There's a reason why dogs are often referred to as fur babies. Many owners love their pets as if they were children of their own, providing them not just with food and shelter, but also spoiling them with homemade dog treats, plenty of dog toys, and even subscription gift boxes for their regular entertainment. Because of all this, it’s probably not a huge stretch to imagine your own pup, or that of a loved one, enjoying a walk in a brand-new dog stroller.
There are many reasons why a dog could benefit from a stroller when going on their much-needed daily walks. As Baxter’s Blog explains, pets that have mobility issues, whether they're elderly, paralyzed, injured, or have health issues such as heartworm or hip dysplasia, are the most obvious candidates for these products. Additionally, rescued dogs who have experienced abuse in the past will also enjoy a stroller, as it can help them feel safe and secure.
On top of that, there are several situations in which humans might require a stroller to properly care for their animal. Elderly owners, those who are physically impaired, or those who are juggling multiple pets or children at one time could definitely use a hand to keep things moving smoothly. This is especially true when walking in busy, urban areas, or during extreme heat or cold temperatures.
✔️ Weight Capacity: A good place to start when selecting a dog stroller is to consider how heavy your dog is, since each stroller will have its own weight limit. As K9 of Mine notes, most strollers are equipped to accommodate small dogs, however there are a few exceptions available for larger animals.
✔️ Size: Though they sound similar, size and weight are two different considerations when shopping for a stroller. Dog Parenting 101 warns against neglecting this aspect, since it’s possible that a stroller can accommodate a dog’s weight, but not their size. To measure your pet, the blog suggests measuring them from nose to tail, and then by width, and comparing them to the stroller’s interior dimensions. If they’re too close in size, it’s always better to size up, so your dog has plenty of space to stretch out and get comfortable.
✔️ Safety Features: K9 of Mine points out that there are several pet stroller safety features to keep an eye out for. These include hand brakes, which will ensure your dog doesn’t roll away if you get distracted for a moment. Other strollers come with safety belts, which are useful for dogs who are new to strollers and have a tendency to jump.
✔️ Bonus Features: Finally, since this is a product you’d like to get a lot of use out of, there’s nothing wrong with incorporating fun add-ons into your decision making. Some features available in popular strollers include cup holders, storage for personal items, and quick-folding mechanisms for the ease of packing it away or taking it on a trip.
Lizz SchumerSenior EditorLizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics.
Samantha LawyerSam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City.
