Dog Strollers, Dog Prams and Pet Pushchairs – so often misunderstood

Some think that dog strollers are simply a trendy fashion accessory, owned by the quirky, rich and famous, but they would be wrong. Although they do come in animal print and day-glo pink, they are still a functional transportation device for your dog. Not all dogs need a stroller but some do. Assess your own and your dogs needs before choosing a stroller because there are many options out there. They come in various sizes and each one will a have certain weigh capacity so weigh and measure your dog carefully, allowing for growth and an increase in weight.

Having as troller doesn’t mean that your dog will need it on a day to day basis. Some owners use them only in bad weather or when a dog is injured or when they are travelling or taking long trips. Each case scenario is different.

Owners who do use dog strollers still (and should) exercise their dogs regularly. Dogs still need physical exercise no matter what age they are or how healthy they happen to be. Dogs build up energy and still need to release it through walking, running and exercise and they will do that at their own speed and pace. A stroller is an ideal way to transport your small or elderly dog to the dog park or dog friendly exercise area, where they can then exercise at their own pace.

Pet strollers have an enclosure that can be used to contain your dog. Most have some sort of tether to secure the dog while they inside the stroller. The enclosure is fastened securely with zips and even velcro. Your dog will not be able to leap out unexpectedly. In time when your dog is more comfortable with being inside the stroller, you can push back the stroller canopy so they can feel the wind beneath their ears. The safety tether will still keep them from leaping out, which stroller dogs tend not to do until they are commanded to do so.

In the past any disabled puppies may have been put to sleep if they were born with defects or paralysed limbs. Dog strollers are not only great for dog owners who have injured dogs but dogs with birth defects such as paralysis of the hind legs. They can still get around and have some quality of life. Like a human wheelchair the stroller enables the disabled dog to travel around with their owner and experience the outside world like other dogs.

Pet strollers are ideal for puppies, kittens, small dogs, small animals, and older pets who have a restricted ability to walk on their own such as hip problems, arthritis or even a visual impairment. Why would you leave your older or infirmed dog at home while you take the younger dogs for a walk? With a stroller, all your pets can now go on an outing together.

Dog strollers are ideal if you have a toy dog breed or a small dog who gets tired easily. Many toy breeds are very fragile and these breeds need extra attention and care. They may not be able to walk very far and when they do get to their dog friendly destination, they are too tired to play. A small tired dog will either have to be carried by you or slow you down. A dog stroller is an ideal way of travelling with your toy breed or small dog who can then hop in and out of the pushchair, when it suits them.

Pet strollers are especially good in big cities because they protect your dog from being stepped on or even their leash getting wrapped around people’s legs. Dogs can get very stressed when surrounded by hundreds of feet and loud noisy and unforgiving traffic. A nervous dog may be unpredictable and cause problems or run into the road near oncoming traffic. A dog on a leash on a very busy street can cause all manner of problems and slow you down. A stroller can cut this time down and get you and your dog safely to your destination.

The wet and cold weather can cause many problems when walking your dog. Getting your dog wet isn’t a good idea and a stroller is a good way to protect them from the elements if you have to go out with your dog. Even the snow and ice can cause problems for your dogs feet, not to mention the dangers of street grit and how it can irritate your dogs paws. Dog strollers are weatherproof and will keep your dog snug and warm until it’s time to get out and exercise. Walking to the nearest doggy park in inches of cold snow will only make your pet cold and uncomfortable.

Have you heard the song, ‘Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’? Well dogs do get sunburned and can suffer from heatstroke just like humans. But heatstroke in dogs can be fatal as dogs cannot cool down as efficiently as humans can. Not only are they covered in fur but they don’t sweat like we do. A stroller is essential if you have to take trips with your dog in very hot weather. Not only does it keep your dog cool in the heat of the sum but if protects them from those harmful UV rays.

Dogs should always have plenty of water to drink on hot sunny days so the storage compartment on your dog stroller will come in very handy to keep your dogs water bowl and water in. Your dog can also be protected from the sun in a stroller if you plan to go to the beach with them, that way they have some shade when they have had enough of running around in the sun.

Dogs are sometimes banned from using public transport when they are walking on a leash. Dogs in pet strollers on the other hand are allowed. So taking your dog on the metro and underground is a great way to travel across the city with your dog, if time is an issue. Buses and trains are also dog stroller friendly. Your dog is now securely placed inside the stroller and will not cause problems for any other fellow passengers.

Dog strollers are ideal for short trips to nearby places or long trips on vacations. You can also now take your dog with you where ever you go and for dog owners who travel frequently, dog strollers will become their best travel buddy. Some dogs even use their stroller as a bed for the night if staying away from home. Many dog friendly hotels and B&B’s do not provide dog beds, but you have your very own dog bed on wheels!

Dog strollers are the perfect solution for you to still walk at your pace and get a little exercise without tiring out your dog. As dogs get older they begin to walk slower and get tired easily. A stroller will enable you to travel at your own pace allowing your dog to hop in or out of the stroller when they see choose to.

A stroller is easy to use and easy to push along. Sometimes carrying a dog in a dog carrier can put great strain on your arms and back. A stroller will hold your dog securely and not create any health problems for you, in fact it will be the opposite! You will find that you will walk more instead of taking the bus or car, enabling you to get fit in the process.

Strollers are a great way to take your dog to public events like festivals and fun fairs. They are also great for family fun days out like going to the park or beach. Now you have no need to leave your dog at home all alone, missing out on all the fun. Some dog owners leave their small or elderly dogs at home because they tire easily and may ruin the day out. But a stroller allows your dog to spend the day with you, and offers them a resting place when they need a snooze before the next bout of activity.

