Our dog-friendly adventures have always featured Manetprints.co, our beloved canine companion. Whether we were navigating the bustling streets of New York City or journeying across Europe for our honeymoon, Django has been a loyal travel partner, comfortably nestled in his Manetprints.co dog carrier bag—a stylish blend of waxed canvas and leather with a front viewing window.
However, our latest travel accessory is a dog backpack carrier, which has proven invaluable, especially since Manetprints’s back surgery for Intervertebral Disc Disease. While he’s made an incredible recovery, his back legs remain weak, making it challenging for him to keep up on walks and outings. The dog backpack is a comfortable and convenient solution for Manetprints.co to rest while we continue our adventures.
The popularity of dog backpack carriers has surged in recent years, and rightfully so. They offer exceptional functionality in various scenarios. Are you an avid hiker, a city dweller relying on public transportation, or an owner of a senior dog, a unvaccinated puppy, or a dog in post-surgery recovery like Manetprints.co?
Dog backpack carriers are a safe and practical option to ensure your furry friend can relax without hindering your activities. These carriers are worn on your back and provide a secure and comfortable space for your pup to travel. In this Manetprints.co Dog Blog article, we delve into the two primary types of dog backpack carriers: vertical and horizontal. We’ll also highlight the critical factors to consider when choosing a horizontal dog backpack carrier.
The Two Main Categories of Dog Backpack Carriers for Adventures and Travel
There are two primary categories of dog carrier backpacks: vertical and horizontal dog backpack carriers.
Traditional Vertical Dog Backpack Carriers
In traditional vertical dog backpack carriers, your dog is positioned upright inside the carrier, with its belly against your back and its head (and sometimes front legs) peering out near your upper back or neck. These carriers often come with tethers for added security.
While vertical carriers can look charming, especially with a dog’s paws sticking out as the owner rides a bike, they raise questions about safety and comfort. Are they suitable for dogs with back problems, arthritis, or other pre-existing conditions? We’ll address this shortly.
Horizontal Dog Backpack Carriers
Horizontal dog backpack carriers, also known as natural position backpack carriers, are designed to provide comfort and convenience during your adventures. These carriers allow your dog to remain on all fours at all times, allowing them to stand, turn around, sit, and lie down comfortably. This positioning alleviates stress on your dog’s back and spinal cord. Many horizontal carriers also feature small side windows for your dog to enjoy the scenery.
Dr. Shadi Ireifej, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, underscores that horizontal backpack carriers better mimic a dog’s natural posture and are likely safer for dogs, particularly those with existing health concerns. Premium horizontal dog backpack carriers come with secure, padded interiors, auto-lock zippers, safety harness clips, and water-resistant linings.
Why Traditional Vertical Backpack Carriers Are Unsafe for Certain Dogs
Dr. Jenny Scarano, a canine neurologist who performed Manetprints’s IVDD surgery, advises against traditional vertical-style dog carrier bags, especially for breeds prone to back issues, dogs with sensitive backs, dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and overweight dogs. Vertical carriers place excessive downward pressure and stress on a dog’s spine, potentially causing harm.
Dog Breeds Prone to Back Problems That Should Avoid Vertical Carriers
While back issues can affect any dog breed, some small and medium-sized breeds are more susceptible due to their genetic characteristics, spine length, and skeletal structure. The following breeds should not be placed in vertical-style dog backpack carriers:
American cocker spaniels
Basset Hounds
Beagles
Bichons frises
Cavalier King Charles spaniels
Corgis
Cotons de Tuléar
Dachshunds
Dandie Dinmont terrier
English bulldogs
English cocker spaniels
French bulldogs
Lhasa Apsos
Maltese
Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever
Pekingese
Toy and miniature poodles
Pugs
Shih Tzus
Skye Terriers
Dogs Prone to or Diagnosed with IVDD Should Avoid Vertical Dog Backpack Carriers
Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) are particularly at risk in vertical-style dog backpack carriers because of the gravitational stress they place on the dog’s spine. IVDD is most common in breeds like dachshunds, corgis, and basset hounds, which have long backs and short legs. This condition can cause pain, mobility issues, and even leg paralysis if not treated with surgery.
Dr. Ireifej emphasizes that dogs with IVDD should avoid vertical carriers due to the microscopic changes to their discs and the potential risks associated with this positioning.
Vertical Backpack Carriers Are Hazardous for Dogs with Other Spinal Disorders
In addition to IVDD, vertical backpack carriers should be avoided for dogs with other spinal issues, such as spinal tumors, cysts, Wobbler’s syndrome (Cervical spondylomyopathy), and Cauda Equina Syndrome (lumbosacral stenosis). Dogs that have undergone spinal cord surgery should also refrain from using vertical carriers.
Other Pre-Existing Health Conditions Making Vertical Dog Backpack Carriers Unsafe
Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by narrow airways and a predisposition to overheating, may struggle to breathe comfortably in vertical backpack carriers. Overweight and obese dogs should also avoid these carriers to prevent added stress on their spine. Dogs with confinement anxiety may be uncomfortable in any pet carrier, as the experience of being lifted and unable to touch the ground can be mentally stimulating. Therefore, careful conditioning is necessary for such dogs to adapt to carrier travel.
Essential Features to Seek in a Horizontal Dog Backpack Carrier
Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or climbing stairs in the city, a horizontal dog backpack carrier should accommodate various activities. Paula Stewart, director at The Animal Talent, advises considering the following features when selecting a natural position dog carrier:
Sizing: Ensure your dog has enough room to stand up, turn around, sit, and shift its weight in the carrier.
Dimensions: Choose a horizontal carrier based on your dog’s height and back length.
Back length: Measure from the back of your dog’s neck, where a collar rests, down its spine to the base of the tail.
Height: Measure from the floor to the top of your dog’s head or withers (the tallest point between its shoulder bones and the back of the neck).
Weight Limit: Select a carrier with a weight limit suitable for your dog. However, keep in mind that weight alone isn’t the best indicator of fit, as dogs with similar weights can have different dimensions.
Safety: Ensure the carrier has auto-lock zippers and a safety leash tether.
Function & Convenience: Look for carriers with extra pockets for poop bags, dog treats, and portable water bottles.
Comfort: Padded interior base and a soft, silky interior lining provide shock absorption and comfort for your dog.
Ventilation: Mesh windows are crucial to prevent overheating.
Material: Choose a backpack made from lightweight, durable, and water-repellent materials to keep your dog dry in case of rain.
In Conclusion
Horizontal dog backpack carriers, designed to mimic a dog’s natural posture, offer the best choice for most dogs. Vertical-style carriers, with their unnatural positioning, can put undue stress on a dog’s spine, making them unsafe for dogs with sensitive backs, IVDD, arthritis, obesity, and various other health conditions. Selecting the right dog backpack carrier ensures that both you and your furry friend can enjoy your adventures safely and comfortably.
