Dog Strollers For Small Dogs

Though dog strollers for small dogs are not currently on my shopping list, I frequently see pet owners using them when I am out running my young, big, energetic pup. And after having a close call with someone using a pet stroller, I was curious to find out the main reasons dog owners choose to use strollers over just walking pets on a leash.

Well it didn't take me long to find out that there are several really good reasons. The first one is personally connected to the close call I recently had.

In this particular instance another runner was running toward me with one dog running by his side on a leash and another smaller one riding in a pet stroller. Good idea for everyone to get their exercise I thought. Except, in this situation with a narrow sidewalk I sensed potential danger so I stopped running and pulled my dog over as best I could. Unfortunately the other owner didn't stop, compelling my dog to take a defensive posture against this approaching army. The end result was me being almost pulled off my feet as my dog tried to protect himself from what he saw as an imminent threat.

In spite of that negative encounter, I do think pet strollers are ideal for runners who want to take their small dogs along - with safety first in mind of course :)

While everyone isn't a runner or jogger, many pet owners like to take long walks that would wear out a small dog - at least if he had to walk the whole way. My previous dog was small and whenever she felt she had walked enough, she'd suddenly lie down and wouldn't budge! I often had to end up carrying her home - this was before strollers became popular.

Dog strollers are not just for walks, they can also be very handy under these circumstances:

- Pets with medical conditions, have failing sight, or have gone blind
- Brachycephalic pets that can have breathing difficulties
- Disabled pets, or those recovering from injury or surgical procedures
- Older dogs with joint issues
- Taking pets to the vet
- Two small dogs taking turns walking and riding
- Climates that are too hot or cold for fragile pets
- Walking in rural areas that present dangers from wild animals

Some owners even like to use pet strollers for mall shopping, or to go to other public places that might otherwise be off limits.

In the end, it really all boils down to owners wanting to get their pets out and about while keeping them safe and secure.

So what's the best dog stroller for your pet's needs? To save you some tiring leg work, I strolled about and came up with three that I would consider very good choices:

Some of the product criteria I looked at included:

- Construction quality
- Easy / quick assembly
- Ease of use
- Folding mechanism (one hand fold up, or Easy fold up)
- Size (vs pet weight)
- Zippers or other reliable closures
- Cup holders for beverages
- Storage compartment for extra stuff like pick-up bags, treats and leashes
- Number of wheels
- Good ventilation, sun protection, waterproof?
- All terrain such as dog parks or smooth surface street use
- Accommodates one or more dogs?
- Value for money

Dog Stroller for Small Dogs Up To 30 lbs.

This dog stroller, according to actual users, performs well on all terrains which indicates a high level of sturdiness - joggers or runners will definitely appreciate that observation.

It accommodates dogs up to thirty pounds, the construction is solid with the added stability of 8-inch double front wheels including shock absorbers. Canopy cover is waterproof so no worries about unexpected showers!

Ease of assembly, ample viewing area for pet also providing good ventilation, large storage compartment for take along necessities and fashionable design round out the attractive features of this stroller that add up to a very good product for the price.

No-Zip Small Dog Stroller

For those of you who prefer not to deal with zippers, this one's for you, especially helpful if your dog's a quick escape artist. Once inside, pets will love the large viewing area and even more so the front bar where they can elevate themselves and not miss a thing.

This No Zip Pet Stroller has some nice features for owners that include easy assembly and the ability to open and close the canopy with one hand - a real plus if you're in a hurry or your pet needs to get out quickly for a potty break! A roomy storage area also comes in handy if you have to pick something up while you're out.

Shock absorbers on the front make for a smoother ride and rear brakes assure you stroll safely. Overall a sturdy product including the important desirable features.

Sporty Jogger Pet Stroller

This pet stroller
has so much going for it, but let's start with the basics: roomy enough to accommodate two small dogs weighing approximately 14 pounds each or one dog up to 30 pounds since the cab height is substantial.

