Podcast Episodes
In the world of pet healthcare, innovative solutions often emerge from personal experiences and a desire to solve problems that affect our four-legged family members. This is precisely the story behind Ortho Dog, a company founded over 20 years ago that has revolutionized mobility solutions for dogs suffering from various orthopedic conditions.
The company began with a simple yet profound mission: to help dogs live pain-free, active lives through non-surgical interventions. What makes Ortho Dog particularly special is that it was born from the founder's personal experience with her rescue dog who suffered from hip dysplasia. Elizabeth Eve, the owner, brought her background as a massage therapist and understanding of human soft braces to develop the first canine mobility brace specifically designed for hip dysplasia. This innovation filled a significant gap in the market, as no such product existed at the time. This first breakthrough led to the development of additional braces for other common canine mobility issues, including their bestselling Canine Cruciate Care Knee Brace, which serves as an alternative to expensive TPLO surgery for dogs with torn ACLs (known as CCL tears in dogs).
Perhaps one of the most significant misconceptions in veterinary care that Ortho Dog confronts is the belief that surgery is the only option for conditions like ACL tears or hip dysplasia. Many pet owners are told by their veterinarians that surgical intervention, which can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $4,500 per knee for ACL repair and starting at $1,700 for hip dysplasia treatment, is the only path forward. Ortho Dog challenges this notion by offering effective, affordable alternatives that have proven successful for countless dogs worldwide. Their approach is gaining traction in veterinary circles, with more veterinarians beginning to recommend their products after seeing positive results in patients.
What sets Ortho Dog apart goes beyond their innovative products. The company maintains a strong commitment to American manufacturing, with all their braces being hand-sewn in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and approximately 97% of their raw materials sourced within the United States. This dedication extends to their employment practices as well, with the company paying at least the Asheville living wage or above to their team members. Additionally, their customer-focused approach includes personal consultations to ensure proper fit and effectiveness of their braces, with support available throughout the life of the product.
The challenges faced by small businesses in recent years haven't spared Ortho Dog. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they not only kept their operations running but also pivoted to help produce masks for local use. They created a space where staff members' children could continue their education through homeschooling while their parents worked. They weathered significant price increases in raw materials, ranging from 25% to 37%, which forced them to adjust their pricing structure. More recently, Hurricane Helene presented another obstacle, temporarily closing their operations for over a week, though thankfully, their facility escaped damage. Through it all, Ortho Dog has demonstrated resilience and an unwavering commitment to their mission of improving canine mobility and quality of life.
The impact of Ortho Dog extends far beyond their immediate business operations. They've created a community of dog owners who have discovered alternatives to costly surgeries and improved their pets' quality of life. Their website not only serves as a platform for their products but also as an educational resource, featuring articles about various canine mobility conditions and treatment options. By empowering pet owners with knowledge and affordable solutions, Ortho Dog is changing the landscape of canine orthopedic care one brace at a time.
To learn more about Ortho Dog go to:
Ortho Dog
(828) 475-2171
about
Skip Mauney
Executive Producer, Good Neighbor Podcast: Tri-Cities
Navigation
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved by Good Neighbor Partners, LLC | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy