Strollers for dogs: types, features of choice and use
Not all pets adore walks and are ready to accompany the owner everywhere and everywhere. Moreover, there are many places where the presence of animals is limited by strict rules. It is not surprising that in addition to carrying carriers and all kinds of "suitcases on wheels", you can find on sale such useful devices as strollers for dogs.
Their main purpose is to create a safe environment for the animal and the ability to relieve the owner's hands during a long stay in the fresh air. But there is also a special class of such devices that facilitate the movement of animals with disabilities and provide them with the necessary mobility.
Why do we need
The main purpose of dog strollers is to ensure the comfort and safety of the pet outside the home. With such a device, even a pet recovering after surgery or a puppy after vaccination can be taken out into the fresh air and not be afraid that he will be exposed to any risks. Another important purpose of the stroller is the possibility of delivering the dog to the walking area. In big cities, they are often located away from busy neighborhoods, and walking the streets on a leash can be a challenge.
Such devices are also used in cases where the activity of the pet is reduced due to age or injury. Large "vans" are suitable even for cycling: by dismantling the front wheel, they can be connected to the owner's transport. This is convenient if you have to transport a large animal - a shepherd, molossus.
The presence of a stroller allows the dog to go to places where they are usually not allowed to enter. In supermarkets, playgrounds, cafes with such a device are allowed without much difficulty.
Besides, if the pet does not want to perform a long exercise in frost or slush, the stroller will help to deliver it to the place of walking without getting its paws wet.
What are
There are several types of strollers for dogs, based on their design and purpose. Among all the options on sale, the following versions can be noted.
- For transportation and walking. They are quite varied in design. Walking model for dogs of small breeds is a subspecies of carrying, fixed on a frame with a wheeled chassis. The options for transporting large dogs are more like miniature carriages, they have a stronger and lower frame, increased wheel size. There are off-road and urban models, transformers and bicycle trailers.
- For the independent movement of animals with disabilities. This look also comes in a variety of designs, from full-body support to a chassis for hind legs or forelegs only. The "harness" is fixed on the body in such a way as not to injure the animal. It is best to adapt the dog to such a means of transportation at an early age. However, even adult animals quickly appreciate the freedom of movement.
All dog strollers are of great functional importance, bring real practical benefits.
Features of walking models
Strollers for walks traditionally have a rigid folding or transforming frame, 3 or 4 wheels, in some models additional shopping baskets or hanging bags are provided. Such two-story options are very convenient at exhibitions, they are a good substitute for traditional showboxes and provide the dog with the necessary place to rest. All models have a hood that closes with Velcro, buttons or a zipper. If you open it slightly, you can give your pet the freedom it needs.
The design of a dog stroller can be quite varied. Larger versions - for shepherds and other large dogs - are usually camouflaged. For small breeds, pink, blue, white stroller cradles are most often intended. The larger the animal, the larger the box should be inside. In double versions, special harnesses, belts or carabiners are installed. Special mesh inserts are responsible for air access.
The set may also include a special pillow or mattress.
Types of dog wheelchairs
After amputation of limbs or their congenital underdevelopment, a disabled dog has practically no chance of successful independent movement. In addition, there are cases of paralysis in which the animal temporarily or permanently loses its mobility. Here dog wheelchairs are absolutely irreplaceable.
There are three main types:
- frontal, with a wheelset in front;
- rearreplacing the hind legs, with a harness on the chest;
- platform "quad" with 4 wheels, for completely immobilized or weakened dogs.
All dog wheelchairs have adjustable parameters of width, height, length, and their "harness" is made of breathable safe materials. The device should not interfere with the dog's natural needs. Besides, it should wash easily if necessary.
A correctly selected design does not restrict movement, makes it possible to completely restore the mobility of the pet.
Features of choice
When choosing a stroller for small breeds of dogs or choosing a device for an animal with a disability, you need to be guided by almost identical criteria. Among the most important points are the following.
- Price. The price range starts around 3000 rubles. For this money, you can get an option from Chinese manufacturers based on the classic chassis of a cane stroller. More expensive and multifunctional solutions cost 12,000-17,000 rubles.
- Type of wheels and chassis... They should be large enough with softening springs and inflatable or rubber tires. Disabled dogs are offered extra wide options for off-road walks. Ordinary wheels are enough for an asphalt road. 360 degree rotation is desirable in walking models.
- Materials (edit)... The frame should be strong and light - carbon, plastic, aluminum are considered the best options. The box itself should allow air to pass through well, you can consider the option of aeroprene or easily washable fabrics (polyester). Winter versions may include warm fur liners. All transparent hatches should have a mesh or durable polymer coating.
Useful options
When choosing a stroller for a dog, it is very important to pay attention to the functionality of the purchase. Transformer models allow you to use them as a car seat, bicycle trailer. The presence of a folding frame is a big plus during storage or travel... In addition, the frame itself must maintain a "sitting" or recumbent position - this will almost double the usable area of the box.
Inside, there must be a special belt or carabiner for fastening - it will keep the dog in place. Multi-seat strollers should be equipped with additional partitions to separate pets from each other, if necessary. If the set includes a hanging bag, a holder for drinks, this can be an additional advantage for the owner.
Among the required options are the presence of a parking brake that allows you to fix the stroller in place. The zipper instead of the Velcro also looks more secure and will definitely not open when wet.
The included raincoat will also prove to be a very useful addition in case of bad weather.
Popular models and brands
There are many interesting and relevant models of strollers for dogs. Among the popular brands are budget Paws & palsoffering for sale models for miniature animals. The price starts at 2300 rubles. No less popular options from the company BestPet in the price range up to 5000 rubles. More expensive models are produced by the company Gen7Pets - among the walking versions, the three-wheeled one stands out G7 Pathfinder.
Among German brands, brands are popular Alpuna, PawHut. There are also Chinese companies producing quality goods. For example, Ibiyaya manufactures strollers with a price of more than 20,000 rubles, which can support a pet's weight up to 20 kg.
The recognized market leader in Europe is the brand Innopet from Holland. The company's products meet all standards, there are transformer models, options for two dogs with harnesses. Among the popular models are Comfort EFA for animals weighing up to 30 kg. Off-road All terrain suitable for small pets up to 12.5 kg in weight. 5 in 1 pet stroller - a transformer that easily converts into a backpack, carrier or bag.
An overview of the Ibiyaya dog stroller awaits you further.