My grandparents are unable to lift their dog anymore and have asked me to help them give him a bath. The easiest place to give him a bath is in the tubs in the basement, but this requires lifting him three or four feet up into the tub. He’s twelve years old (about 40 pounds) and is used to this – and hates baths. He knows me very well. I love spending time at my grandparents playing with him, and I walk and brush him regularly! I have no problem lifting that much weight, but I’m concerned about lifting an unwilling (and fairly large) squirming dog. What is the best way to lift a dog this size so that he is comfortable and feels secure?
Most people agree that the best way to lift and/or carry a larger dog is to place one arm in front of him, across the front of the shoulders and chest and the other arm behind him across his hindquarters. This way, you’re supporting his head and butt and not putting any stress or pressure on his ribcage or abdomen. Make sure that your front arm is low enough across his chest and shoulders that it isn’t putting any pressure on his throat. He should be able to rest on his head in the crook of your arm. Hold him close into your body to make him feel even more secure. Goodluck.