Why Should You Get a Pet Stroller for Your Dog?

What are Pet Strollers?

In case you haven’t heard of them, a pet stroller is just what it sounds like. Rather than for toddlers, it is a stroller designed for pets.

This means that instead of having a seat, the stroller will have a comfortable platform big enough for your dog to stand, sit, or lie on. Pet strollers are also enclosed with mesh, allowing your pet to look out at the world without being able to jump out whenever they want.

Why You Should Get a Pet Stroller

There are some advantages to getting a pet stroller, which I’ll talk about in this section. However, you should keep reading until the next section to be aware of some of the potential disadvantages as well.

#1 – Keep Your Pet Safe

One advantage of the pet stroller is that your dog will be protected in the stroller. If there are other dogs in your neighborhood who don’t get along with your canine friend, keeping your dog in the stroller will prevent fighting.

Similarly, if your dog tends to pick fights with other dogs, the stroller will prevent them from attacking another dog. I know we all like to think our pups are little angels, but you should consider whether your dog is safe to have around other dogs and people, and make the best decision to respect your neighbors’ safety.

The pet stroller offers protection from other inconveniences, as well. There is less of a risk of catching ticks or fleas, and your dog won’t get muddy or dirty.

#2 – Make a Statement

Let’s be honest, a pet stroller is an eye-catching fashion statement. There are strollers of all sizes, meant to house all sizes of dogs. If you’ve ever seen one in real life, you’ve probably stopped to look for a minute, and you’re not alone. You and your canine companion will get lots of attention from people who are curious about the stroller and about your dog. If you like this kind of thing, a pet stroller will be very fun for you. It’s a great conversation starter for meeting new friends!

#3 – Enjoy Time With Your Untrained Dog

If your dog is a bit rowdy, and perhaps not well-trained, you should still be allowed to take them outside. You have to be respectful of your neighbors and the people you meet. If your dog refuses to stay on a leash, or if they often break away from you to run away or to jump on other people, consider using a pet stroller to rein them in.

Leash training, and all dog training, takes time and patience. While you’re working on that, you can still enjoy the great outdoors with your pup by keeping them in a pet stroller, until they’re well-behaved enough to be on a leash.

#4 – Enjoy Time With Your Elderly or Disabled Dog

If your dog is entering their senior years, or if they have a disability, a pet stroller is a great way to go on walks without wearing your pup out. Your dog may still want to go on walks with you, but they may not be physically equipped to do so. Enter the pet stroller! Now you can keep going out with your dog, while being mindful of their mobility restrictions or other health complications. Caring for elderly and disabled pets can be difficult, but that’s why they deserve extra affection and one-on-one time with you!

Why You Should Hold Off on Getting a Pet Stroller

There are other things to be mindful of about using a stroller with your dog. Before you make your purchase, here are some other things to consider.

#1 – Dogs Like to Explore

For our dogs, most of the fun of walks is being able to roam around, sniff things, and yes, “mark” things. Taking your dog out in a pet stroller will inhibit these natural instincts, which may be frustrating or disappointing for your puppy. You may not want your dog to get dirty, or tug you along, but these are realities of owning a dog.

#2 – Dogs Need Exercise 

There are important reasons dogs need to be walked every day. Part of it is so they can use the bathroom, of course. But dogs need exercise as well. Unless you live in a very big house, your dog probably doesn’t have enough space indoors to make them happy. It’s important to take your dog for regular walks to keep them healthy, and this can’t happen if they’re in a pet stroller the whole time.

#3 – Your Dog May Not Like Being Confined

The other disadvantage of using a pet stroller comes down to your dog’s personality. Depending on the size and attitude of your dog, they might not like being stuck in a small, enclosed space, especially if there are much more interesting things happening beyond the mesh. If you do try a pet stroller, be extra attentive to your dog’s comfort level, and be ready to accept the possibility that a pet stroller is not for them.