Embedded harness sends golden retriever puppy named Air Bud to emergency surgery: B.C. SPCA

Air Bud is seen post-surgery in this image handed out by the B.C. SPCA.

A golden retriever puppy is recovering with a foster after undergoing emergency surgery to fix significant wounds caused by an ill-fitting harness, according to the B.C. SPCA.

The six-month-old pup, renamed Air Bud, was surrendered to the qathet animal shelter in Powell River on June 24, according to the organization. The dog was rushed to a veterinary hospital with four-inch lesions around the armpits caused by a harness embedded in its skin.

Wounds that severe are a rare sight, and were difficult to stomach, said Tara Daniels, manager of B.C. SPCA qathet.

“The worst part is knowing that he was suffering from this entirely preventable injury without any treatment or pain management. We don’t know how long Air Bud was wearing this harness, but it was clear the straps had been digging into his body without any reprieve for a long time,” she said in a media release issued Thursday.

After getting stitched up, Air Bud is now in the care of one of the vet clinic’s staff members and is receiving daily pain medication and antibiotics, the charity said.

The B.C. SPCA described the pup as sweet and affectionate, saying he loves snuggling and shows signs he will be an active and outdoorsy dog as an adult.

“Air Bud’s situation is a good reminder for all dog guardians,” Daniels said. “You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the material of the harness and your dog’s body. If not, it can cause injury and fear for the animal and lead to more harm than good. A harness should never be so tight that it’s causing chafing or cinching.”

The B.C. SPCA recommends checking a puppy’s harness still leaves room for its legs and shoulders before every walk as it grows.

“If you’re hoping to invest in an expensive harness for your pup, it’s not a bad idea to start with a more basic one until your puppy has stopped growing,” Daniels added.

As for Air Bud, the organization says he will be scheduled for neuter surgery once he’s healed and can then start looking for a forever home.