Has anyone used a carrier backpack for an arthritic dog?

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My 8 year old terrier has arthritis in his elbow and the vet has said 10-15 minute walks. I have another dog who needs longer walks, but the terrier is very sad when he is left behind.

I’m thinking about getting a carrier backpack/frontpack or sling so he can still come with us without putting strain on his joints.

Has anyone had success using a backpack carrier with an arthritic dog? Did your dog actually enjoy being carried? Any brands or styles you’d recommend (or avoid)?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences before I buy one.

I haven't - but when in Italy recently on a walk we met a couple who had their old small dog in a special dog backpack. When they stop the dog gets out for a little walk about and then hops back in ready to continue. Seemed very happy! The pack also sat upright on its own when off the back - so the dog had it as a bed on stops in restaurants etc. Looked like it worked well. Sorry I can't help with models etc.

I'd worry that a sling might put more strain on the joints? Would a dog pram work better?

I was thinking the exact same. That a dog pram might be better so he can stretch out, move around and relax. I would be worried too that being bundled into a bag might cause him more pain. There are some buggies available that are capable of travelling over rough terrain, if that's required.

Definitely look at a dog pram that way you can stop every so often to let him have a pootle without causing pressure on his joints as being compressed in a sling would

Thanks everyone. I was trying to avoid a pram as the walking round here is all over fields and there are no pavements (plus I feel it may look somewhat eccentric). However, I think the people who mentioned more pressure on joints in a backpack are correct. It is sad as he is still young and, despite being small, he used to love long walks. He is limping badly today even though he's not been for a walk so I think a pram is the only solution

I knew someone who had one that was like a big basket with a flat bottom so their dog could sit up in it like he was just sitting on the floor. He couldn't lie down or turn around, it wasn't big enough for that. But he looked happy enough while being carried. The front opened out so when they stopped they sat him on the ground, opened the front and he just walked out.
I didn't think much about it at the time but I think they probably made it themselves. It had a homemade look about it. And they moved away years ago. So that's no help to you, sorry. Except to know it's possible.

Take a look at Innopet dog prams, their new one, the Innopet Noah or the Innopet Sporty Evr are all-terrain I think and they don't look like a baby's pram.

I had to get a pram for my small terrier when she went lame and I had the same worry about having a dog in a pram. She's always loved being out though, so it wasn't fair to leave her at home. I went ahead and got one and everyone has been lovely, they think she looks cute, she loves the attention! You can get signs to put on the pram to explain the situation - elderly dog, dog with arthritis etc, if that helps.

Tbh, the other solution is to keep going as you are and leave him at home. He's understandably sad, but it's also for his health and it'll become his new normal.

We're navigating short walks with our 30kg dog whose arthritis has suddenly worsened - I suspect it's not as sudden as it feels as I look back and spot a few areas she's been showing signs since last summer, but it all came to a head recently.

It also means she's missing out on pub trips etc where she'd normally come with us because she's sore and needs more rest. She's a sad dog sometimes but needs must until we assess the efficacy of her new medication regime.

@CornishPorsche medication is another issue. He has just been prescribed gabapentin 3 times a day which makes him sleepy

I had a very arthritic old dog until very recently. Chat to your vet if the gabapentin sleepiness doesn't ease as you can reduce the dose (frequency and amount) to minimise the drowsiness or try other medications. I also know this isn't what you asked, but regular therapeutic massages by someone qualified really helped my dog. I can't help re carriers I'm afraid, my dog was a heffalump!

I haven't used one, but thought id have a look as I have an older dog. The Ruffwear one looks good. I have a harness and it's excellent. Its still going string after 8 years, even tho I accidentally put it on a 90 degree wash once!