WHEN DO DOGS CHEW, AND WHY?
You can prevent future chewing when you know why it was chewed the first time. We have excellent success keeping them intact!
Within the first 2 days, and usually when alone, dogs may chew anywhere (or everywhere!). Use a cone when they're left alone for the first 2 days. Cones work fine for this precaution.
*If it is chewed after 2 days there are clues as to what is bothering them based on where they chewed.
1.Chewed neck straps: They were too loose, dogs dislike them low. Tighten them as much as is comfortable and without causing chaffing on the legs.
2.Chewed straps from harness to sleeve along their back: this is a sign that the undertail pad was pressing too hard on their undertail area, and possible chaffing is beginning under the tail. If they chewed in the first 2 days it less of a "sign". After 2 days though the reason is different... preventable with checking under their tail with your hand to assure it's not too tight under there.
3. Chewed sleeve, up high near their body and under-tail pad. This is also an area they chew if it's getting sore under their tail. If the velcro strap was wrapped around their tail it'll cause chewing. The velcro strap should only bunch fabric together. Nothing gets wrapped around the tail. If that wasn't the problem then straps to harness are too tight. Micro adjustments are needed and if that doesn't make it secure enough it might be too big (sleeve needs to go NO further on hips than 1/3 of total back length) or the wag strap may be too loose. Send us a photo, we can help! The setup is going to stay perfect once you're done with adjustments...It's worth the effort. It'll be very secure, comfortable and won't loosen, even when washed.
4. Chewing lower half of tail sleeve: This is a sign of wound pain or itching or bandages under the tail sleeve, or something was wrapped around their tail (it must all flow loosely or there will be chewing)
HOW TO FIX CHEWED PARTS
Tail sleeve... if the soft undertail pad is in good shape you can pull a "cut-off" pant leg over the remnants of your sleeve, and tape the entire upper edge to the remnant. Do the taping when your pup will be sleeping for awhile, as the adhesion gets stronger on the tape during the first few hours. Tapes that work well are: Gorilla, Turf-Tape (best) and duct tape (sometimes after a few hours its good).
Chewed Buckle: zip ties and poking a hole as needed to fasten things together. There are re-usable zip ties available. An awl helps with hole poking... and strap material melts with heat... a hot awl goes through it easily.
Chewed Strap (s) from sleeve to harness: Make homemade strap and tie it to black strap sewn above silver band (2 areas on black strap are not sewn to silver band.... for repairs)
Chewed neck straps: Zip ties and poking holes may work. Its a tricky area! If you have your own harness Zip ties can provide a way to fasten the tail sleeve to it.
NON FIXABLE: If undertail pad was chewed I'm sorry to say a replacement tail sleeve is needed. We do offer them at a discount, use code healthytail for up to 80% off we have demo parts in your dog's size.
Chewed harness? If you own a different one you can use it and zip ties may work as a short term fix for attaching buckles or straps to it. We offer replacement harnesses online. code healthytail takes of 10% or call for a demo size (80% off)
Replacement Harness & Tail Sleeves: Our website has replacement parts. Your discount as a prior customer is 10%, use code healthytail.
BROKEN RIPPED DAMAGED but not from chewing? Our products should hold up to normal wear and tear, and if they don't we will replace it. Let us help and send us a photo. Thanks!