16 Reasons to Use a Dog Stroller
June 21, 2007
When I mention that we sell dog strollers on our site, people sometimes look at me as though I have a horn growing out of my forehead. “It’s a dog!” they say. And I used to say that, too.
But then I started talking to people who use dog strollers. We began to carry them and heard from more people who use them. And now, I can really see how a stroller would come in handy for the small-dog set (there’s even one now that holds up to 115 pounds for a big dog, or two mediu-size dogs).
Here are some reasons that we’ve heard to use a pet stroller.
1. Easier Vet Visits
Trips to the vet become easier and maybe even healthier with a dog stroller.
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Transporting a litter of puppies? Put them in a stroller and eliminate worries about puppies escaping in the car or at the vet’s office.
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Got a convalescing dog? Place her in a dog stroller for comfortable, stress-free transport to the car and hospital, without being investigated or hassled by other pets in the lobby.
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Worried about germs from other sick animals in the waiting room? A stroller keeps your dog off the floor and other surfaces visited by sick dogs all day.
2. Get in Shape without Tiring Your Dog
Run or walk as far and as fast as you like. Then give your dog a ride when he’s had enough. You can continue your workout while your dog gets a breeze and a rest in the stroller.
3. Safely Go to Work
Take your dog to work one or more days a week. The stroller makes it easier to transport your dog from the car to the office, creates a confined space for the dog when it’s needed, and provides a safe and familiar den for napping.
4. It’s a No-Strain Pet Carrier
People are starting to use pet strollers instead of carriers. They’re easier on your back, shoulders and neck, and many stores appreciate dog owners having dogs completely enclosed.
5. A Helping Hand for Older Humans or Older Dogs
Older dogs and even older humans may need an easier way to take spin around the block. Older dogs who get tired on the way home may appreciate a ride so their walks don’t get cut short. People who use a scooter - or who are a bit unstable, especially when a dog is pulling on a leash - sometimes find it easier to enjoy the fresh air with their dogs by using a dog stroller.
6. Outdoor Events - Best Seat in the House
Dog shows, picnics, festivals and other outdoor events can be fun to share with your dog. But they also mean dealing with crowds, bugs, other potentially aggressive dogs, trash and confusion. Give your dog a safe place to observe the festivities without getting her tail stepped on or gulping down dangerous chocolate before you can stop her. See how much easier a stroller is than crates at your next dog show.
7. Paw Protection
Sidewalks can give paws a beating, especially Phoenix in summer or Buffalo in winter. Road salt can dry and irritate paw pads. City dwellers have to negotiate all kinds of debris on sidewalks. A dog stroller keeps your dog clean and off any broken glass, trash, chemicals or other hazards on the sidewalk.
8. First-Class Travel
Car, boat and RV travel is easier with a dog stroller. Easily transport your dog(s) to the hotel room and from place to place without worrying that they’ll get loose and run away in a strange and dangerous place, like near a highway. Some dogs don’t like walking on docks when the water’s choppy. Ease your dog’s anxiety by helping him onto the boat in a stroller. When visiting relatives, the stroller gives you an instant crate where the dog can nap when he gets tired of entertaining the kids.
9. Fresh Air, No Walking
Dogs who are recovering from surgery or injuries, or who have become disabled, enjoy getting fresh air even if they can’t walk very far. It stimulates them to get some sun, sample new smells and see new surroundings. A dog stroller keeps them comfortable, and they’re happy to be able to go outside.
10. Safety Around Aggressive Dogs
Unleashed dogs can pose a threat to your small dog if they’re aggressive or unsocialized. Keep your dog safe from other dogs in a dog stroller.
11. Multiple Dogs, Multiple Directions
Owners of several small dogs often find that it’s easier and calmer taking them out in a stroller because they can’t go in separate directions, winding the leash around their person’s legs!
12. Big Dog, Small Dog
Got a big dog and small dog? Give your power pooch a good long walk without tiring out the smaller one by using a dog stroller.
13. Giving Back
Lucky dogs like to give back. A fun way to do that is at a 5K charity walk/run. Keep your dog safe from crowds of runners by putting her in a dog stroller. You’ll put a smile on people’s faces and spend some quality time doing a good deed with your pooch. Plus, you can do the whole distance without tiring out a dog who’s not used to that much activity. If your dog visits nursing homes or hospitals, the stroller makes trips easier and provides a safe haven for overstimulated dogs who need a break from the attention.
14. Safely Out of the Way of Urban Traffic
Dog owners who live in large cities like to use strollers to keep their dogs from running into the street, or wrapping their leashes around other pedestrians.
