Today the dog carrier has become a totally essential accessory. These carriers allow us to take our pet on trips, or take them safely in the car to go to the vet. It is almost impossible not to have one, as they are often useful for moving all types of pets. But we must know the types that there are and how to choose the best one for our dog.
We will see in this article the carriers on the market, which one can be the best for the dog and also how to get them used to riding it. Of course it is a very useful element when we have to make visits to the vet or simply when we go with the dog on a trip somewhere.
Types of carrier
Now we will talk about some types of carrier that we can find.
Rigid plastic carrier
When we talk about this product to all come to mind the rigid plastic carrier, because they are the most versatile of all. They have the ideal mix between good price, durability and resistance for all types of pets. They are sold in various sizes and it is a carrier that has a mesh door that opens and closes to put the animal in. Some may have this door on the side or on the top, but usually they have it on the narrower front, because this allows the dogs to be more calm in the cubicle. These carriers can be disassembled most of the time, removing the door and dividing it into two pieces. This is done to make it easier for us to clean and to avoid dirt in corners.
Bag type carrier
On the other hand, for smaller dogs have become popular bag carriers. These are small and usually have a nice design. They are good for dogs of no more than five kilos, since we will carry them on the shoulder. They have the advantage of being very light, of having beautiful designs and not being very expensive, although of course they can become less hygienic than plastic or metal ones.
Metal cage carrier
As for the metal ones, it can be said that the folding metal cages they are also carriers, because on many occasions they are used to carry the larger dogs. However, these cages are also used in the home environment, to enclose the dog on some occasion or to have a place that is theirs, such as a shelter. The good thing about these cages is that when they are disassembled and folded they occupy very little, and they can be used on many occasions, being resistant and easy to wash and disinfect.
Backpack carrier
Today we also find the backpack type carriers. They are very comfortable if our dog is not very big, since we can carry it from one place to another with great ease and it is easier to transport than bags. They have a good price and when it comes to washing them they can be put in the washing machine, so cleaning is quite simple. But as we say, this type of carrier only works if our dogs are small and weigh little.
Trolley carrier
In a evolution of the previous carrier have emerged the trolley type carriers, to carry slightly larger dogs that we cannot carry with a backpack but on a trolley. It is an easy way to carry them, although they may not get used to the movement as quickly as riding a trolley of this type. For the most gourmets we have even seen folding carts that can be taken to walk the dog inside them.
How to choose a dog carrier
When choose the right carrier for our dog We must think about what type of dog we have, the size we need and the use that we are going to give the carrier, because everything will influence when choosing one or the other.
Smaller dogs can be carried in any of them. Bags and backpacks are often chosen because they are easy to store, they weigh little and are easily carried from one place to another as they are not bulky. If our dog has a larger size you need to choose a rigid plastic or metal one, since it is the only ones in which we will find suitable sizes for this type of dog. In addition to the fact that in large dogs we will need carriers that are resistant and strong.
Regarding the use that we are going to give it, it can be to take them to the vet, for public transport or to be at home. In general, they are all valid to carry them from one place to another and the carrier is usually chosen according to the size of the dog. However, for trips by metro or public transport, backpacks are recommended, since they allow us to move more easily with the dog from one side to the other.
Maintain good hygiene in the carrier
There are carriers that are easier to clean than others. It is a place where the dog can vomit or relieve itself for the simple fact of being nervous when changing its daily routine. That is why it is always recommended to put some newspapers and a cotton swab on top so that they are comfortable and we can clean easily in case we have a disaster along the way. Bringing some wipes with us can also be a good idea.
From time to time we must carry out a thorough cleaning of the carrier, especially in case the dog has been sick. It must always be cleaned and disinfected. The plastic and metal ones are disassembled to be able to clean them thoroughly and in the case of the fabric ones, it is necessary to see if they can be put directly into the washing machine to wash them with hot water.
Getting the dog used to traveling in a carrier
This is not easy at all, since it is about putting the dog in a closed place and taking it from one place to another, something that will be stressful if we do not get used to it. Dogs that go many times in a carrier are calm and there is a big difference with those that only see it when they go to the vet, for whom the experience is more stressful. Must accustom them from a young age, putting them in the carrier but without leaving home, so that they feel comfortable in it. So when we have to go to the vet they will not feel that it is a strange place.