Why a dog stroller isn’t “extra” and the many reasons to embrace it as a super supportive tool...

Stroll with pride: Why a dog stroller isn’t “extra”…

It can feel squirmy pushing your dog around your neighbourhood in a stroller, mostly because of the judgemental looks you get and the feeling that you need to explain your situation to the cynics. The biggest misconception about dogs in strollers is that you’re “babying” them and it’s excessive. People also assume it’s a negative thing being keeping them from walking which in most cases couldn’t be further from the truth.

Some dogs are disabled. 

Some dogs have a heath condition.

Some dogs are frail. 

Some dogs have walked enough that day.

The reality is strollers are a great tool for many reasons and the reasons will be different for different dogs. 

Assumptions and shaming about the use of a pet stroller reflect a lack of awareness and experience with the many reasons.

I still feel uncomfortable sometimes depending where we are BUT I also see it as my role to advocate for the use of a pet stroller for dogs; if people are curious its an opportunity to enlighten them to all the many practical uses for a pet stroller. If not, I resist the feeling that I need to explain myself and stroll on.

A stroller isn’t “extra”, its support for you and your dog.

Here are some key reasons why its a super supportive tool; 

For our seniors who like to potter and sniff… and enjoy the great outdoors, the stroller can get you to a nice spot where they can amble about and sniff around instead of exhausting all their energy trying to get there.

As dogs age they become more accident and injury prone… the stroller is not only a recovery aid but maintains mobility and reduced risk of in jury by providing breaks on walks. It also keeps them out of harm’s way like in situations where being blowed over by an over zealous off leash dog. 

A dog doesn’t need to be old to benefit from a stroller…for the less active “non-sporting”, non-working” dogs who either don’t want to walk far or fast or who lose steam quickly and need a lift.

A stroller allows you to enjoy a long walk… whilst your dog walks as much as they can without not overdoing it. You can take your dog with you on adventures that would normally be too tiring for them, without pushing their limits. 

For rescue or recovery…a dog who’s adjusting to three legs which was tiring or a rescue dog whose adjusting to being out in the world and wants nothing more than to lay under a blanket in the stroller. 

For rest days…for non-walk days don’t underestimate the benefits of a stimulating stroller sniffari, particularly if you are without a car. 

Dog strollers are a multipurpose tool… use it to store and carry a water bottle, travel bowl, wipes, treats, poop bags, first aid or meds, a mat. It also functions as a portable carrier and raised bed in many contexts.

They are useful inside the home… to keep vulnerable dogs up and out of harms way from other dogs and children in the home. I’ve used the stroller with dogs on crate rest, it allows them to be safe and secure but also at your level and easily near to you throughout the home without having to carry or move them from room to room, upstairs and down stairs…you can have a crate setup upstairs and a stroller for downstairs or vice versa.

For anxious and fearful dogs…Health isn’t limited to physical challenges. For dogs exhibiting signs of fear, anxiety and stress and not wanting to walk or go outside at all the stroller can provide “a safe space” where they can feel secure, alleviating anxiety and serving as a transportation solution to get a dog to your destination without distress, especially if you live in an apartment block which many dogs find overwhelming. 

Little dogs don’t enjoy being carried all the time…and it can get uncomfortable for us too! It’s much more comfortable for everyone when your dog likes to ride in their stroller.

A stroller can be the difference between a dog getting out and about or not… humans experiencing health issues can find the stroller reduces the stress and overwhelm of getting out with their dog for some quality time. Getting to share more positive together are made possible with the option of a stroller.

You will get a range of reactions to your dog’s stroller and the judgmental perspective that it’s “extra” but a stroller will make life and walks and outings and navigating life so much easier for both you and your ageing or vulnerable dog. I recommend starting from puppyhood and continuing to use their stroller right through to seniorhood. There are all sorts available nowadays for dogs big and small.