It is increasingly common to see dog carts walking through different locations. Dogs are animals prone to accidents and certain pathologies or when they reach an advanced age. They can have problems walking on their own.
However, when these situations happen, the most effective way to improve the dog’s quality of life is with the help of a dog cart.
These fulfill the same functions as a human wheelchair.
For this reason, it is common for some adopters to be in this type of situation and find it necessary to walk their pets with the help of these carts, which must push like a stroller or baby stroller.
It may seem like a strange situation, but the truth is that, during the first impression, these carts may seem like an accessory on a whim or for fashion. Still, these elements have a very important task in improving pets’ quality of life when they have mobility problems.
When does the problem come? When they are used without, the dog needs them. Let’s remember: they are carts for dogs whose simile in humans is wheelchairs.
Dog carts are accessories that allow a dog to be transported because they facilitate moving from one place to another. With this product, it is simpler to be able to comfortably, safely and easily move a dog with mobility problems because it is only a cart with wheels and a bar so it can be pushed.
The main objective of these carts is to offer walks to the dog without taking into account the mobility problems that the dog may have.
Surely on some occasions, you have witnessed a dog that cannot move on its own, a reason that causes a lot of sadness in adopters of healthy dogs. They can even think that this mobility problem can present in your pets at a certain age.
Thanks to the dog carts, these animals can have a better quality of life, so they can continue enjoying walks and breathing fresh air without suffering during the process.
When to Choose to Buy Dog Strollers?
Dog carts are an excellent option in cases such as:
- Dogs are suffering from osteoarthritis.
- They have trouble getting around.
- His age is extremely advanced.
- They are very small breeds, and walking for a long time is very tiring.
Types of Dog Strollers
There are five different types of dog carts that can be adapted to different sizes; among them, the following can be mentioned:
Strollers for Small Breeds
For smaller dogs, the cart is only justified when they must travel long distances. Many hiking adopters enjoy going on excursions on weekends in which they have to travel a considerable distance.
It can be exhausting for these very small breeds that take more steps than the larger ones. Therefore, a stroller adapted to their characteristics can greatly improve their quality of life.
Best Dog Strollers
Strollers for Small Breeds
For smaller dogs, the cart is only justified when they must travel long distances. Many hiking adopters enjoy going on excursions on weekends in which they have to travel a considerable distance.
It can be exhausting for these very small breeds that take more steps than the larger ones. Therefore, a stroller adapted to their characteristics can greatly improve their quality of life.
Strollers for Medium and Large Breeds
These carts support weights of up to 30kg and 50kg and are ideal for moving larger breed dogs with trouble moving. This is because they are much older now, and their energy is not enough to take long walks.
Double Dog Stroller
With these carts, you can simultaneously move up to three dogs of the same size.
Sports Dog Stroller
These carts have all-terrain wheels and are perfect for walking in the company of dogs with limited mobility. They are made with a resistant and much more durable material due to the soil conditions they must go through.
This sports model is much more resistant and of higher quality than the previous ones.
Bicycle Dog Stroller
With this type of cart or rather trailers, you can make trips that are not too long. For this reason, they are known as bicycle carts because they can be hooked and transport a pet much more easily.
In some cases, you can even take pets and children together.
Uses of Dog Stroller: Dog carts have multiple uses. Among the most prominent are the following:
- They are perfect for dogs that are used to long walks: when dogs get used to being in the company of their adopters for walks, but when they get older, they cannot achieve the same routes. Leaving them at home is inconvenient because it can generate stress and overwhelms them.
- They can be used to go to the vet when the dog suffers from an illness. With this, you can avoid long walks when there is a considerable distance between the office and the pet’s home. Therefore, it is perfect for dogs with problems or problems with their legs.
- In cases where there are two dogs in the house: one of the dogs that live in the home may become more active. This may depend on the breed type and even the dog’s age.
- On the other hand, other dogs are usually much calmer, so when they both go out for a walk with their adopter, the stroller can transport both of them so that everyone can enjoy themselves peacefully.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dog Strollers
Dog strollers are highly used accessories by many people. However, a very small minority knows the true advantages, so you must know all the benefits of offering your dogs a better quality of life.
