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Whether you are taking a short walk, a long distance hike, or a full weekend adventure, this type of pet accessory can really facilitate your trip, making it more enjoyable for the both of you.
Many smaller breeds are known to have a lot of energy, to a point that it may seem that they never tire out.
They want to tag along with your wherever you go, but when it comes to going for a stroll outdoors, it can be frustrating when they don’t want to go very far, or can't walk the entire time.
Sometimes they will make it to the end of driveway, and then freeze up like a statue. When this happens you end up picking them up and carrying them the rest of the way.
As your dog ages, they will tend to slow down quite a bit. Even smaller dogs that grow older into their senior years can suffer from arthritis and joint pain, making the once fun walking process tougher and more painful for them.
Even if your four-legged friend is feeling ill, or recovering from surgery or a severe injury, this does not mean that they still do not enjoy going on walks or other excursions together.
Due to their ergonomic over the shoulder design, dog slings are great for freeing up your hands, when you do not want to use a leash, or when you need to perform other tasks.
This is convenient when you need to reach to grab something out of your pockets or another bag, items for your dog, make a phone call, etc.
Additionally, exploring the outdoors can be very dangerous for smaller dogs, as there are significant risks associated with their tiny build. They may think they are tough, but due to their weight and size, they can easily become prey and attacked by wild animals such as coyotes, or easily snatched up by large birds.
When on a leash, most dogs tend to dart off when they see another dog or other wildlife on your path. Having them “attached” to you will help keep them safe and secure, and if your dog is very timid, a sling can provide much needed assurance, making it much easier on the both of you.
The perfect dog sling will comfort them, keep them close, and protect them from any unpredictable events, while you both get some fresh air. In the case of an emergency, you also have quick and easy access to them at all times.
However, the market is full of different types and styles of dog slings. With this in mind, I set out to put together a list that helps address the issues you may face above, while also helping you better choose the right one for you and your dog’s needs.
I selected products with shoulder straps that are padded for better user comfort. This is especially important when using for long periods of time.
They are roomy and simple to use, with hands-free, ease of access to everything.
I also chose dog slings that are waterproof or machine washable.
Of course, they should also be breathable, with plenty of airflow so your pup can stay cool and comfortable too!
The following five products met most, if not all, of these criteria, have thousands of reviews, and strong consumer ratings of four stars or higher.
Gray Breathable Mesh Style Dog Sling Carrier for Small Dogs
The breathable materials are soft, but durable, allowing for proper airflow and comfort for your pet.
The wide padded shoulder strap is easily adjustable, and measures 38.6" to 46.5" long, great for fitting a wide range of wearers.
Additionally, there is a sturdy safety hook that connects to your dog's collar, to help prevent them from jumping out, ensuring their safety.
Lastly, there is also a portable pouch for conveniently storing items such as a snacks, poo bags, keys, and even your cell phone.
Reversible Black Dog Sling for Small Dogs with Big Zipper Pocket
It is made with thick, but very soft and breathable fabric materials, and is 100% machine washable.
It measures 23.6" x 10.5", with a suitable weight capacity of up to 10 lbs.
Additionally, it includes a metal safety clip that can be attached to your dog's collar, helping to secure them in place, and preventing them from accidentally falling out and getting injured. This clip can also be adjusted to your desired length.
Lastly, there is also a large zipper pocket for conveniently storing items such as your phone, keys, snacks, poo bags, etc.
Gray Soft Pouch Reversible Dog Sling for Small Dogs
The high quality cotton used is extremely plush and breathable, so you can be sure that it is skin-friendly and soft to the touch.
It measures 47 x 23 x 20 cm. or 18.5 x 9.05 x 7.87 in., and can adapt to a wide variety of different dog sizes by changing the position of the safety belt.
This included safety belt clip can be attached to your dog's collar to prevent your pet from falling out by accident.
Additionally, the fixed shoulder strap is padded for extra comfort when walking long distances, and is wide enough that it won't slip off.
When in use, the pouch rests on your opposite hip, shifting the weight to a comfortable position over your shoulder and back, minimizing any strain and discomfort.
Navy Blue Dog Sling for Small Dogs with Adjustable Buckle Strap
Able to to support weight up 10 lbs., it is made with a very soft cotton and chiffon fabric mix, for a breathable, more luxurious feel, that is also easy to carry.
The shoulder strap has a secure POM buckle, which is also the toughest plastic buckle for these types of carriers. Further, this design also allows for it to be fully adjustable for different user body types.
For added security, there is a metal safety hook on the shoulder strap that easily clips on to your dog's collar to prevent any unexpected jumps or falls while in use.
Lastly, its waterproof construction means it can be machine washed when it gets dirty or odorous.
Black Water Resistant Cotton Dog Sling for Small Dogs
Ideal for smaller pets weighing up to 13 lbs., it is designed with a light, well-ventilated cotton for extra comfort for your pet, that is also soft to the touch. For pets that are very small (less that 7lbs.), you could try adding a blanket on the bottom for better support.
The adjustable shoulder strap comes liberally padded with a thick sponge material, and can be easily customized based on your particular height per the simple buckle. This design helps alleviate any shoulder aches and pains when using for long periods of time.
Further, the shoulder strap is adjustable from 17.72" to 35.43", with a width of 3.15".
Additionally, there is a large zippered front pocket that lies on the outside of the shoulder strap to hold your personal belongings such as treats, poo bags, your wallet, cell phone, or keys.
The built-in metal safety hook clip easily attaches to your dog's collar for added protection, and is fully adjustable. This is to prevent your dog from leaping out unexpectedly while on a walk.
The durable construction and strong water-resistance also allows the carrier to be machine washed as needed.