Your Complete Guide to Buying a Dog Stroller
If you’ve been searching online for “doggie stroller” or similar terms, you’ve likely come across this article. As a lifelong dog owner and occasional stroller user myself, I want to help address all your questions so you can feel confident making the right choice. Let’s dive in!
Why Use a Dog Stroller?
There are several good reasons why more and more dog owners are taking to strollers these days. For one, strollers allow pups who suffer from joint issues or are recovering from surgery to stay active and enjoy outdoors time without overexerting themselves. From my experience nursing injured dogs back to health, strollers were a godsend for supervised recovery walks. Strollers also enable tiny or very elderly dogs to keep up with their owners on longer walks. I remember struggling to carry my 12-pound senior dog on hikes before investing in a stroller.
Strollers are also great for dogs with mobility issues, like those with selective paralysis or genetic conditions. Plus, they keep dogs safely contained in public spaces where they may otherwise be at risk of darting into traffic. Have you ever almost had a heart attack when your excited pup bolted after a squirrel?! A stroller solves that problem. Finally, strollers provide a cozy, shaded place for dogs to relax and watch the world go by on busy outings.
Choosing a Stroller Style
The main types of dog strollers are bucket, wagon, and jogging styles. Bucket strollers resemble baby strollers with a dog-sized bucket seat. They’re compact and fold up easily for storage but offer less protection from the elements. Wagon strollers, on the other hand, have more full enclosure cages and are best for transportation and visibility. However, they are bulkier. Jogging strollers, as the name implies, are built for active dogs and owners, with extra-large wheels and shocks for smoother rides.
- Bucket strollers:
- Pros: Compact size, lightweight
- Cons: Less protection from weather
- Wagon strollers:
- Pros: Fully enclosed cabin, best visibility
- Cons: Bulky, harder to store
- Jogging strollers:
- Pros: Built for active dogs/owners, smooth rides
- Cons: Heavy, expensive
From my experience, bucket strollers work great for short walks near home, while wagon styles provide ideal shelter on trips to the park or downtown. Consider your dog’s needs and lifestyle when deciding.
Other Important Features
Beyond style, consider things like weight capacity, wheel size, storage baskets, canopy coverage, and handlebar height when shopping. A sturdy, well-built frame is essential for taller dogs’ safety. Make sure it easily folds up for the trunk – believe me, busted strollers are no fun! I’d also look for padded seats, 5-point harnesses, and rear brakes. Check reviews from other owners too before buying.
I personally like wider wheels for rougher terrain. But is that worth the extra cash? It depends basically. Canopies are kinda necessary if your dog hates sunshine like mine! Storage is handy too, no lie. After bringing home way too many things in my dog’s stroller, I can confirm baskets are boss. So in summary, think ergonomics!
Critical Safety Factors
Proper fit is so important with strollers. The most reliable way to ensure comfort and avoid injury is to carefully measure your pup before shopping. Consider shoulder width and length from neck to tail specifically. A few owners I’ve talked to wish they’d taken sizing more seriously before squeezing dogs that were kinda too big into strollers, you feel? It’s also crucial to use restraints at all times, man. Strap that harness on tight! You don’t wanna risk falls from a moving stroller, trust.
Visibility is another huge deal, in my not-so-humble opinion. Opt for brighter colors if possible for low-light walks. Reflective strips help cars see pups too. Speaking of, always walk facing traffic and avoid busy streets if you can help it. Lastly, don’t forget sun protection – canopies, rashguards, and hats go far in beating the heat. Our furry friends cant handle that blaze like us, no lie!
Taking Your New Stroller Out
Once you bring home that sweet ride, start simple and go slow to help your pup adjust. Short neighborhood test drives with treats are the way, I’d advise. Expect some wiggle room – it’s new! Stay positive and keep sessions positive. Before you know it, rolling will be their fave. Also, practice basic commands beside the stroller to build confidence. “Sit,” “wait,” and “let’s go” come in handy whether walking or stopped to chat.
Be sure to mix in pause breaks too for sniffs, stretches, and water when out longer. Dogs tired faster than us, my pal. Watch their body language too – staring longingly at squirrels means it’s zoomie time! Finally, stash poop bags and first aid essentials in case of any upset tummies from the unfamiliar ride. You never know, you feel?
The Verdict: Totally Worth It!
Whether you get a bucket, wagon or jogger style, dog strollers offer so many benefits to pups young and old. They expand exercise options when health issues arise, enable tiny dogs to join the fun, and keep excitable pups safely by our sides. While an investment, quality strollers last for years of memories. So if you’ve been on the fence, I say take the plunge! Your best furry friend will appreciate new views and bonding time. Who knows – they may even start to enjoy the ride, no lie.
I hope this guide has addressed any concerns or answered questions you may have had. Please feel free to reach out if you need any other advice as you shop. Wishing you and your pup many happy strolling adventures ahead!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Stroller
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Consider the size of your dog – strollers come in sizes for toy, small, medium and large dogs. |
| Weight Limit | Check the maximum weight limit – it should support your dog’s current and future weight. |
| Wheels | Look for smooth-rolling wheels that are puncture-resistant for different terrains. |
| Canopy | An adjustable sunshade canopy protects your pup from elements like sun, rain or snow. |
| Storage | Basket, pockets or organizer to carry supplies, toys and treats for longer outings. |
| Comfort | Padding, supports and safety features keep your dog secure and comfortable. |
FAQ
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Why would someone use a doggie stroller?
Basically, a doggie stroller lets you bring your pup along on walks even if they get tired easily. It lets elderly, injured, or tiny dogs still enjoy the outdoors.
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Is it weird to put a dog in a stroller?
Maybe some folks think dogs in strollers looks odd, but it’s surprisingly common! As long as your pup enjoys it, who cares what others may say? Besides, have you seen how fast tiny dogs can tire out? The stroller lets them keep up too.
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What size dog needs a stroller?
Most doggie strollers accommodate pups under 25 pounds. Really tiny dogs or older dogs with joint issues seem to appreciate them most. But now they make extra large strollers that’d fit a Great Dane, if you can believe it!
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How much do dog strollers cost?
Prices vary quite a bit, anywhere from around $50 for a basic model up to a few hundred dollars for high-end strollers with lots of pockets and accessories. You can find decent ones for under $100 though. It depends how much you want to spend to keep Fido rolling.
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Are strollers safe for dogs?
As long as it’s made for pups, a dog stroller should be secure and comfortable for dogs. Look for five-point harnesses and safety features like reflective strips or flashers. Some dogs see strollers as fun rides. But others get nervous, so introduce it slowly. Go strolling if Fido seems into it!
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What about bad weather – can dogs still use strollers?
Wet or icy conditions require some adjustments. Look for strollers with rain shields or coverings sold separately. Some even have built-in heaters! I knew a guy who put his cloud in boots and a little raincoat. Maybe ask your vet about how to best bundle up pup.
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Are there different types of dog strollers?
You bet! They come in all sorts of styles – double decker, three wheel, wagon-like beds. Some fold up tiny and others look like baby carriages. You can get basic or decked out models with cool extras such as cup holders, storage, and even music. Shop around and think of your pup’s needs.