🐾 Dog Stroller Buyer’s Guide: Tires, Maintenance + Second‑Hand Tips

1. Know Your Terrain: Choosing the Right Tire Type

Your dog’s comfort and your ease of use depend a lot on the type of tires on your stroller. Here’s how to choose:

EFA (Solid Plastic + Rubber Feel)

• Lightweight and low-maintenance

• Great for city streets and paved paths

• Large wheels handle off-road, too

• Doesn’t puncture

 Pneumatic (Air-Filled)

Good for off-road or bumpy surfaces

Offers some shock absorption and ride comfort

Requires regular pressure checks and potential repair

Key terrain tips:

1. In cities and paved paths: any tire works.

2. Off-road: pneumatic is better at shock absorption, though EFA is still robust.

3. Beach walks? Choose plastic rim/spoke wheels (avoid metal to prevent rust) and rinse after sandy outings.

4. The larger the wheels, the more comfort.

👉 Read more in this detailed article about stroller tires

2. Buying a Second‑Hand Stroller

A used stroller is a great budget pick—but inspect carefully:

• Check scams: low price, no reviews, pushy sellers or obscure payment methods—avoid these.

• Ask smart questions: why selling, condition of folding mechanism, wheel alignment, fabric wear.

• Spare parts matters: pick brands (like InnoPet) that still supply wheels, covers, or axles.

Prepare the stroller before use: wash and dry the cabin thoroughly to remove odors/hair and help your dog adjust .

👉 Dive deeper: Secondhand Dog Stroller

3. Train Your Dog to Use It

Making it fun and stress-free:

• Let them sniff and explore—first folded, then unfolded.

• Add comfort: blanket, treats, familiar toys .

• Encourage sitting with praise, then practice short indoor rides before heading outside.

• Always attach the harness and close the cabin securely.

👉 Step-by-step: 8 Steps to Get Your Dog Used to a Stroller

4. Managing Pneumatic (Air) Tyres

Why you should care: Air tyres offer comfort but risk flats.
Tips for care & repair:

• Check pressure: Squeeze tyres—don’t overinflate in heat and don’t run them low.

• Prevent punctures: Clean debris from tread; use Slime sealant inside tubes.

• Fix flat: For small holes (<3 mm), sealant works; larger damage? Patch kits or replace inner tube; worst case: replace the wheel.

• Storage: Keep indoors to protect rubber.

👉 Get full details: How to Avoid & Repair a Flat Tyre

5. Beach Ready: Tips & Tricks

Key precautions: Sand, salt, and moisture can be tough on wheels and materials.

• Use larger plastic-rim wheels, avoid rust-prone metal wheels.

• Rinse and thoroughly dry after beach trips to prevent rust and squeaks.

• On loose sand, tilt the stroller to avoid damaging the front wheel.

👉 Learn more: Taking Your Dog Stroller on the Beach