Doggie Backpacks, Are they Safe?

Doggie backpacks have been recommended by some members of the canine community as a safe way to increase a dog’s exercise. I humbly disagree with the generality of that belief. I do believe that increasing the intensity of a dog’s walk by slightly increasing the amount of weight a dog carries while walking does result in an increase in heart rate and in-turn burns more calories; however, the method in which the dog carries the weight is the most important variable to consider. We have learned through our children’s experience with inferior backpacks that improperly distributing the weight can cause unnecessary damage to the shoulders, neck, and spine. This same scenario is affecting our dogs with the gaining popularity of doggie backpacks. A doggie backpack is designed to allow the weight to rest on the spine creating unnatural spinal compression.
Downard Spinal Compression
Downward Pressure on Shoulders and Neck

There also seems to be no recommendations to what amount of weight is considered safe for a dog to carry. The TrimDog research department conducted a clinical trial to determine the increase in heart rate caused by having a moderately active dog carry a load equal to 2% of their bodyweight. The study found that the heart rate increased between 10-15% while walking at a slow/moderate pace. To put that into perspective, 2% of a 100 lb dog is 2 lbs. Some are suggesting a dog should carry a load of as a much as 10 pounds. Would you ever consider having your child carry unnecessary weight that could cause damage to their health? Then why would you do the same for your dog?

If your goal is to safely increase the intensity of your dog’s walk, why not consider an ergonomically tested, safer alternative. The TrimDog exercise belt is designed as a compression bandage to equally distribute the weight around the lower ribcage. This allows for no unnecessary jarring and prevents the weights from sliding side to side causing unnecessary stress to the spine. The amount of weight used in each belt is the minimal amount needed to successfully elevate the heart rate while walking to burn more calories.

(The "TrimDog Exercise Belt" demonstrating equal compression throughout the rib cage to safely distribute the weight)

Next time you are considering adding a doggie backpack to your dog for additional exercise, think again. You may be doing more harm than good.

Ike Kinlaw
Exercise Physiologist, BS
Inventor of the TrimDog Exercise Belt