15. Less Stressful Evacuations
If you have to move your pets in preparation for a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire or other emergency, it’s much easier in a stroller. Carry a familiar blanket, toys, snacks, food, water, bowls and pickup bags with your dog to provide comforts of home and eliminate the danger of the dog getting loose or running away out of fear during transport.
16. More Quality Time
A dog stroller simply gives you more quality time with your dog. It lets you take your dog more places than a leash or even a pet carrier. With more workplaces, stores and restaurants becoming dog-friendly, a responsible dog owner with her dog in a stroller will always be welcome. A stroller lets your dog come along for errands, social visits, “bring your dog to work day,” and even shopping.
To see our selection of dog strollers, click here.
Entry Filed under: Cool New Products. .
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1.
Gerry | June 24, 2007 at 3:06 pm
There sure are a lot of nice applications to these strollers. Certainly a few that I never thought of before.
thanks for the ideas.
2.
Poodlekiss | August 5, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Love your blog. I will be back to visit. my poodle would look so cute in one of those strollers!!
3.
dog strollers | October 2, 2007 at 2:50 am
Dog strollers are really one the best things that you can have for your most loved pet. With pet strollers, you can bring your dog or puppy with you wherever and whenever you go. thanks for posting this, it is very informative and i learned a lot from it.
-andrei
4.
dogstrollers-4less | November 13, 2007 at 8:27 pm
True enough, if you are a pet owner and you really love hanging around with your dogs, buying a dog stroller is one of the best decisions that you could ever make. It allows you to enjoy your stroll while securing your dog from possible danger in the street such as fast raging cars, other road hazards and even with other animals.
-andrei
5.
Marilyn McMenamin | March 6, 2008 at 4:46 pm
I have 2 Bichons who love walks. Recently 1 had to have spinal surgery and has no use of his rear legs. He will likely recover, but long walks will not be possible. When I take the “healthy” dog out for his walk, the recovering one cries and whines and can’t understand why he can’t go. I am in the market for a stroller, though my husband thinks I’m crazy. He thinks we should get a wagon, but I’m afraid the dog will want to jump out.
6.
Betty Rozell | March 28, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I just bought a dog stroller. My older Shitzu loves it,I haven’t taken it outdoors yet, as we still have snow. so she sleeps in it
like a baby. she is 14. I also have a small Maltese that is 8
she likes to walk and a Pomeranian 1year old who has lots of energy to walk. eventually they may use it. i know the Maltese
gets tired and I have to carry her.
So the Stroller will be handy for her too.
Betty
7.
Lisa_S | April 13, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I just bought a Happy Trails stroller by Pet Gear and I love it for all the reasons you listed. I have a 12-year old Pekingese and a 5-year old Peke and the 12yr old has arthritis but still loves to go on the walk with us but just can’t keep up. The stroller has solved everyone’s problems. I’m walking more, the 5yr old is walking more too and the 12yr old is enjoying riding in the fresh air.
I think I’m walking ad for the strollers where I walk because most of the other dog owners think the stroller idea is just adorable and the dogs obviously enjoy the benefits.
Marilyn, buy the stroller not the wagon. You’ll be so happy you have the few extra features the strollers provide over the wagon. I bought a wagon when my 5yr old had hip surgery at 1 year and used it once, but the stroller is so much more useful.
8.
Pat Sullivan | May 22, 2008 at 11:33 am
Most vet visits are not emergency visits with an injured dog, and are actually the best opportunity to socialize a dog to sounds, scents, and activity as well as re-inforcing good behavior like calmly sitting near its owner . Take your dog to the vet on a leash and allow it to become confident at the vet rather than bring it in a box on wheels.
If you are walking to get in shape, why would you not want your dog to also benefit from the exercise of walking? Dogs need physical exercise as well.
Of course, stores do not want animals unless they are enclosed in a container–for liability reasons. Yet Petco and Petsmart both continue to welcome leashed well-behaved dogs who are not in strollers or crates.
That spin around the block may be best left unspent if it is only in a box on wheels. Even the most frail of elderly person who has a dog, will likely want to take it for a short leash walk down the street. The exception would be the person who needs a walker and uses the stroller to support themselves.
While a stroller may sound like a great thing for a dog show, they are actually banned at many shows because they slow or block the flow of human traffic moving to rings as well as offer a false sense of protection of the enclosed dog from harm. Owners foolishly think they can safely walk away from dog in a stroller when it can actually be stolen or killed by a larger passing dog.