Recently it has become very popular to lead a healthy lifestyle and engage in various sports, which is good news. Fans of bike rides know firsthand how this eco-friendly transport helps to improve health, develop endurance and maintain excellent physical shape. However, many dog owners are upset that they cannot bring a pet with them.
To solve this problem, special devices were invented for transporting dogs - bicycle baskets and bicycle bags.
What it is?
A bicycle basket for dogs is a specially designed removable container that is mounted on the handlebars or trunk of a bicycle and used to transport pets. A bicycle bag is a similar device that differs only in the material of manufacture. Some mistakenly believe that you can transport dogs in a regular bicycle basket. This is fundamentally the wrong belief. The fact is that a simple basket is used to transport inanimate objects for which convenience and comfort do not play any role.
The situation is different with living beings. In particular, dogs can injure tender paw pads on the mesh bottom of the basket. Even if it is lined with soft rags, comfort still cannot be achieved. Another point is the lack of a cover for an ordinary bike basket. A pet during riding can be frightened of something, or just get upset and fall out. Bicycle baskets and bicycle bags for transporting dogs exclude this possibility.
Features bike baskets and bike bags
So, let's take a closer look at the two existing varieties of bicycle transport containers for dogs.
Bike basket
This device is a basket made of different materials (plastic, wooden rods) with a pillow inside. There is always a wire mesh on top to ensure the safety of the dog. In some models, inside there is a special carabiner for fixing the animal by fastening it to the collar or harness. Weight of a dog for transportation in a bike basket should not exceed 8 kg. Very rarely you can find devices that can withstand a 12-pound pet.
The basket is attached to the handlebars of the bicycle (less often - to the trunk) using special metal mounts and belts.
Bike bag
The principle of manufacture and mounting of this device is similar to the previous one, however, a bicycle bag has its own characteristics. It is made of special wear-resistant synthetic fabric. It can be easily removed and washed. On the sides of the bag there are special pockets sewn where you can put a treat for the dog, a bottle of water, a leash, first-aid equipment, etc. The bike bag easily turns into a simple shoulder bag, if, for example, you go by bike to a veterinarian or groomer, and you need to bring the animal into the room.
Large dog breeds weighing more than 12 kilograms cannot be transported in a bike basket or bicycle bag. Other devices are intended for them: for walks - a bicycle springer, for transportation - a cycle trailer.
How to choose?
If you have difficulty choosing a device for cycling with a dog, Pay attention to the following characteristics of the devices and decide what will be optimal for your pet.
- Cart / Bag Options. If she is too small or large for the dog, she will not be comfortable inside. The choice of size depends entirely on the size of your animal. If it is a small one or York, you can choose a small bag or basket; if it is a heavier and larger Pekingese, pug or jack Russell, the dimensions of the tank will be different. Ideally, when choosing a product, the pet should be present so that you can put him in the chosen transportation and try on it.
- The maximum permitted weight of the animal. Be sure to ask the seller what weight this or that basket / bag is designed for, after weighing your pet and “throwing a pound over”.
- Ensuring transportation safety. All metal mounts, straps, carabiner must be in perfect condition. Feel free to check them out at the store. Another advantage in favor of choosing a product will be the presence of reflective strips on it.
- Dog comfort. Make sure that there is not a single item inside the basket / bag that could injure your pet. A soft pillow should be included in the kit so that the dog can lie on it calmly. Some models are also equipped with waterproof rain coverings. Fresh air should flow into the basket / bag unhindered.
- Versatility and extra pockets. If, in addition to cycling, you often take the animal on car trips, you will be interested to know that there are transformer models that can be converted from a bike bag to a car seat. Side pockets - something that is difficult to do on the go. There you can store toys, small bowls (if suddenly the road is long, and your dog is hungry or thirsty), dry food and treats, a first aid kit and other necessary things.
- Mounting system. It is advisable that the bike basket / bike bag be equipped with several types of mounts: metal clips and nylon or leather straps.
- The material of manufacture. A very important factor.First of all, you should think about the convenience of finding the animal in a particular device, and then about how you will clean this device. An excellent universal material is microfiber, which is easy to wash. In addition, it is a soft and breathable fabric in which your dog will be comfortable.
An overview of one of the models is given below.
