Measure twice. Order once.
A support sling that looks right in a photo can still be the wrong size on your dog. Weight alone is not enough. This guide shows exactly where to measure for the PipQo support sling, how to use the working size chart, and how to check paw width for grips.
The three measurements that matter
Take all three. Compare all three against the chart below. Do not choose by weight alone.
A · Chest / Girth
Wrap a soft tape around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is not the belly — measuring around the soft abdomen will give you a loose, wrong number.
B · Body Length
Measure along the back from the point of the shoulders (withers area) to the base of the tail. Keep the tape flat, following the back — do not pull it tight or across the belly.
C · Weight
Weigh your dog standing naturally — your home scale if they can sit on it, or weigh yourself then hold them. Weight is a check, not the main sizing call.
Sling size worksheet
Find the row where your dog’s chest/girth lands, then confirm body length and weight in that same row.
Size chart — measure your dog first, then match the ranges below. Use the three measurement steps above, then pick the range your dog falls into. When between sizes, choose the larger size.
| Size | Dog Weight | Chest / Girth | Body Length | Typical build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 15–30 lb | 16–24 in | 12–17 in | Small / compact |
| S | 30–55 lb | 22–30 in | 15–21 in | Medium |
| M | 55–85 lb | 28–38 in | 18–25 in | Medium–large |
| L | 85–120 lb | 34–46 in | 22–30 in | Large |
| XL | 120–150 lb | 42–54 in | 27–35 in | Giant / extra-large |
Ranges overlap on purpose — that is exactly why you use chest/girth first rather than rounding to a weight bracket.
How to measure and choose
Tips for a clean measurement
- Use a soft fabric measuring tape — a rigid ruler will not follow the body.
- Have your dog standing naturally, four paws on the floor, head up. Measurements taken lying down will be off.
- Take the tape snug, not tight — you should be able to slip one finger underneath.
- Measure chest/girth first. That is the primary sizing decision.
- Then confirm body length in the same size row.
- Treat weight as a cross-check, not the deciding number — two 60 lb dogs can have very different chests.
If you are between two sizes
Start with chest/girth, then check body length. If your dog falls between two sizes, has an unusual body shape, or is a long-backed breed (for example many Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, or similar long-bodied dogs), contact us before ordering. We would rather help you choose once than have you order twice.
Not sure? Send us the measurements. Before you order, send:
- Your dog’s weight
- Chest/girth measurement
- Body length
- Breed, if known
- A quick photo of your dog standing naturally, from the side
Measuring paw width for grips
Grips fit across the width of the paw, not around the leg.
For grips, the key measurement is the width of your dog’s paw across the widest part, when the paw is bearing weight:
- Have your dog standing or walking so a front paw is flat on the ground.
- Measure across the broadest part of the pad/toes, left edge to right edge.
- Do the same on a rear paw if you plan to use grips behind — front and rear paws are not always the same width.
- If your dog is between sizes, check the product page options or ask us; paw hair and nail length can also affect fit, so keep nails trimmed.
Grips are a traction option for indoor smooth floors. If your dog only slips inside, remember that fixing the floor itself (rugs, runners, treads) is often worth trying before anything goes on the paws.
Still unsure which support fits?
Not every dog needs the same thing — and some changes are best checked with a vet first. If you’re choosing between a sling, grips and a washable pad, start with the problem.