Is It Good To Carry Your Dog In A Bag?

Although it can be an advantage for small dogs depending on the occasion, it may cause allergy problems; likewise, a period of adaptation is necessary

When we want to enjoy the holidays with our pets, or simply take them for a walk, we must choose the best way to transport them.

The carriers are usually very resistant, but they can be heavy and impractical when we talk about small and light dogs. In these cases, carrying the dog  in a bag may be more comfortable, but is it a safe option?

Is it safe to carry your dog in a bag?

It depends. If we comply with the transport requirements, respect the weight and size limits and prefer a good quality bag, it is perfectly safe to carry your dog in a bag. And on the contrary, if we are negligent with our decisions, we put the well-being of our pet and ours at risk.

Therefore, before transporting your dog, it is essential to ensure that the bag is suitable for transporting dogs, supports its weight and allows it to move and breathe comfortably. In pet stores and in some veterinary clinics there are various models made especially for our furry dogs.

Advantages and disadvantages of transporting your dog in a bag

We know that it is very fashionable on the streets of big cities to carry small dogs in bags. But before we get carried away by any idiom, it is essential to know if what we find beautiful is also comfortable for our colleagues. Therefore, today we tell you some advantages and disadvantages of carrying your animal in a bag.

Advantages of transporting your dog in a bag

Dog-friendly bags are often an option to protect our canines during the winter. They act as a coat, preventing our pet from being exposed to the elements during their walks. Something very beneficial, especially for the breeds most vulnerable to the cold, such as the Chihuahua, the Yorkshire or the Pinsher.

In addition, the bags can facilitate the entry of a pet to public environments, such as stores or shopping centers, where they could not walk. Let our furry friends join us and enjoy various daily activities with us.

Disadvantages of carrying your dog in a bag

Regarding the disadvantages, we must be very attentive to possible allergies in our dogs. Some animals are so sensitive that they can develop allergic reactions or skin irritations just with the contact of certain fabrics or seams. If your dog has never performed an allergy test , we recommend consulting your trusted veterinarian.

We must also be very clear that carrying our dog in a bag does not replace daily walks. Pets need to practice physical exercises on a regular basis to maintain their good health, fight overweight and associated diseases.

In addition, physical activity allows you to expend energy and release tension, avoiding the appearance of symptoms related to stress and boredom. A good option to avoid sedentary lifestyle is to use the bag only in some sections of the walk, alternating with the walks.

Basic tips to adapt your dog to his new bag

Before traveling or walking with our dog in a bag or carrier, it is essential to adapt them to this new environment. Dogs, just like us, stick to a routine to ensure their safety and well-being.

1. Respect their adaptation time

• Forcing a frightened animal to do something against its will can be truly dangerous.
• Our pet can adopt a self-defensive posture when feeling threatened or insecure, and react through aggressive behaviors. In addition, we expose our partner to situations of high stress and favor the appearance of negative symptoms to their health.
• We must remember that adaptation is a process and each individual experiences it in a unique way. To accustom your furry to his new bag or carrier, it is essential to be patient and respect his own time of recognition and adaptation. To help you, we can stimulate your curiosity and reward your positive attitudes.

1. ‘Present’ the bag to your dog

Before walking your dog in a bag, it is essential to ‘introduce’ this new element to him in his daily life. To begin, we must leave the bag within reach and always keep it open. It is also important to encourage him to explore the inside of the bag. How? Leave a sandwich or a toy right in the middle of the bag.

When we perceive that the dog is calm inside the bag, we can begin to take it to the street, and thus progressively increase the duration of its walks.