Hello,
I agree with the above poster that it would be better to buy a second hand dog stroller rather than a child's buggy.
Dog strollers are designed for the dog's comfort and safety and I can't imagine your small dog would be very comfortable or safe in a child's stroller.
I have a little dog about the same size as yours and I've been researching dog strollers as she's getting to an age where she gets tired easily on walks and then wants to be carried home. She loves to be outside though, so I don't want to shorten our time out due to her inability to walk long distances.
I've read so many reviews (really enjoyed looking at the cute photos of dogs in their strollers!) and compared strollers and here's what I've learned:
• Many dog owners have regretted buying really cheap strollers as they break easily and then they have to buy a better quality stroller anyway, they point out they would have saved money buying slightly better quality in the first place.
• A lot of really cheap strollers have plastic wheels which are very noisy and as they're plastic they don't have any sort of shock absorbency so the dog is bounced around in the stroller, which can be particularly uncomfortable for dogs with pain issues. EFA wheels, air tyres or PU wheels are preferable to plastic.
• Generally, the larger the wheel, the smoother and more comfortable the journey is for the dog, for similar reasons to point no. 2.
• It's important to consider not just the weight of your dog but also their length so they can lie down comfortably in the stroller and also their height so they can comfortably sit up in the stroller when the cabin is fully closed.
• Check the measurements of the stroller when folded if you intend to take it in your car or you don't have a lot of storage space at home. Some buyers have said that some models are very bulky and awkward to store at home or fit into the car.
• Introduce your dog slowly to the stroller by setting it up at home and letting your dog get in, offer treats etc. Build up slowly to moving it around with your dog inside, if your dog seems nervous. Always make sure they're secured in the stroller to prevent injuries if they attempt to jump out.
• Dog strollers are used for various reasons, not just to help elderly dogs. They're used for sick or injured dogs, puppies that haven't got their full set of vaccinations yet, used for holidays or long days out so the dog can come along etc
Some of the above might be very obvious to you already, but there might be others reading who will find the information useful, if they're completely new to the idea of dog strollers.
After all my research, I'm going to buy an Innopet stroller for my little dog. They have great reviews, and I want something comfortable for my dog that can withstand daily use and will last a long time. A bonus is that many parts of Innopet strollers can be replaced so you don't have to buy a whole new stroller if one part gets damaged, just replace that part. I never imagined myself pushing a dog in a stroller but I'm willing to get over any possible embarrassment to ensure my little doggy continues to enjoy life!
doggyandmoggie.co.uk and petsownus.co.uk are great websites to research as they have tons of information and reviews to read through. Good luck, hope you and your small doggy find the right solution!