Can I use a baby pushchair or buggy as a dog stroller?

It’s clear that millions of pounds are spent on designing pushchairs for babies, toddlers and infants. All the leading child pram and buggy manufacturers invest a great deal of time and money into the design, look, feel and functionality of the child’s pushchair. All of this is with a baby or child in mind. Not a cat or dog.

A child pushchair is only designed for a child’s safety. You cannot secure your dog safely inside a child’s pushchair. A dog, even one with a calm temperament can suddenly leap out of a child’s pushchair at any time. Dogs can be very flighty and unpredictable creatures. The good thing about using a pet stroller is the dog can be safely secured inside with a leash catch and the stroller has also a mesh fronted cover to stop the dog from jumping out.

Most child pushchairs come with a rain cover and folding canopy hood to protect the child from rain and the hot sun. But most of the time, the child is just sat openly in the buggy, held only with a waist or brace strap harness. These straps or harnesses are not designed for an animal. A dog stroller is specifically designed so that the dog cannot escape from within the enclosed stroller. Dogs that can be seen clearly by other dogs may cause some unwanted attention. Dog pushchairs usually have a full protective waterproof covering which has both front and rear zippered openings, ideal for the dog to enter and exit the stroller.

Some dogs can actually fit within a child’s pushchair easily but mainly only in a sitting position. Dog strollers have a much larger capacity so the dog can sit, lie down, curl up and move around inside. A dog placed in a child’s pushchair can become very uncomfortable and therefore become irritable. Imagine yourself sitting inside a badly designed car seat on a long journey.

As with children’s and baby pushchairs, pet strollers are designed with a dog’s weight in mind. A large dog in a child’s pushchair can cause problems with the wheels, frame and suspension of the buggy. It can also be unsafe for the dog, if the pushchair suddenly breaks in motion. A breaking buggy or pushchair will only scare your pet and make them leap out and escape, which is very dangerous on any busy high street with heavy traffic. All dog and pet strollers will have specific weight and size dimensions clearly stated on the product specifications.

All prams, pushchairs, buggies and pet strollers should come with good secure breaks fitted. Old buggies and pushchairs will have a fair amount of wear and tear due to the years of use, especially the brake mechanism. Never use an old children’s pushchair for your dog. it’s totally unsafe. Likewise, any pet stroller used for an animal needs to be in perfect working order. All frames, fixtures and fittings need to be safe for both you and your dog. Loose wheels, faulty brakes, cracked frames and sharp edges can cause a lot of damage to a fidgety animal.

All good pet strollers have a good amount of storage for dog treats and the odd toy or water bottle. Some parents use their child’s pushchair as a shopping cart even with the child still sat inside it. Large heavy bags hanging off the handles can tip the chair backwards and cause extra strain on the frame. Use only the storage areas provided on any pet stroller. Adding extra weight to the dog pushchair will only cause damage to it and possibly to your dog.

Some dog owners have tried to convert a child’s pushchair into a pet stroller. Avoid doing so. It will only cost you an arm and a leg to do this correctly and you can buy good value strollers especially for dogs. Dog strollers need a secure flat surface for the dog to rest on. Children’s pushchairs tend to be padded and designed at a slight angle, so the infant can sit comfortably. You would have to do a complete overall on the pushchair’s suspension and frame work and also create a full cover canopy. Don’t cut corners with your pets comfort and safety.

Children’s buggies, pushchairs and prams are only designed for small babies and infants. And pet strollers are for animals. You wouldn’t think of putting a child in a pet stroller. As a pet owner you are responsible for your pets safety and for the people who come into contact with you and your pet. When outdoors keep your pet either on a leash or in a pet stroller, specifically designed for your pets size and weight. Dogs are only allowed to roam free off their lead or from their stroller in clearly designated pet friendly areas. Check with your local council where these areas may be.