Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Durango Animal Hospital

2461 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301 US

970-247-3174

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Canine Rehabilitation
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Behavior & Training >
  • Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Behavior & Training
Dog Backpack

Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

Have you noticed more and more dogs wearing backpacks lately? More than just a fashion statement, backpacks offer the perfect place to stow water for a long walk and give working breeds a sense of purpose. Although backpacks can be a good choice for your pet, it's important to consider your dog's size, temperament, and health before buying a backpack.

Is a Backpack Right for My Dog?

Active dogs bred for a specific purpose, such as herding or sledding, are particularly well-suited to wearing backpacks, although other types of dogs can also benefit. Herding, sledding, and sports breeds generally have sturdier frames and stronger shoulders, which makes it easy to wear filled packs. Working breeds are happiest when they're busy, and although donning a backpack may not seem like much work, it can help fulfill your pet's task-oriented needs.

Backpacks aren't just for working breeds. In fact, any dog may enjoy wearing a backpack during hikes, walks around the neighborhood, or visits to the local dog park.

Some dogs don't like anything on their backs and may never adjust to the sensation, no matter how slowly you introduce the backpack. If that's the case, there's no point forcing your dog to wear something he or she hates.

It's also important to consider your dog's health. If he or she has arthritis, hip dysplasia or another joint condition, a heart condition, breathing issue or other health problem, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before using a backpack. Adding extra weight to your dog's back may worsen or cause health problems in some cases.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Backpack?

When you're shopping for a backpack, think about:

  • Size and Comfort. Backpacks should fit comfortably. Although your dog's weight plays a role in the size you choose, it's also important to measure the circumference of his or her chest to determine the best size. Look for backpacks that feature padded straps for maximum comfort. Check the fit regularly and choose a larger bag if you can't fit a finger or two under the straps easily.
  • Fabric Type. Breathable, waterproof fabrics are best. Your dog won't want to wear the pack if it causes sweating.
  • Age of Your Dog. Backpacks may not be a good idea for puppies or older dogs. Ask your dog's veterinarian for guidance if you have a younger or older dog.
  • Weight. Thanks to that new backpack, your dog can carry water bottles, collapsible dishes, food, and poop collection bags during your hikes. Make sure you don't add too much weight to the bag, as excess weight can cause joint issues, spine curvature, sprained muscles, breathing difficulties, or loss of balance. Cesar's Way suggests filling the pack with items that weigh no more than 10 to 12 percent of your pet's body weight.

How Can I Convince My Dog to Wear a Backpack?

Some dogs instantly adjust to wearing a backpack, while others may need a little encouragement. Start by placing the pack over your dog's back without fastening the straps. Let him or her walk around with the unfastened pack several times before you fasten it. A few treats may make wearing the backpack a more positive experience.

Once your dog has gotten used to taking walks with the backpack fastened, add a lightweight item, such as ball, small toy, or water bottle. Gradually increase the weight to avoid straining or overloading your dog's muscles and joints. Walks should be kept short until your dog adjusts to wearing a fully loaded backpack.

Health is an important consideration when choosing a backpack for your pet. If you're not sure if a backpack is a good choice for your pet, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Cesar’s Way: Dog Backpacks Do’s and Don’ts

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/training-tools/dog-backpack-dos-and-donts

Mother Nature Network: How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Backpack, 11/6/14

https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/how-to-train-your-dog-to-wear-a-backpack

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Prescription Refill Request

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More
  • 8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring

    Do you know why your dog snores? ...

    Read More
  • Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

    Service dogs help thousands of disabled Americans become more independent. The first service dogs guided visually impaired people, but today, the dogs assist people who have a variety of disabilities, ranging from hearing loss to seizures to cerebral palsy. Before a dog can become a service animal, it ...

    Read More
  • How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet

    Does your pet dislike visiting the vet? These tips may make visits less stressful. ...

    Read More
  • Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

    Thinking about buying a backpack for your dog? Consider these factors before you visit the pet store. ...

    Read More

Contact Us

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map