Should I get a Dog buggy for my poor old dog

[StormyLovesOdd]

Yea I know they look ridiculous, I've told my DH on no account will I be pushing it, he doesn't mind doing it and if/when someone laughs I'll just pretend I'm not with him

I just can see another solution, we're borrowing a relatives caravan for a weeks holiday and planning lots of days out, walks and picnics. Our poor old dog is 15, we walk him daily but only very short walks as he refuses to walk any further after about 15 minutes, he just won't cope with our plans.

We can't leave him in the caravan on his own and It seems a shame to put him in kennels when he could come with us as he loves the car. I'm thinking he could walk till he was tired then we can push him in the buggy for a bit till he wants to walk again but would it be a total waste of money (we're not rich).

Has anyone got a dog buggy and do you use it?

[Lockdownbear]

I see plenty people walking with them.

Truthfully I usually have a giggle but then I always think it's someone who treats their dog like an accessory or baby's it.

However they make perfect sense for an elderly less mobile dog.

[Roundearth]

theyre great, really improved the walks / being able to take our15 year old dog out and about with us for the day

[trevthecat]

If you want something cheaper, a second hand buggy would work. Doesn't need to be a dog specific one

[Evenstar]

I had a very poorly dog who passed away when he was 2, the last few months he had a baby buggy, I just used the carrycot. I would recommend that rather than a dog buggy as for £40 on eBay it was stronger and much cheaper.

If you are embarrassed and it is not too hot you can put the hood up.

[greensnail]

We have one for our 14 year old dog for the same reason. Works really well, we take him out occasionally for longer walks at home with it and he gets in and out as he needs to. Mainly it is for when we go on holiday and he can't stay all day in the accommodation on his own. Definitely worth having, the only other option would be for him to not come on holiday which would be a shame.

[StormyLovesOdd]

Thanks everyone and thanks for not telling me I'm ridiculous.

I think our dog is probably a bit big for a second hand child's buggy. He's a Jack Russell cross and about the same size as a Labrador.

[BikeRunSki]

I’m thinking about this for the 14 year old dog with a sprightly 7 year old sister, who just isn’t getting the exercise she needs. Old girl refuses to be left at home though!

[gogohm]

Exh has got one for our dog, it also attaches to his bike. Dog loves it. Silly yes to a point but when it's for an obviously old dog outside I think people aren't as condescending - where as the couple with miniature pointers who pushed them into our shop were laughed at by us

[Eleoura]

What about a doggy carrier?

[CMOTDibbler]

My bil/sil bought one (that could also be used as a bike trailer) for her very elderly spaniel, then eventually for his black lab. For both of them it gave them years more of being able to go on days out than would have been possible

[StormyLovesOdd]

I think the dog carrier would do my DH's back in within an hour I'm taking the plunge and ordering a dog buggy, Amazon have quite a few for under £80.

[Eleoura]

Why not ask on olio or freecycle? You might find one on there for free.

[DeathByWalkies]

For old and frail dogs they're fantastic. They allow them to bypass the boring street walks and be delivered directly to the best sniffing spots.

You wouldn't think twice about putting granny in a mobility scooter for a day out, and this is no different

[ImitationofBeing]

Do it.
I see loads as I live in a walking area. It really makes my heart swell to see older dogs being able to enjoy their 'walks' and being out and part of the family.

Did you read about the guy who took his poorly dog in a wheelbarrow up a fell in the Lakes for one last visit before he died? Heartbreakingly lovely.

[Mol1628]

Great idea. Screw what other people think. Do what’s best for you and your dog.

[Scattyhattie]

You might find these groups useful for advice, they sometimes have buggies for sale. Worth checking local ads too.

Duggies in buggies
www.facebook.com/groups/366856060427902/

CAM equipment reviews & advice
www.facebook.com/groups/540364159637089/

Those dog rucksacks look bad for their spine, although carrying a lab would likely knacker your own back also.

[LadyLolaRuben]

Go for it

[Twinklystar52]

I would go for it definitely

[PieceOfString]

@Eleoura

What about a doggy carrier?

My old boys joints would not cope with being trussed up in that for any length of time, buggy sounds great.

[Veterinari]

@StormyLovesOdd
What pain relief is he on?

[StormyLovesOdd]

Thanks everyone 🥰 I'll have a look at that board. My boys not on any pain relief at all, he doesn't seem in any pain during our short jaunts near where I live or walking around our home it's just we can't do long walks anymore, I'll mention it to the vet next time I take him for his jabs.

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

I used to judge -because I really didn't understand why-until I met a lovely old dog in one-

he wanted to walk in a lovely grassy park but could no longer make it there-completely sensible solution.

I'd def do it

[30degreesandmeltinghere]

One of mine would most certainly be ferried about and she is only 7!

[Veterinari]

@StormyLovesOdd

Thanks everyone 🥰 I'll have a look at that board. My boys not on any pain relief at all, he doesn't seem in any pain during our short jaunts near where I live or walking around our home it's just we can't do long walks anymore, I'll mention it to the vet next time I take him for his jabs.

@StormyLovesOdd

Most 15 year old dogs will have arthritis. It is a painful condition.

Why else do you think he's unable to walk distances? What do you think is causing this disability? It's not normal in a healthy old dog.

The commonest reasons for a dog his age are either pain due to arthritis or breathlessness due to heart disease.

Both are treatable with medication and both are significant welfare problems so it's definitely worth a vet check, as older dogs often suffer in silence. Honestly the likelihood is that your money would be better spent on treating the underlying reason for your dog's inability to walk rather than wheeling him around

caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis

[StormyLovesOdd]

He wants to go for a walk and jumps around and gets excited when he sees the leash so doesn't seem in any pain, he just seems to get tired, after 15 minutes or so he sits down and refuses to move again.