers, shorten wear time.
Redness lasting more than 30 min
A pressure spot. The device may need an adjustment
Stop using the device and contact us.
Open sore or bleeding
The skin is breaking down and needs attention
Stop right away. Contact your vet AND us.
3Putting it on and taking it off
Putting it on
- Make sure the skin is clean and dry.
- Pull the sock or liner on smoothly. Wrinkles can cause sores.
- Slide the device on gently and line it up the way we showed you at the fitting.
- Fasten the straps snugly: one finger should fit under each strap.
- Check that it's seated properly and your pet can stand on it comfortably.
Taking it off
- Undo all the straps first.
- Slide it off gently. Never pull or yank, which rubs the skin.
- Remove the liner and check the skin (see the skin check guide above).
- Wipe the inside of the device with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely.
4Important rules
Do
- Follow the break-in schedule. Don't skip ahead
- Check the skin every time the device comes off
- Keep the device and skin clean and dry
- Supervised, leashed activity only
- Contact us with any questions
Don't
- Leave it on overnight or while your pet sleeps
- Let your pet wear it unsupervised until we clear it
- Allow running, jumping or rough play in weeks 1–2
- Get the device wet (swimming, baths, rain)
- Bend, cut, modify or alter the device
- Ignore redness that lasts more than 30 minutes
5What to expect
Days 1–4, the adjustment window. Your pet may seem awkward or try to resist the device. That's normal, and most pets settle in within 3–5 days. Use treats and lots of praise, and don't force them to walk. Let them explore at their own pace.
Weeks 1–2. Comfort and confidence usually build little by little. Their walk may look different while they learn to use the device, and small changes in how they move are expected.
Week 3 and beyond. Most pets are comfortable with longer wear by now. If your pet still flat-out refuses the device after 7–10 days of steady practice, contact us and we'll take another look.
6Care & cleaning
- Wipe the inside of the device with a damp cloth after each use, then let it air dry completely.
- Hand wash the sock or liner daily with mild soap and let it air dry.
- No bleach, alcohol or harsh chemicals on the device.
- Store it somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sun, away from heat and out of your pets' reach.
- Check the straps, padding and hardware regularly for wear.
7When to contact us
- Skin redness that won't go away, sores, or broken skin
- Your pet keeps refusing to put weight on the leg with the device on
- The device feels loose, shifts, or won't stay in place
- Any cracks, warping or damage to the device or its hardware
- Changes in your pet's condition, like new swelling, limping or weight change
- Any question at all. We're here to help
Your 30-day fit adjustment warranty
Fit adjustments are included at no charge for 30 days from your delivery date. If anything about the fit doesn't feel right during break-in, reach out early so we can fix it. See the full warranty.
This guide is not a substitute for veterinary medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.