forces and step length in guide dogs, using advanced gait analysis to determine how harness type influences canine biomechanics and gait patterns during walking. This study highlighted that the type of harness and the different handles used can influence the distribution of forces across the dog ' s body and alter their gait patterns, and determined which design optimally supported the dog ' s gait mechanics and overall comfort, and how the handler could influence these factors( Figure 3).
Figure 3. Guide dog in harness [ 7 ].
REFERENCES
1 Carr BJ, Dycus DL. Canine gait analysis. Today ' s Veterinary Practice. 2016; 6( 2): 93 – 100. Available from: https:// todaysveterinarypractice. com / orthopedics / recovery-rehab-canine-gait-analysis / [ Accessed 18 May 2026 ].
2 McGowan CM, Goff L.( eds) Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals. 2nd ed. Chichester: Blackwell Publishing; 2016.
3 Millis D, Levine D.( eds.) Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier; 2014.
4 Brown DC, Boston RC, Farrar JT. Comparison of force plate gait analysis and owner assessment of pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2013; 27( 1): 22 – 30. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / jvim. 12004.
5 Wu Y, Nichols C, Foster M, Martin D, Dieffenderfer J, Enomoto M, et al. An exploration of machine learning methods for gait analysis of potential guide dogs. In: ACI ' 23: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Animal-Computer Interaction. 2023. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1145 / 3637882.3637883.
6 Lindley S, Watson P.( eds.) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Rehabilitation, Supportive and Palliative Care. Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2018.
7 Peham C, Limbeck S, Galla K, Bockstahler BA. Pressure distribution under three different types of harnesses used for guide dogs. Veterinary Journal. 2013; 198( Suppl 1): e93 – e98. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1016 / j. tvjl. 2013.09.040.
8 Weissenbacher A, Tichy A, Weissenbacher K, Bockstahler B. Influence of two types of guide harnesses on ground reaction forces and step length of guide dogs for the blind. Animals. 2022; 12( 18): 2453. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.3390 / ani12182453.
Carr and Dycus [ 1 ] outline the importance of using new objective gait-analysis technologies to assess gait characteristics in dogs, particularly in the context of detecting lameness and evaluating treatment responses. This information can be relevant in the context of therapy dogs, as gait analysis can help in monitoring their health and mobility, ensuring they are in good condition to perform their duties effectively and prevent injury.
Conclusions
Overall, integrating gait-analysis technologies into the care and management of therapy dogs can enhance their quality of life, ensure their optimal functioning as service animals and contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Studies [ 7, 8 ] suggest that further research should be conducted into the need for harnesses and handles to be individually fitted to each guide dog and handler.
By using the findings from relevant research and incorporating various gait-analysis technologies in their work, veterinary physiotherapists can obtain a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of gait abnormalities and musculoskeletal conditions and help improve the overall mobility of therapy dogs.
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46 Veterinary Nursing Journal