Dog Strollers Advantage
- They are perfect for dogs with mobility, heart or neurological problems such as cognitive dysfunction :
- When dogs reach a certain age, they are prone to start suffering from problems in their legs, such as the inconveniences associated with paraplegic dogs that have serious joint problems. The most frequent situations in the joints are arthritis, osteoarthritis and canine hip dysplasia.
- They can be used with older dogs that become exhausted over short distances.
- Dogs in the senile stage usually have recurrent problems mobilizing because they do not have the same energy as when they were in their puppy or youth stage. However, even with this problem, they also need to go outside to enjoy themselves, so a stroller can help them enjoy a different day.
- They are ideal for going to public places.
- These types of carts are perfect for use on walks in spaces where there are crowds of people. This way, using a carrier is avoided, so the stroller is much less uncomfortable for adopters and their pets.
Dog Strollers Disadvantages
- These items can have a large volume and take up too much space at home when stored. But, some models are more compact and smaller, so they can be folded, and the space where they will be stored is reduced. In that sense, if you decide to buy one of these accessories, you should consider one that is foldable.
- The biggest drawback is its misuse. It is important to consider that a healthy dog should not use this cart type because they cannot exercise, run, jump or walk with their adopters.
Dog Stroller Guide: Factors to Consider Before Buying
Among the main factors that must be considered before buying a dog stroller, we list the most important for acquiring the accessory.
The Wheels
An interesting factor in a dog cart is that they require quality wheels, so it must be a cart that allows you to change the wheels.
Sometimes only the small ones are enough, but this type of wheel can be complicated in other places, so they must be replaced by larger ones.
When choosing the correct wheels, you must consider if they will be used only in the city or the mountains.
The Size
It also plays a fundamental factor, which is why it is important to have a large enough cart for the dog to stretch out and feel comfortable.
Comfort is paramount in a dog with little mobility, so you must have a large enough cart.
The cart should not be too big so it can be stored, and it should not be a habit to use the cart if the dog does not need it.
Utility to be given
A dog cart is not always purchased for the same purpose, so the days or times it will be used must be considered, such as going for a walk or visiting the veterinarian.
For this reason, the type of wheel, and the support material, among others, must be considered. For cases where it will only be used daily, the necessary care must be taken to protect the accessory.
Material
The materials must be an important factor because when dogs are disabled, they suffer accidents, such as relieving themselves in your car.
For this reason, materials that can be easily cleaned and disassembled to avoid stains or odors should be considered.
Storage
The place where it will be stored is also essential, so it must be stored in a place that is easily accessible and that the cart does not get damaged.
How to Choose a Good Dog Stroller?
We have mentioned that choosing a good dog cart will depend on multiple factors. Adopters should study different options, such as sellers dedicated to making them measure and those who sell universal models that adapt to any dog.
Before buying the dog cart, you must take the exact measurements of your pet. Carts made manually are an excellent alternative because they are much more resistant, although they are heavier and bulkier than others.
Generally, these chairs can be ready in up to 15 days a month. The material is also essential; you can find models made of PVC, but others are made of metal and steel.
There are also trolleys with industrial wheels made with light materials, which are much more aesthetic. An American chair style can be adapted to all types of dogs. It can even be used during the day.
It is one of the best options to travel with your pet because they are foldable and do not take up too much space. If the dog has not yet fully grown, the cart will allow it to be adapted when necessary.
Why are Dog Strollers so Important?
When choosing the cart for a disabled dog, it is important not to neglect the wheels. Depending on where the dog lives, one type of wheel can be adapted.
If the dog lives in a city, apartment, small house or an urban environment, it is best to opt for much smaller wheels because they allow better movement through narrow places.
Dogs in fields usually walk through places with many plants, stones, and earth, among others. For this type of situation, it is best to buy large wheels so the dog will not fall or feel uncomfortable when moving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog carts are an accessory that satisfies adopters and, of course, their pets. If your dog has problems moving to some places, no matter how small, these carts are an option you should consider.
For example, if your dog gets tired quickly, then the best option is to buy a dog cart.
In this way, your pet can play and exercise, but if it has to stop, the fun continues, and the walk does not end.