If you are
planning to take your dog out of the home on trips or even overseas travel you
will need to invest in a suitable carrier. This is inevitable as at some point
or the other a need will arise to take the pet out of the house.
There are many
style and types of carriers available and it can be a bit confusing for a pet
owner decide, which
dog carrier is best suited to his pet. A few practical tips that might come
in handy in deciding the best pet carrier for your pooch are as follows:
Get the
correct measurements of your pet
Before you
actually invest in a carrier you first must determine the exact width, height,
length and weight of your pet. For the height you could measure from the nape
of the neck to the ground, and for length from the tip of the nose to the base
of the tail. Make a note of the measurements as it will later come in handy
when selecting the right size pet carrier.
Selecting a
pet carrier
The first thing
to bear in mind, when opting for a carrier is its weight limit and dimensions.
This will ensure that the pet is snug and comfortable within. The right carrier
will offer adequate space for the dog to stand up, turn and lie down
comfortably.
A few tips to
get the right size
When
opting for a carrier consider dimensions first and its weight second. Even if
the pet is below the weight limit it does not mean he will fit in comfortably.
For those pets that have extra girth around their body you need to
take the width of the carrier into consideration also.
For pets that are in between sizes, choose a size up.
When choosing a carrier for a puppy, select one appropriate for the
present size. When he begins to grow you could select a larger adult sized
carrier on maturity.
Soft-sided carriers
These are
lighter to carry and mostly come with shoulder straps that make it convenient
to carry. These are snug and comfortable for the dog and are best suited to
small breeds like small, toy or medium size pets. However, if your dog gets
hyper in a carrier and begins to claw or bite the material, avoid going in for
a soft-sided carrier. When selecting a soft-side carrier g in for one that has
a disposable liner option and can be machine washed. If you are flying with your pet you need to
check with the airline authorities if they will allow the carrier aboard.
Hard-sided carriers
They come in a
variety of sizes that will accommodate dogs of all sizes. They are sturdy in
build, convenient to clean and ideal of medium, large and extra-large dogs.
They also are well suited to hyperactive pets and those that frequently have
accidents in their carrier. It could be used to housebreak a puppy at home and
for a nap by your dog at home.
To ensure it is comfortable opt for a soft cloth
or blanket or pads/carrier liner. Always check with the airline authorities
before your trip if It will allowed on board the aircraft.