Dog backpacks

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

So the weather is warm right now and I'm itching to get out hiking. Our kids are getting bigger which means longer hikes too, yay! I've seen some dog backpacks and was wondering about their usefulness, especially with a small breed. The size that fits Tuk-tuk won't hold any water, but could hold his own food/water bowls and possibly some food/treats. We often creek hike so I also have chaffing concerns since he doens't have a thick undercoat for protection from wet straps. In short, do any of you use a backpack, or have tried it, and how's it working for you? Or not worked.

[Nikki]

i bought mine at moochies and co size xs it wont hold a reg water bottle but you might be able to fit min water bottles

it works fine for us...scotty will chase his ball wearing it

[caseyk]

We use a backpack with our Shea. We had him chasing a laser up and down the stairs with it on during the last snow storm. We only put small things in there though like C batteries or our car keys. He doesn't mind it one bit, and the extra weight really tuckers him out.

[sheila and Misty]

I love it soo cute -no I dont but if I took long walks or hikes I would.

[mattoleriver]

For the small amount that a Cairn could pack I'd be far too concerned with possible skeletal damage to risk it.

George

[Greg P]

I am with George on this one. Large,heavy bodied dogs can pack. While strong and sturdy, Cairns are still small dogs. Carrying even an extra 1-2 pounds could put unnecessary risk on the pasterns, hips and knees. After going through one a facing another knee surgery, I have become somewhat conservative.

Along with these thoughts, we constantly monitor the weight on the Cairns to keep them lean and athletic.

[Nikki]

we started off putting about 5% of scotty weight into the backpack once he got adjusted to the extra weight we gradually increased the weight but you shouldn't go beyond 15-20% of their weight

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

I was thinking of him carrying his food/treats and his portable bowls not much weight. But after I saw the price tag began to wonder if it was worth it, the cheapest one I've found is $20! I've been looking since I posted and now I'm rethinking the backpack thing. For that much I can get a nicer backpack for me to carry.

Scotty's pic's are too cute!