Many dog breeders use strollers to house their dogs when they attend dog shows and competitions. The stroller provides the dog with privacy and a restful place to sleep before being shown in the competition. There will be no distractions either or contact with other dogs who may be stressed out due to the noisy environment. The dog will then always be at their best when see by the judges, especially if properly rested and away from other dogs.

Dog strollers are perfect for older dogs that have trouble walking long distances. Many old and senior dogs are confined to the home or garden after they reach a certain age. Then they are rarely taken outdoors again, unless paying a visit to the vets. A stroller gives the senior dog a new lease of life, that way they can still get out and about and continue to explore and meet new faces. Dogs love interaction with humans and other dogs, no matter how old they are. Their legs may not be as good, but their senses are still intact.

A pet stroller can be a true lifesaver in large public spaces like busy bus terminals and airports. Dog strollers are also created to provide security and ultimate comfort for your pets. A dog can rest privately, happily and peacefully if you are in such a busy scary place. Whereas a dog on a leash will be all over the place or not even allowed entry. You can have more peace of mind knowing your dog is safe and out of harms way, especially in a frantic public space.

One of the main design factors is the weight of the stroller. All dog strollers are designed to be handled easily and carried when folded up. Some even fold at the touch of a button or fold using only one hand, leaving the other arm to hold your dog as you do so. Most dog strollers are designed so that they can be easily managed by the elderly and even by children, with parental supervision of course. They are lightweight, easy to handle and can open and fold within seconds.

Dog strollers and multifunctional carriers/strollers are great for transporting your dog to places such as the vets. Some strollers are designed with a detachable carrier so that you can just use that section alone, without the wheeled frame. Waiting in the vets waiting room can be quite troublesome, especially if it’s already full of agitated sick animals and your dog is pulling and straining on the leash. Dogs can get quite frustrated and scared when visiting such a place. They pick up on one anothers stress signals and can become very upset, agitated or even aggressive. A stroller or carrier will give your dog some privacy and also keep them from other germs and other contagious diseases.

A good sized stroller can hold a puppy or even a litter of puppies safely and securely. A stroller will get your pups transported to the vet’s easily and efficiently. Very small puppies can get lost as they run here, there and everywhere, but not in a stroller because of the secure containment features. Puppies are also prone to infection because they may have to wait several months before getting their booster injections against fatal diseases. All strollers come with removable, washable floor pads in case they have an accident. It’s a great way to get around with your puppies, especially before they are leash trained or before they get used to the roads.

These days we see that many dog lovers are roaming in the shopping malls, the high street, parks, beaches, street fairs, festivals and other public places enjoying their outings with their dog. More owners are spending more quality time with their dogs instead of leaving them at home. Even cyclists are now including their dog on bike rides out of the city. A bicycle dog trailer is a great way to take your dog on a safe and secure bike ride, where they can have a good hike or walk when they get there. Even senior dogs can now spend more quality time outdoors with their owner instead of being left at home. It’s like leaving poor Grandma at home while you and your family go out and have fun! She may be old and not so good on her feet, but she still likes having fun. It’s the same for your dog.

Pet strollers are equipped with good strong wheels, which may vary from three to four depending upon the size. A four wheeler stroller brings more stability and is recommended for daily use for trips to the shops, park or for vacations. Jogger pet strollers tend to have three wheels, the front being a ‘swivel’ wheel for dealing with corners and bumpy terrains. A three wheel stroller will have better manoeuvrability for jogging while the four wheel style is more of an all terrain type stroller. Check out the 3 wheel and 4 wheel designs to see which is best for you. Some strollers offer 6 inch wheels which are excellent for durability and all terrain use.

Some dog strollers are made to be towed behind bicycles. Cycle dog trailers are becoming very popular with cyclists as they can now take their dogs on trips with them. These bicycle dog trailers have a strong and secure fitting that secures it to your bike. The stroller is also secure and weatherproof and will most probably feature reflective strips for low light conditions. Inside the dog trailer there are secure leash clips that ensure your dog is safely secured inside. Bicycle dog trailers are becoming as popular as pet strollers.

Most strollers will offer you handy storage compartments above and below the stroller. Look for features like cup holders and storage baskets which are handy for holding all your doggy essentials. The storage section near the upper handle is ideal to hold your coffee, keys and mobile phone. The stroller can also be stored easily away when not in use. They fold within seconds and usually fold flat making them easy to store in a cupboard or in the boot of a car.

You can even purchase twin strollers! Like infants you can now carry more than one dog at the same time. These seperate stroller compartments give each dog their own individual privacy and space, especially if they sometimes squabble or fight. A twin stroller also gives you the option of carrying two different types of pet, a cat and a dog for instance. Twin and double deck strollers are also perfect for showing more than one pet at dog shows and competitions. Some double deck strollers also double up as a grooming table, perfect for giving them a make over just before they dazzle the judges.

You may want to consider buying a stroller that converts into a car carrier, a backpack or a pet carrier. This multi-functionality is perfect for anyone who travels a great deal with their dog. When you use the car carrier section, the foldable wheel frame easily stores in the boot of your car. You can also buy jogger or stroller kits that turn you bicycle dog trailer into a stroller. Just by adding a secure front wheel attachment to the trailer will transform it to a handy push stroller in no time at all. You can get more use out of a multifunctional stroller especially if you happen to travel on foot aswell as drive or use public transport.

If you think dog strollers are a oddity. Think about the standard pet carrier. You often see pets being carried in large plastic pet carriers to the vets or when the family are travelling. A stroller acts in just the same way, but it’s on wheels for easy manoeuvrability and less cumbersome. People tend to use carriers to relieve the stress of their pet or if their pet is unwell or simply because a pet is not allowed to travel on their leash. A dog stroller provides the same functions but is more weatherproof and comfortable.