You are walking down the street and you see a stroller coming towards you. You become super excited because seeing cute babies makes your day but when the stroller passes you, you are shocked.
Why is a dog in a pram?!
I remember when I saw my first ever dog stroller and was bewildered myself. Why would a dog ever need a stroller? I thought the point of taking a dog out was to give them a walk, some exercise. But I was proven wrong.
Table of Contents
Why do Dogs Need Strollers?
A dog stroller is probably one of the last things you think your dog would need however it can come handy in many situations.
1. Strollers Give Older, Injured or Disabled Dogs Mobility
Dog strollers give an opportunity for older, injured or disabled dogs to explore the outside world and get some fresh air. They help avoid stress on a dog’s body if they are having trouble walking due to joint pain, arthritis, or recent surgery. Without a strollers these dogs would be stuck at home which can be boring and unstimulating.
2. Strollers Protect Dog Paws
On extremely hot or extremely cold days, going on a walk is difficult and uncomfortable for a dog. These weather patterns may go on for multiple days, preventing your dog to get an outing.
3. Strollers Make Vet Visits Easier
When your dog is sick or injured, your dog walking to the vet is not an option while carrying your dog there is dangerous for your back and neck. A pet stroller will let you secure your dog in an emergency while providing him/her with a sense of security.
4. Strollers Make It Easier To Take Dogs To Work
Some workplaces these days allow you to take your pets to work. There’s no better way to transport your dog to work then in a dog stroller. It will 1) provide a familiar and secluded place to nap in your office without carrying a dog kennel or bed all the way to work and 2) keep your dog in a secure place when walking through the city or through the office.
5. Strollers Eliminate Strain Other Carriers Can Cause
Hand held carriers can cause a strain on your back, shoulders and neck.A pet stroller gets rid of all lifting and carrying involved in transporting a dog by a pet carrier. This is especially beneficial for the older population who might have issues carrying a dog in a hand held crate or container.
6. You Can Get Better Exercise
If you want to go on a 5km jog and your dog is not up to it you can put him in a dog stroller without tiring him out. This lets you get in shape, makes the workout slightly harder (pushing the weight of your dog) and gives your dog a good outing.
7. Strollers Are A Good Seat For Outdoor Events
If you are going to an outdoor event e.g. a music festival, concerts etc., a pet stroller makes a good seat for your dog. You don’t need to worry about your dog running away or disturbing other attendees. This allows you to enjoy the event and have a worry free day out with your dog!
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Dog Stroller
Interior/Cabin Size
The interior or cabin size of the stroller must be large enough for a dog to sit, lie down in a comfortable position, stand and turn around easily.
Weight Capacity
It is important to check the maximum weight capacity for the stroller and make sure your dog’s weight is below this maximum.
Brakes
Make sure the stroller model you choose has good brakes so your dog doesn’t roll away when you stop.
Folded Size
Check out the folded size of the stroller and make sure it will fit inside your car’s boot.
Wheels
Look for good quality wheels that are suitable for your end use whether that is hiking or pathway strolls. Consider the grip on the wheels.
Canopy
Most dog strollers have canopies but it’s still a good idea to consider the height of the canopy to see if your dog will fit underneath and whether it is detachable it not.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important in a dog pram if it can be fully enclosed. Without it your dog could suffocate. It generally comes as mesh panels around the cabin section.
Access
Is there rear or front access? This is an important question to ask when considering dog strollers to see if the access will suit your dog. Can you lift your dog into the stroller yourself from the top or is rear access better so your dog can jump in?
Washable Fabric
Check for strollers with removable washable fabric. Dog’s can get their strollers quite dirty so this feature is important if you want to keep your stroller in good condition for many years.
Small Dog Strollers
iPet Folding Pet Stroller
Rating:
5 stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
The iPet Folding Pet Stroller is a good product if you are looking for something under $100 for a small dog. After reading customer reviews on Amazon, the only complaint seems to be that the wheels aren’t made of soft plastic or rubber but rather are made of hard plastic moulded to appear like rubber. Some stand out features include that the fabric is UV-resistant meaning it won’t fade as quickly and that it includes pet leashes that act as seat belts to keep your dog safe.
The design is also reminiscent of the Baby Peach’s Booster Seat Car from Mario Kart! This could be lots of fun for a dog Halloween costume!
Specifications:
| Total Size | 67(L) x 47(W) x 100(H)cm |
| Cabin Size | 55cm(L) x 35cm(W) x 55 cm(H) |
| Weight Capacity | 15kg |
| Brakes | Yes, rear brakes |
| Folded Size | Not specified |
| Wheels & Suspension | Four lockable EVA wheels |
| Canopy | Collapsible |
| Ventilation | Three mesh sections |
| Access | Front & rear zippable mess sections |
| Washable Fabric | Yes UV-resistant 600D oxford fabric Nylon material |
| Other | Waterproof Two leashes inside Cushion Detachable storage basket |
Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller
Rating:
4 stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
The Pet Gear No-Zip NV Stroller is a more expensive stroller and has the Amazon choice award. It comes in many colours and patterns including rose, spots and sky. Some stand out features include the addition of a plush dog bed inside, clip lock instead of zippers as well as the air tyres.
Specifications:
| Total Size | 76 x 33 x 56 centimetres |
| Cabin Size | 71 L x 32 W x 57 H centimetres |
| Weight Capacity | 30kg |
| Brakes | Front wheel locking |
| Folded Size | Not supplied |
| Wheels & Suspension | 3 Air tyres |
| Canopy | Yes |
| Ventilation | Full front ventilation |
| Access | top & front |
| Washable Fabric | No |
| Other | Plush bed inside Push button entry No zipper as closure |
Ibiyaya Monarch Premium Pet Jogger Stroller, Luxury Gold
Rating:
4 ½ stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
This is the luxury pet stroller that is a lot more expensive than the previous but well worth the price. It has a sleek design and neutral colour scheme which matches its ‘luxury’ description well. It is also a jogger design which makes it perfect for running or physical exercise you want to do.
