When you want to take your pint-sized pup with you everywhere you go, a dog carrier sling is your perfect solution. Slings are a convenient way to keep your pup close, and they even help keep pets safe from harm. There are several situations where using a sling is beneficial to both dogs and their people. Pretty soon, your sling will be your favorite pet accessory. If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the experience, you need to know how to use it properly.
Best Ways to Use a Dog Carrier Sling
For Dogs That are Ill or Injured
When your dog is feeling under the weather or recovering from an injury, a sling keeps them close to you and comforts them. Whether they’re working on gaining back their strength or need to be kept from moving too much, they don’t have to be confined to a crate or single room. And best of all, you can keep a constant eye on them while still being able to move around. You can watch over them while you go about your business, and your dog will appreciate not being confined to a single area, away from you.
For Senior Dogs
As your dog ages, they start to slow down. Some seniors suffer from joint pain and other medical conditions that make walking painful and sometimes impossible. But that doesn’t mean their love for going on walks and other adventures completely goes away. With a dog carrier sling, you and your dog can keep going on daily walks without worrying about your dog getting tired or sore. The sling allows you to easily take him with you, and you’ll still have use of your hands. This is especially beneficial if you have multiple dogs and need your hands to hold leashes or keep children safely on the sidewalk.
For Dogs with Disabilities
A disability should never diminish a dog’s quality of life. If you have a dog that is blind, deaf, paralyzed, or tires easily due to walking with only three legs, a sling is a way to help your pup explore the world. Taking a dog with a disability to new or public places can be difficult, and many owners feel the only option is to leave the dog at home. But with a sling, the door is open to give your dog life experiences he or she might otherwise miss out on.
To Protect Small Dogs from Wildlife
Small dogs enjoy exploring the outdoors as much as their large breed counterparts, but there are also significant risks in taking small dogs into the wilderness. And in some cases, even your backyard can be a dangerous place for a small dog to be. Because of their size and weight, little dogs are often victims of wild animal attacks. They’re easily carried away by large birds of prey like eagles and hawks, and coyotes are more likely to attack a small dog than a more intimidating large dog. A dog carrier sling allows you to keep your precious small dog safe from those unpredictable risks.
How to Safely Use Your Sling
Before you tuck your dog into your new sling, it’s important to make sure they’re as safe as possible. Using a dog carrier sling is easy once you know the do’s and don’ts. Here are a few tips to make sure your dog is always safe while you’re toting them around.
Always read the product instructions.
Every dog carrier sling should come with detailed instructions on how to properly wear the sling around your body and how to safely place your dog inside. It might seem self-explanatory, but not every sling is the same.
Make sure your dog can breathe.
Depending on how your dog is positioned in the sling, the fabric could potentially squeeze them in ways that restricts their airflow. Make sure the sling isn’t too tight around your dog’s chest or neck, and if they prefer to snuggle deep inside, always keep an opening for airflow.
Arrange them in the most comfortable way.
If your dog isn’t comfortable in the sling, you run the risk of them moving too much or trying to jump out. Before you start moving around, let your dog wiggle a little to find a position where they’re the most comfortable.
Don’t let them get too hot.
Being cocooned against your body in a swath of fabric can get hot if the temperature is high enough. If you’re walking outside in the summer, make sure there’s plenty of airflow in the sling and keep walks short if you think your dog might overheat.
Never forget about bathroom breaks.
This tip is for your benefit as much as your dog’s. Your dog won’t be able to tell you when they need to go, and they can’t get out on their own when nature calls. Keep your dog’s bathroom schedule in mind, and give them plenty of opportunities on the ground to do their business.
The most important step when it comes to carrying your dog in a sling is finding a quality product that both you and your dog love. The Calming Aromatherapy Dog Carrier Sling from iHeartdogs is safe and stylish. The slings come in several patterns, are completely reversible, and are available in different sizes to fit the wearer’s size (not the dog size). The sewn-in pocket and accompanying aromatherapy felt heart allow essential oil lovers to keep their dogs extra relaxed with their favorite essential oils. And don’t forget your iHeartdogs purchase will provide healthy meals for shelter dogs!
