If you’re a dog owner, you probably wish that you could take that cute little fur ball everywhere with you. That would be great, but carrying your pet around all the time would not only get exhausting for you but old for them.
This is where a dog carrier comes in. There are multiple types, but each has the same basic purpose – the ability to be with you at all times. As a concerned puppy parent, you are probably asking yourself if dog carriers are safe.
In this article, we are going to take a look at that question and give you a few tips on how to choose the safest option for your little one.
Types Of Dog Carriers
The truth is that the safety of the tool comes down to a few things, and choosing the right one is at the top of that list. To choose the right one, you will want to understand the different options available. Here is a look at the types of dog carriers you have to choose from.
Hard-sided
These are probably what most people think of when they think of a dog carrier. They are rugged and come in a multitude of sizes. This may be the best option if your pup is not small enough for an under-the-seat carrier. This type of carrier offers way more protection and is easy to clean, too.
Soft-Sided
If you are transporting a smaller dog, this is a great option. These carriers are lightweight and easy to transport. With this, in order for it to be safe, you will need to read the weight and size restrictions to ensure your dog will be comfortable and that the carrier can be safely used by your pup.
Wearable
If you are just going to the store and you have a small dog, you may want to consider a wearable carrier. This type of carrier will allow you to have your hand free for other tasks, like taking calls or opening doors. They come in sling or backpack varieties.
For this type of carrier, you will need to find the one that fits your dog’s size and take into consideration any medical conditions that may be exacerbated by being carried this way. If you have any questions, you should talk with your vet before investing in this style of carrier.
How to Choose a Dog Carrier
Once you have found the right carrier that works for your needs and for your dog’s size and health restrictions, you will have to look at a few other factors to make sure that everything is safe for your little one.
Again, you will want to measure your dog. Know their height, length, and weight so that you get the right size carrier. The carrier should allow for a little extra space. This will give them the option to turn around, curl up, or even stretch when they need to.
In order to ensure this, measure the dog from where they wear their collar all the way to the base of their tail. Take that number and add a few inches, and that should give you a good idea on the length of the carrier you need.
For height, you will need to measure from the top of their shoulders to the ground. Then, just like with the length, add a few inches. Now, this doesn’t go for wearable carriers as this style is meant to keep them tight and snug against you.
With these, you will need to look at the weight and size restriction of the individual airline before choosing one that will allow you to safely carry your pup with you. You will also want to consider the reason you are getting the carrier in the first place.
If it is to keep your dog confined while traveling in your car or even on the plane, then the safe choice may be a hard-sided carrier. On the other hand, if you have a small pooch and are looking for a carrier for travel, you may want to invest in a soft-sided carrier.
Want your dog to take a trip to the grocery store or to the local mall with you. If they are a smaller breed, then a wearable carrier is a viable option.
Training Tips
Some dogs may give you a bit of resistance when it comes to using the carrier you carefully picked out. Dogs naturally like to run free, so being confined in a small space is not that appealing to them (it’s not to most humans, either!).
This could lead to some safety hazards if you don’t train them to understand that getting into the carrier is not a bad thing. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition smoother for you and your dog.
Often, dogs associate the carrier with things that are traumatic, like a visit to the vet. This is a negative association, and in order to get your pup to change their opinion, it takes just a little work. First off, leave it out and about so they see it all the time. This will decrease the anxiety when it comes out of the closet. Use it to do fun things like take a walk to the park or even to that playdate with the neighbor’s poodle. This will create positive associations.
Use treats. Place treats in the carrier, and this will help get rid of those negative associations. This is kind of like promising a kid ice cream after they go to the doctor.
Final Thoughts
Are dog carriers safe? As long as you choose the right one for your dog’s size and weight, the answer is yes. As with everything else, if you do your research and consult its veterinarian, you should be able to find one that is safe. Choose carefully, and you and your pup will be just fine.
