Dog carrier backpacks

[fernsandlilies]

Ddog is now 12, definitely slowing down, but still loves our long walks in the hills. He has some arthritis, and suffers from occasional vestibular disease, which means he suddenly loses his balance, can’t walk, shakes, and probably feels nauseous. Last time it passed within a couple of hours, but can take longer.

DH and I enjoy hiking and we’ve got a walking holiday planned in Yorkshire.

can anyone advise about a backpack carrier? Ddog weighs about 20kg (sprocker spaniel). I was thinking we’d take the carrier empty just in case, because DH and I couldn’t realistically carry him in our arms for long.

Any experience of using such a carrier for several miles?

I've used front carriers for my foster puppies, and I'm pretty strong and couldn't carry a 20kg dog for any length of time - unlike a baby/child in a carrier you can't hold them tight against you so the weight distribution is very hard.
My BIl used an offroad buggy for their spaniel when his arthritis got too bad to still do the long walks he loved without a lot of rests and that worked really well

Thanks for your reply, I do see the problem about the weight distribution. There are some designs where the dog is held vertically against your back with its legs poking out, but that looks incredibly uncomfortable for both dog and carrier.

I remember taking DD as a toddler on long walks with an off-road buggy, and the main problem was getting it over stiles. In more hilly areas there wouldn't be many high routes that we could access with a pet buggy. I guess it all needs some more thought.

I can only reiterate pp and advise against a front carrying one.
We used one for our 10kg terrier and it was so hard. He had room to move in it so I'd get the balance right and he'd fidget and throw the weight distribution off, plus I swear he got heavier and heavier as we went along, even with me and DH sharing the carrying.

Thanks Crazybaubles, more food for thought. I now think even a rear-worn carrier would be too difficult.

You can get sling type carriers on Amazon where the dog’s legs are still in touch with the ground but supported, and between two people holding a side each it would be tedious but bearable. For a while I carried an Ikea blue bag with the corners cut out (for legs) for emergencies. But actually, you sound like experienced hikers: would you take other people into the hills under these conditions?
It sounds like his long hike days are coming to an end, and on your holiday you’d be best off taking him for a walk first, taking him back to the accommodation, and then going on your hike. Or going for shorter hikes.

That is a good way of looking at the situation, and a great tip about the bag for emergencies, thank you.

Really consider this. If you have any knowledge of vestibular dysfunction when it has an acute episode, you will know that any movement is horrific for the sufferer. If this were to occur, doggy would be far more appreciative of being able to be still or the movement of every step in a backpack/carrier is going to be horrendous and increase discomfort and nausea.

Yes you’re right. It happens so infrequently that I was thinking it worth taking the chance, as ddog is so happy otherwise on long walks, but perhaps it’s time to reconsider.