Dog Strollers & Dog Prams UK - Get Your Dog Out In Fresh Air

Maybe your dog’s completely lost their mobility, is still keen to be out and about with you, but doesn’t suit a wheelchair for whatever reason. Or perhaps your dog’s a senior who just wants to take it easy - they want to potter around their favourite walking spot, but not get there under their own steam. Sometimes a dog, post surgery, mustn’t walk until they’ve recovered. You might want to take your puppy somewhere for a change of scenery without having to carry them, but they’re still too young to walk far.

For all of these dogs, a dog stroller is the answer. Of course you’ll want the best dog stroller in the UK for your dog, so that it’s comfortable and safe. Before choosing the best dog stroller, there are a few points you should think about:

Is your dog looking reluctant to go for a walk, showing signs of rear leg weakness, has arthritis, or losing power in their back legs? Then it might be time for a dog pushchair. Dogs who’ve got progressive, painful conditions - e.g. arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia -  and have noticeable difficulty walking will love being pushed around instead. Senior dogs who are just losing mobility and have lower energy levels, but are themselves in every other way, will also enjoy being in a dog buggie.

Strollers make it much easier for you to get your dog to their favourite place, or somewhere new that’s a distance away.

A dog stroller helps your dog maintain a sense of normality, have adventures, and lets them see the world. With a stroller, your dog can still get their daily dose of fresh air. While at the same time you’re reassured that they can still enjoy life, safe in the knowledge they’re not forcing themselves to walk while in pain, with limited mobility, aggravating a progressive condition, or unwell.

Dog pushchairs are becoming well known. It’s not unusual these days to see a dog being pushed around in one, enjoying some fresh air or seeing friends. There’s a variety of different dog stroller prams that mean dogs can participate in different types of adventures with their owners.

People are now used to seeing dog stroller prams in the park or around the city.  But did you know there are more specialised designs for sporty, outdoorsy activities:

Dog stroller with bike trailer combination - these hybrids mean you can use your Dog stroller with a bicycle. The stroller becomes a trailer that you attach to the back of your bike, so your dog can come too, if you decide to get on your bike. These should be very easy to assemble and shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to get everything together for your ride.

Dog stroller for hiking - if you’re planning to go on hikes, or are in a more rural setting, you’ll definitely need a dog stroller for hiking, that’s designed for all terrains. These models take into account everything needed for an all-terrain adventure - for example, tyres with great shock absorption that can cope on different surfaces (sand, pebbles, rocky), and good storage capacity for longer trips.

Double Dog Strollers - if you’re a multi dog household and a few members of your pack need help, you’ll need a dog stroller for two dogs. These come in different configurations. Some will have a single compartment space big enough for two dogs, with several interior safety leashes or leash attachment points. Others are ‘double deckers’, with a single dog compartment on top of the other.

Can I use the dog stroller off-road?

Yes, you can. 

However, if your plans are more adventurous, then you will need to buy a dog stroller for hiking. It will mean that the design takes into account more varied kinds of terrains and environments.

For off-road, check your dog stroller pram has wide wheels, has an all-terrain tread, and front wheels with 360° rotation.

An off-road dog pushchair should be kitted out for rain and shine and everything in between. So does it include a rain cover, is there a good sunroof, and will it provide good ventilation? The frame must be sturdy and robust, but at the same time lightweight. For your dog’s comfort, particularly on longer outings, it must have good suspension for bumps and rocky ground. It’s also useful to have roomy storage space for anything your dog or you may need while adventuring.

If you’re using a dog buggie, you want it to be convenient. Being able to open and close it easily is a necessity, as it’s equipment you’ll likely be using several times a day. Obviously as it’s more space-efficient for storing when it’s folded down, you don’t want to have wrestle with it every time you want to use it.

AI analysis of reviews show that the following models get consistently strong feedback for smooth folding mechanisms:

Innopet Adventure Dog Buggy:  This dog buggy is very compact when folded, which makes it great for owners without much storage space. 

Innopet Monaco Dog Stroller: This model is lightweight and has a simple folding mechanism which makes it very popular.

Innopet All Terrain Dog Buggy: This model is known as being easy to assemble and fold. If you need a dog buggy that’s quick to pack away - this is the one.

Several factors determine what makes a pram for a dog easier to push. Key aspects are the wheels, the handle bar height, and the weight of the pram.

It’s essential that the front wheels are able to swivel 360°. This allows for the best manoeuvrability and smoother navigation. If you’re planning on all terrain adventures, you’ll also need wide EVA foam tyres. These don’t puncture so it means you can’t be stranded somewhere with a flat tyre.

Keep shock absorption in mind too. Better suspension means that a dog pram stroller that’s much easier to push.

The handlebar should be ergonomic and height adjustable, so that it is correctly positioned for you and your posture.

A well-designed dog stroller will be lightweight, but durable.  For large dog breeds, you’re probably looking for dog buggies weighing between 8kg and 11kg (without dog), and generally for medium to small breeds between 6.5kg to 8kg (without dog).

These three models consistently come top in reviews in terms of being user friendly, and comfortable and convenient to use.

As you’ll be using your dog stroller to transport your dog, and probably in all types of weather, weather-proofing your dog pushchair is the first thing to think about. 

Keep your dog dry and snug from sudden downpours with a rain cover. These are made of transparent plastic and fit over your dog stroller snugly, keeping out the wet. 

Make sure that your chosen dog buggy has a canopy or adjustable hood to keep your dog shaded and reduce the chances of overheating in strong sunshine and hot temperatures.

Ventilation panels or mesh windows should come as standard on any model of dog buggy. If you are looking at model that doesn’t have either, then choose another model. Your dog needs air flow while in the dog stroller.

Invest in a removable (washable), orthopaedic cushion for your dog to lie on while being pushed around. This will give them an extra level of comfort. These cushions aren’t a necessity but it’s a worthwhile accessory to improve your dog’s pet stroller experience. A cushion will give your dog extra shock absorption from any bumps in the road, reduce troublesome pressure points and support your dog’s musculoskeletal system.

Dog stroller bag organisers that hang from the handlebars are a great way to stash items such as your mobile phone, treats, dog poo bags, or toys, so you can be handsfree while wheeling your dog around.

Are you someone who always has a cup of coffee or bottle of water with you while you’re on the go? If so, definitely choose a dog buggie model which has a in-built cup holder or tray so you’re not pushing your dog around, while at the same time trying not to spill your drink!

Otherwise, think about how long you’ll be gone for your dog stroller and if you’re going on big hikes etc. If that’s the case, you’ll need more than a bag or cupholder. Check out the storage space capacity found under the dog pram stroller. Different dog stroller models have different amounts of under stroller luggage space. 

Leash attachments, tethers, or safety leashes are in-built in most dog stroller pram models. These are so your dog is secure in the dog stroller pram, and won’t be tempted to leap out if they see something of interest. Even more elderly dogs can get a second wind and decide to have a chase, if they see a squirrel crossing their path!

An air pump if your stroller has air tyres (i.e. with an inner tube like a bicycle tyre) is a really good idea. You don’t want to get stuck somewhere far from home, because one of your dog stroller tyres has got a puncture. This will allow you to avoid that situation.