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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Should I get a Dog buggy for my poor old dog

37 replies

StormyLovesOdd · 25/07/2021 13:35

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 Grin

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?

OP posts:
Veterinari · 25/07/2021 20:18

@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.
Ok - it's worth remembering that excitement/motivation will override common sense in many dogs. I've seen dogs with pretty awful arthritis race after a ball or chase a squirrel - they get so excited the pain almost doesn't register - till they settle down a bit later on. That could be happening here too. He enjoys walks and is excited to go but then when he's out the stress in his joints registers and pain kicks in.

Alternatively he could have underlying heart disease that is reducing his exercise tolerance. Or is he a brachycephalic breed? In which case air-hunger may well become more noticeable with age as muscle tone is lost.

In any case being unable to walk a distance that he previously managed isn't normal and should be investigated

Original poster
StormyLovesOdd · 25/07/2021 20:35

Thanks Vet, we will get it looked at when we next take him.

He's a Jack Russell cross, looks like a Jack Russell but he's the size of a Labrador

OP posts:
Tanfastic · 25/07/2021 21:44

I got one for my 15 year old ddog which I used for the last year of his life when he couldn't walk as far. I tended to walk him a little, then put him in the buggy, then walk him a little. He absolutely loved it! Meant we could go on a family walk and still take him with us.

Definitely get one you won't regret it. I got a few looks but I wasn't bothered.

idontlikealdi · 25/07/2021 21:57

An you home board him instead? If not get the buggy!

Inacountrygarden · 26/07/2021 09:04

Definitely go for it. I've got a young dog that has recently had an operation and is not allowed to walk far so I bought a combined cycle trailer/buggy for him. I've also got a senior dog who is showing signs of arthritis so I reckon we'll be using it for her fairly soon. Admittedly I do feel a little bit embarrassed but my dogs' welfare is far more important.

PrettyBlunt · 26/07/2021 09:11

People really laugh?

A few people have them where I am and I think it's lovely for the older dogs to still get their outdoor walks and it's lovely to see.

The other day someone had one on the beach and their dog was having a doggy ice cream in his pram with a sea view 🥺.

Cait73 · 26/07/2021 13:22

My dog had a heart condition (I sadly lost him last week) he had a buggy which I'd previously laughed at but it was invaluable for times he simply couldn't walk but still wanted to get out

I bought a lightweight one and he'd walk (and run) 'till he couldn't any more, then he'd ride home it was actually hilarious he sat there like the King I was waiting for him to wave at the peasants having to walk!! But very useful, never used exclusively or all the time just every now and again

And people were lovely about it, if they did laugh I laughed with them because it was funny

Lockdownbear · 26/07/2021 13:26

People really laugh?

I'll confess I often have a quiet snigger. But I always assume its someone with a precious pampered pooch who babies it. Honestly it's never crossed my mind that it could be an elderly dog unable to walk far.

Darklane · 26/07/2021 15:27

Yes. I have one for my elderly dog who’s already on heart medication & arthritis meds. Most recently a brand new injection that has made a huge difference. But she still can’t walk as far or as fast as the younger ones so medications alone can’t always solve the problem completely. She’d hate to be left behind.

Veterinari · 26/07/2021 15:39

@Darklane

Yes. I have one for my elderly dog who’s already on heart medication & arthritis meds. Most recently a brand new injection that has made a huge difference. But she still can’t walk as far or as fast as the younger ones so medications alone can’t always solve the problem completely. She’d hate to be left behind.
Absolutely - I'm not saying medication can reverse degenerative changes but it does ease pain and breathlessness and enhances quality of life
pigsDOfly · 27/07/2021 12:52

Why are you so worried about what people might think?

If people find it funny that an old dog is being cared for and is being helped to enjoy life for however many years he has left I really wouldn't value their opinion one way or the other.

You need it for your dogs happiness. Buy it. That way everyone gets to enjoy the holiday.

Jins · 27/07/2021 12:56

We used one for a couple of years on holidays and days out with our 14 and 18 year old now sadly departed dogs. It made a huge difference to our time and they loved it. It was about £35 on Amazon and the quality was fine.

I really need to dig it out and sell it Sad

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