Seems like there is always an old curmudgeon out there who can’t take a joke…or keep up with the times. From claiming that dog diapers will give the poor dog a rash or compromise its mobility (they don’t) to insisting that dogs don’t need pajamas, no matter how small or cold the dog might be (some do), there’s always somebody who needs a laundry list of practical reasons why the rest of us should be allowed to nurture our canine darlings in any way we see fit. So, herewith, the next modern dog product designed to outrage and dismay those who think that dogs should be treated…well, like dogs.
You are to be forgiven if you’ve recently looked into a stroller or baby buggy with the intent of admiring the infant within and come away in shock after finding the occupant to be a four-legged hairy beast! Dogs are now being seen in strollers in a neighbourhood near you! At first glance, this may seem like an overindulgence of the absolutely most bizarre kind but, like other doggie “indulgences,” there are some really practical reasons for investing in – and using – a dog stroller.
The most obvious reason, of course, is fatigue. Small dogs, particularly short-legged and/or rotund breeds like Daschunds and Pugs, simply do not have the stamina of their leaner, longer-legged companions, both two- and four-legged. Also, older dogs may not be able to keep up with younger members of the pack, and dogs suffering from a variety of ailments may not be able to participate in the full length of your jog. If, like many households, you have a mix of breeds, ages, and physical conditions in your canine companions…and especially if you leave the smallest, oldest, or sickest behind when you walk the others…you might want to consider a dog stroller. Allow that puppy or senior dog to walk as long as s/he can, then ride in comfort the rest of the distance.
Another good reason to have a dog stroller is for vet visits. Whether your dog has something contagious or you are concerned about Fifi catching some other dog’s germs, keeping your pooch securely zipped inside the stroller prevents contact with floors, furnishings, and other dogs that might be harbouring something your pup has no immunity to. It also prevents any unanticipated hostile contact between other animals and your darling.
Preventing hostile contact with other animals is another good reason for keeping your dog in a stroller when out in public, especially where you are likely to encounter other dogs. Whether the aggressive one is yours…many small dogs, especially males, are certain that they are Great Danes!…or you fear unwanted attention from another dog, if your dog is safely zipped into its stroller it is far less likely to be injured in an altercation than if he was merely on a leash.
There are other reasons to want to isolate your dog from the hoi polloi…maybe your girl is in season or is recovering from surgery or an injury, or isn’t fully up-to-date on her shots. Or maybe she is just too tiny to risk being trodden upon by big human feet and shoes in a crowded environment.
The modern urban landscape isn’t as foot-friendly as it used to be. Hot pavement in summer, salt and ice in winter, broken glass and dangerous debris strewn around for your dog to pick up when you are distracted by such things as traffic lights and potential purse snatchers all make good reasons to keep your dog up off the ground. Getting a small dog across the street in the brief interval allotted by a green light is more easily accomplished if that small dog is on wheels. Once you get to your destination…if it’s the dog park, Fido isn’t all worn out and stressed from the journey; if it’s the hairdresser or market, few people will object to Fifi’s presence as long as she’s safely zipped behind her mesh screen.
Dogs too small, old or sick to keep up with their owners will benefit from a stroller and there is a benefit to the owner as well: for years we have seen tiny dogs in special purses slung over women’s shoulders, but even small dogs begin to get heavy and cause muscle strain. Add the necessity to carry supplies like water, food, poo bags (or diapers and disposal bags), and that dog purse starts to get mighty weighty. Add the lady’s handbag to the shoulder and you’ve got a pinched nerve in the neck just waiting to happen!
For a small dog, the stroller’s passenger compartment is much roomier than a dog purse, allowing the dog more freedom of movement and even the ability to turn around. And, because the compartment is on wheels, it creates no strain to the owner’s back, neck and shoulder. Additionally, most strollers come with a storage basket slung beneath the passenger compartment, a convenient place to stow water, food, poo bags, etc., greatly relieving strain to the owner’s body.
So, the next time you are tempted to rebuke the owner of a stroller-driven dog, consider which of the many reasons she may have considered before plunking down several hundred dollars for the contraption. And the next time you feel guilty because old Fido is hurting after that long run that felt so good to you, or because Fifi’s feelings are wounded because you left her behind because she can no longer keep up, think “dog stroller!”
If your local pet store doesn’t carry them, dog strollers are all over the web. They come in a bewildering array of sizes, styles, and amenities. You can get one big enough for your German Shepherd, “twin” style for a pair of dogs who, for whatever reason, cannot share a single, even jogging strollers and styles that can be coupled to the back of a bicycle. There are multi-function strollers that allow you to put the dog in a large carrier bag that can be carried over your shoulder, belted into your car’s seatbelt, or snapped securely into a stroller frame. Colour selection is amazing: from prosaic pinks and blues to neon colours and even leopard and zebra prints! You can get them with or without rain shields, “parent trays” (where you put your keys, cell phone, and latte), and one-handed folding mechanisms. Whether you are interested in a germ-free visit to the vet with Fido or a stylish stroll through the park with Fifi, there is a dog stroller available for you and it is as near as your computer!
Sources:
http://funstufffordogs.wordpress.com/2007/06/21/16-reasons-to-use-a-dog-stroller/
http://petstrollers.cc
http://www.helium.com/items/132123-determining-if-you-need-a-dog-stroller
More Violet can be found at http://sweetvioletsa.blogspot.com/
by: Sweet Violet
Tags: buggies, dog, dog strollers, dogs in strollers, prams, pushchairs, strollers, walkers