Specifications:
| Total Size | L 96cm x W 60cm x H 103cm |
| Cabin Size | L 66cm x W 39cm x H 53cm |
| Weight Capacity | 28kg |
| Brakes | Rear brakes Front wheel lock |
| Folded Size | L 41cm x w 60cm x H 90cm |
| Wheels | 4 wheels |
| Canopy | Yes |
| Ventilation | Front and top mesh sections |
| Access | Rear and front/top |
| Washable Fabric | Not specified |
| Other | Attached lead/safety tether 2 removable pads Storage basket |
Large Dog Strollers
Petbobi Dog Stroller for Large Dog
Rating:
3 ½ stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
The Petbobi Dog stroller has won the Amazon’s choice award for stroller for large dogs. It is quite an interesting design being more of a cart style rather than a traditional baby stroller. A stand out feature of this big dog stroller is the sun roof. It allows for dogs to be able to stick their head out and enjoy the view while getting pushed along. Also for dogs that have pointy ears that don’t fit within the cabin specifications, the sunroof can be opened to make it a more comfortable ride for them.
Specifications:
| Total Size | 110 (H) cm x 80 (W) cm x 64 (L) cm |
| Cabin Size | 64 (H) cm x 80 (W) cm x 64 (L) cm |
| Weight Capacity | 55kg |
| Brakes | Locking rear wheels/brake system |
| Folded Size | 28cm x 55cm x 84 cm |
| Wheels | Double wheels |
| Canopy | Yes, openable to let dog stick head out as well |
| Ventilation | Top, front, back & side mesh windows |
| Access | Zipper front access |
| Washable Fabric | Not specified Durable Oxford Cloth |
| Other | Internal storage bags Dogs can stick their head out through the sunroof. |
Pet Gear NO-Zip Stroller
Rating:
4 stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
This dog stroller won the Amazon choice award for pet gear strollers. It comes in many different colours like boysenberry, candy red, dark platinum, fog, midnight blue and mountain lilac. A stand out feature is the dual entry meaning your dog can be loaded in from the front or rear. This is a benefit for injured or older pets who may have difficulty turning around to exit the stroller.
Specifications:
| Total Size | 94 cm (L) x 75 (W) cm x 58 (H) cm |
| Cabin Size | 81 (L) cm x 56 (W) cm x 58 (H) cm |
| Weight Capacity | 68kg |
| Brakes | Yes |
| Folded Size | 94 cm x 75 cm x 36 cm |
| Wheels | Plastic / EVA |
| Canopy | Yes with viewing area |
| Ventilation | Yes, front, back & side mesh windows |
| Access | Dual-entry |
| Washable Fabric | Not specified, 600 Denier Nylon |
| Other | Adjustable handles Viewing area No zip design |
DoggyRide Novel Dog Stroller
Rating:
4 1/2 stars on Amazon
Price:
Review:
The DoggyRide Novel Dog Stroller is a sleek and modern design featuring a lightweight aluminium alloy frame. The design features large wheels because it can be converted to a dog bike trailer. Two products in one! It comes in lime green or bright red colours for the fabric. Some other stand out features include the addition of reflective striping for visibility.
Specifications:
| Total Size | 142 cm (L) x 104 cm (H) |
| Cabin Size | 80 cm (L) x 53 cm (W) x 65 cm (H) |
| Weight Capacity | 50kg |
| Brakes | Yes |
| Folded Size | 80 cm (L) x 53 cm (W) x 10 cm (H) |
| Wheels | 3 wheels:2x bike style1x normal front wheel |
| Canopy | Yes with viewing area |
| Ventilation | Yes, front & two sides |
| Access | Rear access |
| Washable Fabric | Not specified |
| Other | Converts to dog bike trailer Front reflective striping Rear pouch with water bottle pocket |
Can I use a baby stroller for my dog?
Yes, you can however it is necessary to make adjustments to the stroller and consider the safety. A baby stroller most likely won’t work for a large dog but with the right modifications it can work just fine for a small dog. Pretty much you need to change the seat into more of a box shape so your dog can sit inside. There are many websites that explain how to DIY a baby stroller into a dog stroller online but for most people buying a dog specific stroller is easier, saves a lot of time and is probably safer for your dog.
How do I get my dog used to a stroller?
- Introduce the stroller to your dog at home.
- Lock and secure the wheels so it won’t move around and place your dog in the cabin section. Do this by either encouraging your dog inside through rear entry with a treat or by lifting him inside.
- Encourage him to sit and reward this action with a treat.
- Secure your dog inside with a built in leash or your own leash that you can clip onto the handle bar. Connect the leash to a harness, not a collar so in the instance of your dog trying to escape, he won’t get choked.
- Get your dog used to the movement by pushing the stroller slowly up and down a flat area in your house. Reward your dog with treats again.
- Put on the brakes and encourage or lift your dog out of the stroller.
- Repeat the process until your dog is comfortable with travelling inside the stroller at home and then start going outside in it.
Pro Tip: Always put on the brakes/lock wheels when your dog is getting in or out of the stroller otherwise the wheels will kick out from under the dog
What's Your Reaction?
The main thing to look for in a stroller is how well it is made. Cheap strollers often get bent out of shape after only a few months. While this isn’t very serious, it can present a major problem if you’re going to be using your baby stroller at a later date.
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