Dog lovers know a dog is the best silent partner, which helps them relieve anxiety, understands their emotions better than humans sometimes, and shows his existence even if you take him while traveling.
When we talk about travel, the backpack is the symbol usually associated with it. But what if your dog is traveling with you, and it isn’t appropriate for him to walk on the intended road or path? For that purpose, a dog travel backpack is your best friend, for it enables you to carry your dog behind your back all the time. If you go on a hike, a bike ride, or adventure travel, your dog will be safe and free from unnecessary tiredness.
If you’re such an enthusiastic traveler who takes his dog along, this article is for you. So, please keep reading until you say to yourself, “This is the backpack I should have bought years before.”
Table of contents
Selecting the Right Backpack
First, you need to define your purpose. For each purpose, there should be slightly different backpacks.
For hiking, you need one that provides comfort to your body and has extra straps covering your chest and waist, too, to balance the backpack weight evenly on your upper torso.
For air travel, you need one that is smaller in size, even though it can accommodate the dog, just because it must be small enough to fit under the seat.
For bike adventures, it needs to be strong enough to withstand the bumps during the ride and extra comfortable inside, too.
And, of course, if you’re looking for occasional outdoor activity, like mall visits or daily walks, you can live off with just a sling.
In a nutshell, think about what purpose you are going to buy this for. Once you have a clear purpose, no matter a combination of two or three, you can decide to get a better one.
Key Features to Consider
1. Safety Features
Following are some of the key features to look for in any of the backpacks you wish to buy for your pup.
The first and foremost thing to look for is the features that ensure your dog’s safety. Is the room inside not suffocated? Does it have a window? Are the sides layered with a thick form that can save him against tumbles and jerks?
Make sure it provides the auto-clock function so that your dog can’t open the zip with his muzzle or paw.
2. It fits your dog’s size
Most brands mention the size and weight chart on their backpacks, making it easier for you to choose the right fit. You should take your pup with you and make him sit inside to see if the roof is above his head and if the room inside is enough for him to change sides. Otherwise, he will get sores.
3. Small Pockets
The one with some extra buckles and small pockets is a good option if it doesn’t come at the cost of a bigger size. Also, the more comfortable the interior, the better you choose that one only. Because during hiking, for example, you never know how long you will travel, and if it’s not comfortable, it’s a bad thing for your little friend.
Safety and Comfort for Your Dog
As discussed earlier, the safety and comfort of our dog should be your priority. Never buy a cheap bag the base that has simple jeans or other danier lining, making it vulnerable to tearing.
The dog backpack should be large enough to let him move sides and airy enough not to let him feel any suffocation or heat in the summer.
Preparing Your Dog for the Backpack
Animals are resistant to what is new or forceful to them. To make them obey something new, you have to lure them into it. The same is the case with making him used to staying in a backpack.
One way is to put the backpack near his bed and let him observe or even go inside. Then, slowly entice him to go inside it and come out.
Then, increase the above practice by enclosing him inside, wearing him on your shoulders, and walking a few steps into your house to see how he reacts. If he’s protesting, release him. But practice the same after a few hours.
Maintenance and Care
Don’t wash it in the machine. Read washing instructions and follow them. Usually, it has to be washed after a long period, like a year; otherwise, don’t start washing it as you do with your clothes.
Keep it clean with a cloth or towel soaked in warm water. Keep an eye on the base of the backpack after each use. The dog may pee if he has an urgency but couldn’t because you were constantly walking or riding the bike.
Practical Tips for Traveling with a Dog Backpack
A few practical tips are to keep the leash with you so that whenever he’s offloaded, he should be leashed immediately. But don’t let the leash tighten while he is inside the backpack, as the leash may wrap unwillingly around his neck, causing him to choke.
Keep the dog bowl or container either in the front pockets of the backpack or near you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Choosing The Perfect Dog Travel Backpack
There is a lot to choose from. A military-styled backpack where you can put your small dog as well is the best choice.
Your dog’s length, girth, and height are the decisive factors in deciding the right backpack. As a rule of thumb, the total weight of the backpack, including all other accessories and food, should be equal to or lesser than 25% of the dog’s weight.
Try to look for features like an auto-lock zipper, safety harness clip, and inner lining that is resistant to water and strain.
Yes, they are made to provide comfort and support to the carrier. However, it also depends upon the person’s strength.
First, while buying a backpack, you ensure it’s strong and has an auto-lock feature. Also, you keep checking him frequently to see if anything is okay. Complete silence or no motion is an indication that something is wrong, like suffocation or other things.
Some brands, like K9 Sports, make much bigger and stronger bags. But it too can hold a dog weighing up to 40 lbs. at maximum.
The quality straps are made of woven cotton, and the body is made from washed canvas.
Although it’s difficult to get them sued for this, you can try the following steps. Try to roam him around the backpack; don’t force him to go at the start. Entice him with some treats to go in, and once he’s in, give him a ride within your home. Practice this frequently, and he will be good to go.
Almost all the dog backpacks are made to provide sufficient airflow and have even a window as well. For long hikes, it’s better to take frequent breaks.
The first thing is to invest in a good-quality backpack. Always carry a leash and a handsome amount of water for him, and check him frequently.
The Bottom Line
The backpack comes in a wide range. It’s up to you to decide which one suits you better according to your dog’s size and the type of travel you’re going to make.
Which backpack is the best in your eyes? Are you using the best backpack? If you or anyone near you are using that, please share the experience with us in the comments section below.
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