Some of the best features: sturdy solid construction, 3-large-wheel format makes it rugged enough for all terrains; users report that it's a piece of cake to push; no sweat assembly; 4 interior tethers, folds up in a flash, upper mesh window just in front of handle - see rear view image above - easy for owner to keep an eye on pet.

If airline traveling with your small pet, the stroller folds with just the click of a button for gate checking so your pet has more space and freedom until you board him in a smaller carrier. Click here to see the current best price on this stroller.

Summer Travel With Your Dog

Don't leave Rover at home when you travel - take him along if you love-a him! What I mean to say is, that hotels, restaurants and parks are much more accessible to pets these days. In fact, they darn near roll out the red carpet for them.

Hotels in particulare are catering to dogs more than ever. Quite often your pet will get his own special bed and find a welcome doggie bag awaiting him, with all kinds of goodies inside. Very often, the best places offer outdoor play areas, dog sitters, dog walkers and even doggie day care.

The list goes on - it's wonderful that our pets are now so popular. Online reservations make it easy to find dog friendly accomodations to fit any budget. Even without the frills, it's generally cheaper than boarding and much more fun for your pet IMHO!

A Sad Ending for Oprah's Dog

Oprah Winfrey recently lost her 2-yr old Golden Retriever under sad circumstances.

It appears he was playing with a dog toy belonging to one of her smaller dogs and choked on it. Unfortunately, no one was able to save the dog.

We know from personal experience how hard it is to lose a beloved dog under normal circumstances, but this is an especially heartbreaking way to lose a pet. Our sympathies goes out to Oprah.

Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs and one of the most popular family companions.

A Glimpse Of The Irish Setter

An Irish Setter is a beautiful dog to behold with a gleaming set of tresses some of us would die for. This breed has a history in hunting circles and has curled up in the White House with a couple of former presidents.

He is a fun loving dog and a great family pet. Plenty of exercise is the main thing to consider when thinking about an Irish Setter - he needs a lot of it! A big play area is a real plus in addition to being taken out for long walks. Sometimes these dogs end up in rescue shelters and IMHO I think one of the more likely reasons for this is that owners didn't fully appreciate the importance of exercise for the breed.

Find out more about the the Irish Setter

Dogs On The Web

Calling all dog spoilers - if you'd like your dog to have his/her own personal space on the web, head over to Dogster. This is a community just for dogs where your special dog can set up his/her very own web page and meet all the other wonderful dogs that have joined. Just make sure your dog has his bio prepared and a few details about his life story. He can also tell about his favorite toys, food, walks, as well as his disclose any pet peeves he might have!

If you're into dog-spoiling, this is one of the many fun ways you can "spoil" your dog IMHO.

Mary Had A Little Lamb?

Did Mary really have a little lamb or was it a Bedlington Terrier?

This adorable dog has such a strong resemblance to a lamb, you have to look twice to verify what you are seeing. But when it comes to personality, this dog is far from lamb-like, being very true to the terrier assertiveness trademark.

Dog-to-Dog friendship

The interest expressed by dog lovers in connecting with other dog lovers for dating and friendship, has driven the popularity of
online dating sites for this special interest group. It's a fact that avid pet lovers always want
their dates to like pets - it can sometimes make or break a relationship if they don't.

Now it seems this idea has gone a step further with the advent of a dog-to-dog website where Rover can go (with a little help from you) to select his/her very own canine friend!

What a real pleasure it is to hear about such innocent fun making the news and a welcome break from the usual doom and gloom, IMHO.

A Nursing Home For Your Aging Dog?

I recently heard about a novel idea - nursing homes for senior dogs. The first one in Japan was recently opened. In addition to 24-hr monitoring by vets, exercise is cleverly handled by having puppy play companions for the aging dog residents.

It is heartwarming that the needs of an older dog are now being given some thought and that Rover may have other options if his master's circumstances should change. At the same time, I know that owners who are been devoted to their pets, will continue care for them into their senior dog years if they are able to do so.

With this in mind, I have written an article about what owners can do for their aging dog. IMHO, if you have an aging dog, he would want you to read it.