Can You Apply Kinesiology Tape Over a Horse or Dog’s Coat?

One of the most common questions we receive from students and practitioners new to animal kinesiology taping is:

"Can I apply kinesiology tape directly over the animal’s coat?"

The answer is yes — in most cases, you absolutely can!

Example of "hair lift" where the tape lifts the hair which then lifts the underlying tissues.

✅ How It Works

Unlike humans, animals are covered in fur or hair — but that doesn’t stop kinesiology tape from doing its job. When applied correctly, the tape lifts the hair, which in turn lifts the skin beneath it. This creates space and decompression at the superficial fascial level, promoting:

• Increased circulation

• Pain relief

• Lymphatic drainage

• Improved movement patterns

You can see a great example of this in the image we’ve attached (see below). Notice how the tape doesn’t need to be directly on the skin to have a therapeutic effect.

✂️ When Trimming Hair Might Help

While taping over the coat is perfectly acceptable for most applications — especially for fascia or muscle support — you might want to trim a small area of hair in certain cases, such as:

• Joint stabilization (e.g., stifle, knee, or hock joints)

• High-tension tapings where mechanical support is critical

• Very long or thick coats where adhesion may be more difficult

Trimming just a small section can help the tape anchor better and provide more mechanical control when needed. However, always prioritize comfort and avoid clipping large areas unnecessarily.

Great for All Coats

Kinesiology tape can be used successfully on horses, dogs, and other animals — from sleek coats to fluffier friends. It’s important to select high-quality, animal-safe tape, and to ensure your technique matches your goal: whether it’s pain relief, proprioception, lymphatic drainage, or mechanical stabilization.

💡 Final Tip

Always observe how your animal reacts to the tape. Some may require a little desensitization at first, but most tolerate it well — especially when applied gently and with purpose.

Want to Learn More?

Interested in mastering the art of equine or canine kinesiology taping?At Holistic Animal Studies, we teach comprehensive, hands-on techniques that you can use to support animal wellness and performance — whether you're a professional bodyworker or a passionate horse or dog owner.

Explore our kinesiology taping courses and start making a difference in animals’ lives today!

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