As dog owners, our pet’s happiness is our topmost priority – we’d do anything to make them as comfortable as possible. One of the easiest ways to make living easier for your dog is getting a dog stroller to facilitate mobility, especially when your dog is convalescent, weak, or just little to walk.
As much as we want the best for our dogs, strollers these days are quite pricy, and we need to get on either way. You don’t have to worry; we at CanineFinds have just the perfect alternative. We will teach you how to make a dog stroller, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on purchasing one.
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Materials needed
Making a dog stroller from scratch is an expert’s job, most likely an industry job. The easiest and inexpensive way for dog owners with the enthusiasm of a DIYer to make a stroller for their dogs is by using a baby stroller.
Here are a couple of either item you’d be needing to make an efficient dog stroller;
- Needle and thread or staple gun
- Soft foam or cushion
- Mesh wires
- Measuring tape
- Leash
- Hooks
- Scissors
- Pieces of fabric
Now to the construction process!
Brace yourself; you’re about to create a masterpiece for your canine friend. A dog stroller that’ll make it super comfortable and for life.
Without further ado, here are a couple of steps to take;
Step 1: Get rid of unwanted components.
Remember, you’re making a dog stroller out of an old baby stroller. While the baby stroller has a few components to retain, you’d still have to get rid of a couple. You’d have to remove the straps that come in between the baby’s legs.
Step 2: Check the recliner
For this step, you’d need to put the size of your dog into consideration. You need to check if the seat can be reclined to the back isn’t necessary when constructing for small dogs – this just means more space for it. However, if your dog is big, unscrew your recliner’s nuts and put the seat in a flat position.
You might need to get another old baby stroller if the seat cannot be reclined; it is almost impossible to make a pet stroller out of it.
Step 3: Take accurate measurements
The length and breadth of the front part of the stroller should be measured – this is where the baby’s legs are positioned initially. You’d also need to cover the holes there to keep your dog’s tail or paws from getting stuck.
Step 4: Fit the cushion
Fitting in a cushion is necessary for providing extra comfort for your dog. The soft foam or cushion would be used to cover the holes created for the baby’s girl. Cut the cushion in the right size and used it to fill the holes up. Your dog needs all the comfort you can provide.
Step 5: Stitch the fabric to cushion or foam
Cut enough fabric that’ll cover the cushion properly. It is advisable to add 6 inches on all sides to make sure the cushion e is wrapped correctly. Then stitch with your needle and thread. Ensure that the fabric is easy to wash; you’d be cleaning it a lot after every stroll or visit to the vet.
Step 6: Measure the length of the dog leash and secure it!
Measuring the leash is necessary for providing security and comfort for your dog. You want it to be able to move freely and not feel like a prisoner. Take your measurement from the back of the stroller, and give enough room as per your dog’s size. However, it shouldn’t be long enough to allow your dog to escape.
Properly secure the leash to the stroller by sewing it to the harness of the stroller’s frame, and attach it to its collar every time you need to take a stroll.
Step 7: Attach mesh wire
Adopt the same measurement used in step 6 to cut your mesh wires. Carefully attach the mesh wires to the baby stroller’s hood or safety bar, and secure with hooks or quality adhesive, whichever you can get. Also, stretch the mesh to the bottom of the stroller and staple. Having a mesh cover gives your dog the sense of security it needs to trust settling in its stroller.
Safety Precautions
Making a dog stroller out of a baby stroller isn’t as safe as it seems. Knowing how to make a dog stroller, you’d need to heed a few precautions, so you don’t hurt yourself. Though few, they remain relevant. Here they are;
- Always use a thimble
When using a needle and thread to stitch certain components together, wearing a thimble is the safest way to avoid pricking your fingers.
- Inspect stroller
You’ll most likely be using an old baby stroller to create a stroller for your dog. You must inspect the handle, tires, and other parts of the old baby stroller, to ensure that it is a good condition, good enough to accommodate your dog conveniently.
- Train your dog to use the stroller
There is a high probability that your dog is scared of its newly constructed mobility device. Getting it to dive right into this stroller is quite the task, but it’s worth it, as you wouldn’t want to upset or traumatize your dog. So, have it see the stroller more often than before, and get to demonstrate the function of this stroller by placing a doll or other objects in it. As time goes by, your dog would want to go on a ride too.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, quick and easy steps to understanding how to make a dog stroller!
Building a royal carriage for your favorite buddy not only gives you a feeling of satisfaction but also makes your dog feel cared for. You also get to show other dog owners how skillful you can get when the need arises.
You can also get creative when making a dog stroller. Add glitters, stickers, a water pouch, and other compartments that’ll keep your dog drawn to its stroller and make it feel like royalty.
I wish you all the best with this project!
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