Do Dogs Ever Belong in Strollers?

Some people seem offended by the sight of a dog in a stroller. They regard it as unnatural. It’s a popular subject for disdainful standup comedy rants.

Stipulated: If you’re used to seeing babies in strollers, the incongruity of witnessing a dog in one can be funny. And healthy dogs need exercise, including walks where they can sniff to their hearts’ content.

Even so, you might be surprised to learn that strollers can make some dogs’ lives better. For dogs with illnesses or mobility issues, including some seniors, a stroller can be a convenient way to get more time outdoors without an unnecessarily grueling walk.

“Strollers can be very useful for dogs who still want to enjoy walks with their owners,” says Jonathan S. Block, DVM, founder of West Delray Veterinary in Florida, “but are unable to walk for one reason or another.”

A caveat: If you do use a stroller, it should never serve as a replacement for walking. Strollers can be a good way to increase the amount of time your dog is out and about with you—but don’t use them as a shortcut or a way to avoid walking your best friend. A dog who’s pushed around in a stroller all the time will miss out on the exercise and mental stimulation that comes from walking on their own.

Having said that, here are times when a dog might benefit from a stroller—and how to use one successfully.

When a stroller might be a good idea for a dog

They’re not yet fully vaccinated

If your puppy isn’t yet fully vaccinated, using a stroller is one way you can help them enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors. Puppies can benefit from socialization during this period, but talk to your veterinarian about where they can do so safely. A stroller can be appropriate in areas that might otherwise be higher-risk.

They’re a senior with limited mobility

If your dog is having trouble getting around—whether they can’t walk at all, or just get tired or sore more easily than they used to—a stroller can allow them to smell more outdoor smells and spend more time with you.

“I have a client who had a Frenchie who lived to be around 18,” says Denise Herman, head trainer and founder of Empire of the Dog in New York City. The client would use a stroller to extend their walks after water-therapy appointments. “They would walk for like a block,” she says, “and then the dog would get in the stroller. They swaddled him in a little blanket, and he was like the Mayor of Murray Hill. Everyone knew this little Frenchie, and he was such a delight.”

If you have a really tiny dog, a bag or your arms might be able to do the job—but a stroller can be one appealing option.

The weather is rough

Dr. Block says that strollers can be useful at times when the elements aren’t conducive to a walk, like “super-hot days where the pavement is hot, or super-cold days when the ground is icy or salty.”

They’re recovering from an injury

If your dog temporarily can’t walk or run like they usually do, but your veterinarian says it’s safe to take them out in a stroller, they may appreciate the fresh air and quality time.

They’re small or get tired on long walks

If your dog has tiny legs or doesn’t have the stamina you do for long walks, you can keep a stroller on hand to help them along when they let you know they’ve had enough. 

How to choose, and use, a dog stroller

Find a stroller designed for dogs. And, beyond that, make sure it’s right for your dog. Ask your veterinarian whether the stroller you’re considering is safe. Also think about how easy it will be for you to maneuver and store.

Once you’ve chosen a stroller, get your dog acclimated before you try wheeling them around on the sidewalk.

“If your dog has never been in a stroller before,” says Herman, “it’s best to start working on it in the house.”

She says you can start with the stroller next to you while you’re hanging out watching TV or working, feeding your dog meals, treats, or chews in it to create positive associations—the same way you might handle crate training.

“Don’t just throw them in the stroller,” she says, “and say ‘let’s go’ and hope they enjoy it.” By going slowly, you can improve the chances that your dog has a pleasant stroller experience.

Remember that, if your dog is in a stroller, they will have less control over their environment than usual. “You don’t want to have strangers reaching in to touch them,” says Herman, because “they can’t opt out.” And if a dog feels trapped or cornered, there’s always a chance they will become aggressive.

When not to use a dog stroller

Don’t use a dog stroller to avoid walking an able-bodied dog who needs the exercise. It’s wise and kind to give a dog a break on a walk if they’re telling you that they have had enough, but all dogs need an appropriate amount of physical and mental activity.

If you do have a dog whose mobility is limited, you should also look into food puzzles and other ways to keep their lives interesting and fun. These brain games can benefit any dog, but are especially vital for those who can’t run around and play.

The bottom line is that a stroller can be good for certain dogs. But if you feel weird using one at first, you won’t be alone.

When Herman first started using a stroller for a senior dog with mobility problems, she remembers thinking, “I can’t believe I have a dog in a stroller—what am I doing?” But, she says, it didn’t take long to get over it: “You get to a point where you’re like, ‘I love this little dog, and I don’t care.’”