Safety issues and maintaining your dog stroller or bicycle pet trailer

We know it’s an obvious tip but pet strollers and pet trailers are only intended to be used by pets. Don’t let them become toys or playthings for children. When it’s not in use, fold and store away.

Ensure the stroller or trailer is completely assembled and check that all the locks are engaged before placing your dog inside the stroller.

Never use your pet stroller or trailer as a trolley for heavy items or shopping. Most pet strollers include a storage compartment or storage tray. Loading heavy items in your stroller or cycle trailer will only damage the frame, base and wheels of the model.

Use the storage compartment for any items that you will need for your dog. These can include water, bowls, food, dog treats, toys or a blanket. Pet stroller storage compartments may have a weight limit too, so follow the suggested weight capacity.

Do not hang bags from the handle, as this may cause the dog stroller to become unstable and tip over.

Never leave your dog unattended in the pet stroller or bicycle trailer. Leaving them alone in a closed up in a stroller or trailer is dangerous for them and to people nearby. Frantic dogs can become unpredictable and may tip the pet stroller or trailer (and the bike) over. You could always ask shop owners if they would object to you bringing a dog stroller into their shop. Most food shops will object due to health and safety standards but other shops may be more lenient.

Your pet’s safety is YOUR responsibility. So make sure you have assembled the dog stroller or trailer correctly before using it. And be responsible for your dog’s safety when you are using the pet stroller or cycle trailer outdoors.

Make any adjustments to your pet stroller or trailer without your pet being inside it. Ensure that any parts of the stroller or trailer cannot harm or injure your pet. Replace any fitting, screws etc before your dog returns to their stroller or trailer.

Do not use the pet stroller on escalators or stairs. If you have to use them fold up the stroller and carry it. Most public buildings and shopping centres have lifts or slopes, so use them instead.

Whenever you have to park your stroller use the brake. Even if you stop in the street to answer your mobile phone, apply the brake. You don’t want your stroller to free wheel down a sloping street!

Make sure you choose the correct stroller or trailer which has an interior large enough for your dog. They need to stand fully and comfortably and be able to stretch out in it. A good guide is to measure your dog from nose to tail and then add about 6 inches more. Compare the measurement you get with that of the stroller or trailer interior dimensions.

Be careful and make sure you are reading the correct interior dimensions when ordering pet strollers. Most products give you the measurements in length, width, and height. Usually the largest dimension is the height not length. Some manufacturers may give you the precise measurements of the interior of the stroller, whereas some may only give you the dimensios of the stroller as a whole, which will include the frame and wheels.

If you are using a pet stroller or cycle trailer for more than one dog, you must make sure that your dogs combined weights meets the maximum weight limit on the stroller/trailer.

Keep your dog stroller or pet trailer away from open or exposed flames. Although the dog stroller/trailer may me weatherproof it won’t be flame proof.

Most dog strollers and pet trailers can cope with various terrains so make sure you purchase the right stroller for your needs. If you like to jog on bumpy paths buy the correct model for it’s purpose. You can buy pet jogging strollers which have shock absorbers and added suspension. Many dog strollers cannot cope with the beach, so if you need a beach stroller search for one that can deal with sand.

Always train you dog to get acclimatised to their stroller before venturing out for the first time. This is especially important when using a bicycle dog trailer. Cycling with your dog needs maximum care when taking them out on public roads. You can read our article on ‘How to train your dog to use a pet stroller, carrier or cycle trailer’.

Make sure that you and your cycle are both road worthy too. Wear the correct safety clothing and make sure your cycle is in tip top condition before taking our dog out on the road.

To ensure ease of manoeuvrability and to minimise any wear and tear, keep all the moving parts clear of any debris and make sure they are regularly lubricated with a light machine oil. When lubricating wheels, move the stroller back and forth and rotate any swivel wheels, so the oil can be worked in and eased all over the appropriate fittings.

Regularly clean and lubricate the front and rear wheels and remove any trapped mud or debris. Clean them regularly with wet warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Check all the moving parts on a regular basis. This includes the folding mechanisms, zips, brakes, popper fastenings and make sure any nuts, bolts or screws are tightened.

Also regular check the stroller for any loose or damaged parts. If any of the fittings are loose, tighten them up before use. If any of the damaged parts can be replaced then do so as soon as you can.

Regularly clean the stroller protective covering with wet warm soapy water and dry thoroughly with an absorbent cotton cloth.

Avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners both on the outside and inside of the stroller. Any harsh chemical residue may come into contact with your dog and pose a danger to them.

Never clean your stroller with an abrasive cleaner or cloth. Abrasive cloths, cleaning pads and chemicals can scratch the frame and cause rust to appear. Abrasive cloths and chemicals can also damage the weather proof covering and make it porous in the wet weather.

Never exceed any weight limits within the stroller or storage compartment. Follow any weight guidelines that have been advised by the manufacturer. If you can carry one or more dogs in a dog stroller, always make sure that their combined weight meets with the maximum weight guidelines. These have been carefully studied by the design team and are put in place so you get the best out the stroller and that it remains safe for your dog t travel in.

Always store your folded stroller somewhere clean and dry. A closet, the garage, in the boot of the car or even under a bed! Keeping it in a clean dry place will prevent it from getting damaged by rust or mildew. When it has come out of storage after a long period of time, give it a thorough clean before putting your dog inside it.