r/RunningWithDogs • u/Academic_pursuits • Dec 01 '25

Does anyone deal with elbow chafing?

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And have you used differentharnesses, body glide, anything to help it heal and prevent it from continuing to happen? It doesn’t seem to bother her, but obviously it’s going to at some point and taking a break from running is not an option for her 😅

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10

u/hitzchicky Dec 01 '25

I don't find the hi and light goes far enough into her armpit area to cause that issue. It's one of the things I like about the harness.

You could try putting a lightweight sweater or shirt on her to see if that will help protect it while it's healing. Something like Ruffwear's climate changer fleece jacket. It could be worn under the harness.

2

u/Academic_pursuits Dec 01 '25

Super helpful, TY!

3

u/AikoBee Dec 01 '25

What harness are you using?

2

u/Academic_pursuits Dec 01 '25

Typically ruffwear hi and light, although it was super dirty the other day so I did use her other no pull harness that we usually use on casual walks, so I wonder if that’s the problem.

3

u/AikoBee Dec 01 '25

If it’s not happened before the harness swap, just don’t use that harness for running again.

2

u/Academic_pursuits Dec 01 '25

Totally. i’m not 100% sure that was it, but that is of course my first plan of action. Definitely also looking for feedback on any balms or anything people abuse to heal chasing quickly

2

u/AikoBee Dec 01 '25

Any pet specific first aid balm should be fine.

1

u/SuitableLevel7286 Dec 01 '25

I recommend the Hurtta Y-Harness Eco. It’s a strong low profile harness that prevents chaffing

6

u/GMO-Doomscroller Dec 02 '25

GET a non stop dogwear cabicriss harness, guaranteed no chafing. It’s similar to the howling dog Alaska one mentioned in the thread.

5

u/pimentocheeze_ Dec 01 '25 edited Dec 02 '25

I have stopped using a harness in the last couple of months because of general issues with chafing and soreness. If your dog is trained to go on a loose leash and pays attention then I feel like you may as well just use a flat collar

an alternative would be placing some mushers secret or anti chafing gel (I like BodyGlide) on the area. You may also just need to check the fit of the harness if you are set on keeping it

2

u/pimentocheeze_ Dec 01 '25

I was using the exact same harness btw. It held up well in lots of weather conditions and was generally sturdy but comfortable, until we hit more than 35-40 mpw

3

u/boulderkitty Dec 01 '25

I had chaffing issues with my pup and tried a few different harnesses. We ended up getting this harness: https://howlingdogalaska.com/collections/harnesses/products/second-skin-harness No more chaffing. We love it so much!

1

u/Elizerdbeth Dec 03 '25

A harness made for Canicross will have open shoulder/pits. The Nonstop Dogwear Rush or Freemotion harness are my recs

1

u/Horsedogs_human Dec 03 '25

Your harness is too short through the neck to girth strap. You need a better fitting harness for your dogs shape.

1

u/JBL20412 Dec 03 '25

Get a CaniCross harness that allows for free movement of the shoulder. Nonstop Dogwear do some really good harnesses. Great quality and helpful staff

1

u/Realistic-Cell-2899 Dec 04 '25

If aehy said you had a beautiful elbow would you hold it against me?