Why does a dog need a carrier and how to choose the right one?
A container for transportation (carrying) is included in the list of things necessary for every dog. Even if you have a miniature lap dog that walks mostly on handles, you will still need a container for a trip to the veterinary clinic. This is not an excess, but a measure of the safety of your pet and a guarantee of the comfort of others. Why every dog needs a carrier and how to choose one? Read about it in our article.
Why does every dog need a carrier?
- Security
Imagine that you are carrying a dog in a car on your lap. Looks good at first. But if the car brakes hard or gets into a traffic accident (and anything can happen on the roads), the dog can fall from your lap, fly into the span between the seats and be seriously injured. Are you ready to take that risk? We hope not.
The pet will not be able to open a high-quality carrier with a reliable lock. This means that he will not run away, will not get lost and will not fall under the wheels of a car. Let’s not forget about our own safety. A dog in a car can interfere with the driver: climb on his knees or under the pedals, block the view or access to the steering wheel. Carrying is a safety measure for both the pet and everyone in the car.
It is not without reason that the rules of transportation prescribe the transportation of animals in special containers. This measure allows you to protect the health of your pet and everyone around you.
A carrier must be purchased before the puppy appears in the house. You should go to a breeder or a shelter already with her.
- Stress protection
Not every dog likes trips and travel. There are pets for whom a visit to a veterinary clinic, even in a neighboring house, turns into a real test. The dog trembles, worries, shudders at every sound, tries to hide and run away.
Carrying helps reduce stress levels. In it, the pet feels calmer, because the association “I’m in a kennel, I’m protected” works. Of course, for this you need to accustom your pet to carry in advance.
You can also put a toy filled with treats in the container. Your dog will love this ride!
- Disease protection
Transportation in a special container limits your pet’s contact with other animals and reduces the risk of infection with diseases and parasites.
- The ability to travel
It doesn’t matter what mode of transport you travel: by car, bus, train, ship or plane, the rules require that pets be placed in special containers. In most cases, without a carrier, you simply cannot take your pet out.
- Convenience
Transportation in a carrier is convenient for both the pet and the owner.
In the container, the dog is, as it were, in his own mini-apartment, where there is a diaper, a bowl of water, toys, treats and other attributes of a comfortable trip. The pet will not have to seek shelter among other passengers, get in the way and hide under the seats. And the owner will know that his pet is in a safe shelter, with good ventilation and with everything necessary. He does not have to hold on to an escaped pet.
For the convenience of the pet, it is better to put the absorbent diaper under the removable slatted bottom. Thus, if the dog goes to the toilet in a carrier, he will not have to stand on a contaminated surface. Be sure to purchase a special bowl for carrying, preferably with sides inward so that water does not spill when moving. Such bowls are mounted on the door grate and can be easily removed if necessary.
- Comfort of others
It’s strange, but not everyone in the world loves dogs. But seriously, many dogs are very afraid.
Others will be much calmer if your dog is placed in a special container and they do not have direct contact with it. You, as a dog owner, also benefit from this. After all, it is far from a fact that your pet will be delighted with the company of strangers.
Got it sorted out. But how to choose a carrier from all the variety presented in pet stores? Go!
How to choose a dog carrier?
- If you are planning a trip, check the rules for transporting animals from a specific carrier company in advance. Each company can present its own requirements for carrying: dimensions, weight, design features. Make sure your carrier meets the requirements of the selected company. Otherwise, you can be deployed at the airport right before the flight.
Some carriers are marked “Suitable for air travel”. But even in this case, it is better to re-examine the carrying requirements from the airline and check for compliance.
- The size of the carrier must match the size of the dog. If you have a puppy, purchase a container based on the size of an adult dog. This will help you avoid additional expenses in the future.
- The size of the carrier should allow the dog to stand up without tilting its head.
- Choose carriers with a rigid, durable design: they keep their shape and protect your pet from possible injuries.
- The carrier must have a solid, solid, waterproof base. It should support the weight of your dog with a margin.
- Pay attention to the handle. It should be durable and fit comfortably in your hand.
- There should be good ventilation in the carrier so that the dog is not stuffy. At the same time, make sure that the dog cannot stick its head or paws into the ventilation holes.
- The locking mechanism must prevent accidental opening of the door and the escape of the pet. Prefer a container with a metal door.
These are the main points that will help you make the right choice. Feel free to ask questions to the consultant in the pet store and study the reviews on the models you like.
Good luck with your purchase, and hope your dog makes friends with the new carrier quickly!