Lucillle

I have a tricycle, and Duchess the chihuahua rides in the front basket. Neither of us wear helmets, riding 6mph on flat pavement there is little chance that the trike will tip over. However, when I ride my bicycles I do wear a helmet and Duchess stays home. There are actual dog helmets sold on Ebay but I have never seen a review. Chihuahuas are pretty tough and hard headed, but I don't want her to be hurt in an accident. Those of you who take your dog along on bicycle rides, how do you protect them?

Maelochs

I'd look at the design of a behind-the-saddle child carrier for tips on what to build.

If you crash going ten or fifteen mph, the dog is going to hit the ground hard, even in a basket or bag---unless the dog goes flying. I cannot understand how people trust infants to child-carriers, but if you think ti is worth the risk, you'd need to design something similar for your dog---and then convince the dog to ride in it.

If the dog has freedom to move, the dog will bounce around inside like a brain in a skull---the brain gets a concussion, the dog, who knows? If the dog is strapped in a padded container, .... well will the dog tolerate that?

I think most people riding with dogs (or toddlers) simply assume they won't crash or get hit. And usually, they won't.

indyfabz

This thread is screaming for pictures.

Dirt Farmer

Livedarklions sock puppet?

livedarklions

Obviously, I set up a sock puppet in 2011, 7 years before my join date so I could start a thread about dog helmets in 2019.

325 post history took years of work, surprised anyone saw through it.

Your detective work is amazing, Columbo.

Kedosto

Definitely.

Duchess? Basket? Tricycle?

Must. Have. Pics.


-Kedosto

livedarklions

Every once in a while, I'll be behind someone with a Burley baby trailer on a MUP who pulls over, opens the trailer, and out pops a dog. Cracks me up every time for some reason.

I'm pretty sure the best helmet for a chihuahua is a thimble.

bakerjw

Okay... I did a google search for dog bicycle helmets. The images are really funny.

indyfabz

I found the solution:


https://www.amazon.com/Adarl-Cute-He...QCMVEE0C32P9AD

livedarklions

Update--Trek has just started an ad campaign where all they reveal is that they're about to revolutionize canine cycling.

livedarklions

Judging by the eyes, I think that helmet is on too tight.

MikeyMK

I refused point-blank to strap my kid to the bike. But she was old enough to be taught that she needs to jump off if the case need be.



When she was too young to jump, she went in a trailer. This is probably the best bet for a dog. That said, any dog will probably do a better job of leaping off than any child...

Maelochs

So ... you have no issue with a four-year-old leaping onto pavement, in traffic, while traveling 15 mph? After all, what could possibly go wrong?

I'd be a little scared to put my kids in a trailer as well ... I have seen cars drive into each other at sop lights .... In fact, I refuse to pull up directly behind a car at a light, because I know some numb-nuts will be focusing on his/her phone with half an eye on the car ahead, never noticing the guy anon a bike in between.

But ... not my kids, not my chihuahua. Y'all have a ball.

UniChris

Later that day Sally taught herself to ride her own bike

Funcyclist

I just wanted to mention it. Dogs can get concussions like us. Sure they are hard headed but still anything fall or crash can hurt anything not matter what animal. There also equally prone to fractures like us as well.
.( Lol weirdly this reminds me off a scenario at my college where we had to pretend dealing with a dog (stuffed large dog as scenario) in a road traffic acciden)
(This are only a couple of times)
I personally always wear a helmet and would get one for my dog if I had a dog.

I’ve had experience where I haven’t got hurt luckily by my equipment for example:
1. When I was 10. I was cycling was going down hill, my brakes don’t work for some reason I ended up hitting a rock and going over handlebars. Luckily my brother managed to go around me at last moment. However all i got was a couple of grazes which are now scares on my knee (which has pretty much faded as I’m 20) and on my face above by lip which is noticeable but has also faded a lot. I did slightly chip my tooth which the dentist had to fix. However I was fine otherwise and my helmet had a slight crack in it.
2.. I was going downhill for some reason my brake was too loose so didn’t work in time and I ended up skidding into the bush, falling off to the point my helmet visor broke off and got stuck in my spokes, handlebars twisted and a cut lip. This caused my helmets strapes to get frayed and broken

Bluesfrog

Helmets are good. Be Well. Bluesfrog

bruce19

I have no idea about trailer or helmets for dogs or Chihuahuas for that matter. But, I was an MSF (Motorcyclist Safety Foundation) instructor and I can tell you that falling off anything (regardless of speed) and hitting your head can cause serious injury and death. Not suggesting that everyone should put on a helmet as they walk out of their house but things like riding a bike are more safely done with a helmet.

JonathanGennick 

Today I learned that dog helmets are a thing. Very cool.

There are actually some reviews if one searches on "motorycycle dog helmets". Here are a couple of articles I ran across that look interesting:

https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/dog-motorcycle-helmet/

https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-dog-mo...s-and-goggles/

That second article makes mention that chihuahuas sometimes have "moleras", which are small gaps in their skulls. (I hadn't known that either).

All very interesting.

Learned a few things.

kayakindude

Been riding with our dog via trailer, primarily on bike paths for about 10 years, without incident...unless you count the two times I took corners too fast and rolled the trailer. Both dog and trailer were fine. Kids in a trailer the 15 years before that. Nobody died or got concussed. Nothing and nobody in a trailer had helmets on.

This trailer is specifically for dogs. We have a beach house down south where the kids trailer is used for the dog, sans seats. That trailer has serious history and has been in use since 1996.

MikeyMK

Sorry, i forget you ride on roads. Do not take children or dogs with you. At all.