Dog strollers and carriers are essential items for every dog owner. Owning these items will give you convenience in carrying your pet from one place to another. It also protects the dog and acts as a buffer zone for your pet from passersby.

It also provides comfort for your dog during long walks at the park or the mall to help your pets feel relaxed. Dog Strollers and carriers also let your dog sleep as you enjoy browsing through different shops in the mall.

Purchasing for a stroller or a carrier should be done properly to ensure you get what you pay for. There are many kinds of strollers and carriers available, and choosing among the options could be tough, especially for a first-time pet owner who still doesn’t have a lot of experience in purchasing things for their pets.

Here is a guide to help you through it.

Consider The Size Of Your Pet

One of the most important things to look for when buying a stroller and carrier for your dog is the size. Make sure that your pets will comfortably fit in it to ensure their comfort. If you have a larger dog or plan to carry two small dogs at once, a small stroller or carrier will feel uneasy and cramped.

Most pet owners opt for a slightly bigger stroller than their dogs to avoid their pets’ uncomfortable feelings. Even if their dogs are small, they tend to purchase a big stroller and carrier to ensure that they are comfortable.

You should look at your dog’s length when sitting down, lying down, or even standing up. Choose a stroller or carrier that has enough space for your pet to do all that. It should allow your pet to stretch, turn, and move freely.

On the other hand, choosing an inappropriately bigger stroller or carrier will cause it to be unstable due to uneven weight distribution. Thus, knowing a perfect size is important when buying carriers or strollers.

Consider The Weight

Another thing to consider is the weight of your dog. Before choosing a product, measure your dog’s weight as strollers and carriers have different weight capacities for every size. You should double-check the weight capacity of the stroller or carrier you will purchase to ensure it can endure your pet’s weight.

Functionality

Some pet owners choose a stroller that is more functional than the ordinary day-to-day pet stroller. There are strollers available in the market with a double functionality, like a 3-in-1 stroller that can be detached to become a carrier and a car seat.

These multi-function strollers will help you save money as you will only purchase one item instead of multiple items. However, you should also evaluate if that kind of stroller is suitable for you and your pet’s needs.

Quality and Affordability

Everyone that purchases carriers or strollers for dogs would want something that would last for a long time and is affordable. Look at the stroller and the carrier’s material quality. Being expensive does not mean that it is a quality product. There are so many expensive strollers and carriers that have low-quality material. The only thing that makes it pricey is the added features of the item. The more the stroller and carrier have extra features added into it, the more it becomes expensive.

Ensure that the item you purchase has quality material does not mean you have to pay more. Make sure to only choose the stroller or carrier based on your needs. Do not get tempted to have those unnecessary extra features to avoid paying extra.

Compactness

Most of the strollers and carriers in the market today are foldable, which is why there is a huge chance you will buy a foldable stroller and carrier even without checking it. However, it is still best to check and try the stroller and carrier’s foldability before paying out. Check how compact it is. Will it fit in your storage area or on your car’s trunk? These are the things to consider when checking for its compactness.

Other strollers sold can also be folded into a backpack style suitable for pet owners who travel a lot with their pets. But having a stroller or carrier with great compactness is enough for you and your dog.

Consider The Terrain and Activities

Each stroller is made differently depending on the terrain and activity it is meant for use. A stroller made for cemented city streets won’t work as nicely on dirt or sand. When choosing a stroller for your pet, think of all the activities and terrain you will mostly do or encounter to know which one will be the best option for you.

Carriers, on the other hand, won’t get affected by the type of terrain as you will only have to carry it anywhere you go. However, you will still have to consider what you will use the carrier for to ensure you purchase the right kind of carrier according to your activities.

Important Things To Remember

Aside from knowing how to properly choose the right stroller and carrier for your dog, there are also some things that you need to remember if you already own these items. Here are the dos and don’ts that you need to remember.

• DON’T travel with your dog and put them in the stroller after they have had surgery. Carrying them home in a stroller is acceptable but make sure to handle them with utmost care as the smallest bumps can cause severe pain on your pet.
• DON’T place your dog into the stroller or carrier without trimmed nails as it can cause tears on the materials.
• DO keep the strollers and carriers in a clean and dry storage place to prevent any damages.
• DO clean the stroller and carrier as often as possible with warm soapy water.
• DO lubricate the stroller’s wheels regularly using regular bicycle lubricants.
• DO regular check-ups on both the stroller and the carrier. For the stroller, check for loose wheels, joints, bolts, and nuts, and make sure to tighten it up. For both items, check for the zippers, fasteners, brakes, and the items’ general condition.

Final Thoughts

You and your dog’s comfort is important, and when purchasing pet items, this should be your number one priority aside from the cost-efficiency. By paying attention to these things, you can ensure that you can get the best value for your money.

Author’s Bio

Courtney John is a freelance writer for animal and pet care for over a decade now. She is also a volunteer dedicated to animal rescue and welfare, working for different organizations all over town. She lives with her two adopted cats and rescue dog.