If hiking is your passion but your dog can’t keep up, a dog stroller might be the best option for you and your four-footed companion. Before you start looking for a dog stroller, let’s take a look at some reasons why you may want a dog stroller and features to consider before buying a dog carriage.
Reasons Your Dog Might Need a Stroller
If your dog is older, has mobility issues or other health problems, a stroller will allow you to take your companion along.
Short-nosed dogs like Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Bullmastiffs, and other brachycephalic breeds can enjoy walks even when their snub-nosed faces make it difficult for them to breathe.
Puppies might love to go on a hike, but their little legs tire easily. Instead of carrying them, just pop them in a stroller for a rest and a nap.
Small dogs that either can’t keep up or that could become a snack for a predator while on the trail are good candidates for a stroller.
Dogs who have had surgery and are on crate rest will appreciate the fresh air without slowing down the healing process.
What to Look for in a Hiking Stroller
Before you look, consider what you want. Your first limiting factor will be the size of your dog. Most strollers are based on dog weight, so pick the one with an appropriate weight rating. Also, check the size of the seating area. Can your dog move fairly comfortably within the space? Take a towel, fold it into the proper length and width measurements and have your dog sit and lay down on the towel. Also, measure the sitting height of your dog and add four inches.
The second factor is what you plan to use the stroller for. If you want an all-terrain dog stroller, the wheel size is extremely important. The larger the wheels, the easier it will be to push on different terrains. If you’ve tried to maneuver small wheels on sand, rocks, over tree roots or cobblestones, you know that this is not easy. There is a reason mountain bikes have larger thicker tires and racing bicycles have thin narrow tires! Your dog stroller tires will determine where you can use it.
If you want a dog running stroller for street running, large diameter, thinner tires will make the job pushing the stroller much easier. If you trail run, a larger diameter, the wider tire is perfect. Try using the stroller on the carpet. If you bang your shins on the stroller, you may need to find one with extended handles.
Portability is nice for storing the stroller and for getting it in and out of a vehicle. All the other factors are window dressing!
Using the Dog Stroller
We’ll go over how to train your dog to feel comfortable in the dog stroller in How Do I Get My Dog Used to A Stroller. The quick version is slowly with lots of treats!
Best Hiking Strollers for your Dog (and Your Money)
We’ve listed some of the more popular hiking dog strollers on Amazon. We picked these based on wheel size and customer review to be the best for use on all terrains.
Pet Gear No-Zip NV Pet Stroller for Cats/Dogs
The Pet Gear No-Zip pet stroller is a great option for dogs up to 50 pounds. If yours is larger they make a similar stroller rated up to 90 pounds. They also make smaller strollers for dogs up to 45 pounds with the same all-terrain friendly design.
Features
- No-Zip entry means you don’t struggle with zippers. The easy-locking canopy is great!
- Bolster Pad and weather cover included
- Panoramic view window with 3-position canopy
- 12-inch Air Ride tires for extra comfort for your pet. The front wheel locks for added stability.
- 600 Denier water-resistant material
- Optional Divider
- Easy One-Hand Fold
- Dimensions:
- 30-inch L x 13-inch W x 22-inch H
- Compartment Dimensions: 28-inch L x 12.5-inch W x 22.5–inch H,
- Weight: 32 Pounds
- Height to Handle: 41.5 inch
- Optional Divider
- Easy One-Hand Fold
At 4.1 stars out of 5, reviewers rave about the Air Tires and the smoothness of the ride. They love the stability and how easy the stroller is to put up and collapse with one hand.
TOGfit Pet Roadster
Rated for dogs up to 70 pounds, the TOGfit Pet Roadster is designed to take your dog practically anywhere. You can access the dog compartment from all sides and the large storage basket makes up for the lack of cup holders.
Features
- Zippered compartment accessible from both sides, back and front
- Soft mattress
- Tear proof, durable netting
- Large storage compartment
- height adjustable handle
- Large strong wheels made of EVA foam
- Dimensions:
- 42 x 23 x 41 inches
- Compartment dimensions: 29.9 x 15.3 x 18.1 inches
- Weight: 24.7 Pounds
At 4.4 stars of 5, reviewers liked the construction and how well the stroller handles with even with multiple small dogs in it. The handle is easily adjustable for stroller users of different heights and the TOGfit is easily assembled, collapsed and set up.
Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer
If you prefer to alternate your hikes with bike rides, the Best Choice 2-in-1 is a great option. It comes with a storable hitch that fits on to most bicycle frames. This dog stroller is rated for up to 66 pounds.
Features
- Lightweight, sturdy steel frame with water-resistant polyester
- 2-in-1 bug-screen
- a removable cushion
- convenient, built-in hand-lock brake system
- Safety flag and reflectors
- Includes a hitch to attach the stroller to a bicycle
- Dimensions
- 24″(L) x 46″(W) x 38″(H)
- Compartment dimensions: 23″ (W) x 27″ (L) x 22″ (H)
- Weight Capacity: 66 lbs.
At 4.3 stars out of 5, the Best Choice 2-in-1 wins for the versatility and ease of use. Even smaller dogs can hop in without much if any assistance. The canopy folds easily but the stroller doesn’t collapse as much as other models. However, being able to use it with both bike rides and walking makes up for any lack of collapsibility.