What an excellent idea! If you’ve tried the HipHug, bark in!
If you have a dog that suffers from the hip pain of arthritis or dysplasia, there is a great, new product to help your pal.
Deborah Pittman, a stay-at-home mom in Duluth, Ga., created the HipHug for her 12 year-old Golden Retriever, Gracie. Gracie has hip arthritis so Pittman went on-line to find some help. All I could find were electric floor pads, something my vet didnt recommend. I wanted something that would cuddle my dog.” So armed with a sewing machine, a small budget and the encouragement of her vet, the HipHug was born.
The HipHug (Pat.Pend.) is a 100% cotton, rice-filled blanket that heats in the microwave. The moist heat cuddles the dogs hips and lower back, easing joint pain and relaxing muscles.
Pittman definitely has a market. Statistics show that 1 in 5 dogs will get arthritis. Thats 8 million dogs in the U.S. alone! The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine reports that 50% of large breed dogs will develop dysplasia. Medium and small breeds, and even cats, are not immune to these diseases. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends several things to help relieve joint pain in dogs. Maintaining healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, monitored exercise, and providing warmth for the joints are great ways to help your pet. Just as in people, animals will have more joint pain in cold, damp weather and will seek the comfort of heat.
The HipHug is recommended by the Pleasant Hill Animal Hospital, Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital and Atlanta Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness.
