From Center City, to Philadelphia, to the Main Line, and to South Jersey, I’ve often been asked by my clients how to get the right fit for their dog collar. Many times, I’ve had to let clients know that their dog’s collar was not the right fit. It seems that a collar would be simple to fit but there are many different types of collars out there and one shape doesn’t fit all. The truth is, you could be hurting your furry friend by forcing them to wear a collar that is too tight or too loose.
Why Does A Dog Need A Collar?
There are three main reasons a dog wears a collar: restraint, identification and fashion.
- Collars are used for restraint. Along with a leash, they help you to contain your dog without the need for a crate, kennel, or other enclosure. When you have a leash connected to the collar you can keep the dog close by your side whether at home or outdoors. Collars help with crossing roads or passing other dogs outdoors. Indoors, having a puppy on a leash and collar tethered to you is a great way to help with housetraining.
- Collars are used for identification. If your dog went missing, a collar with an ID tag with a name and phone number could be the key to reuniting with your beloved pet. There are collars that also include a microchip that has all the owner’s personal information stored. Also, you can get a collar or tag that is GPS enabled that could help pinpoint the exact location of your dog should they get lost. As important as all that is, please don’t forget to have your dog microchipped in case they ever got loose without a collar on for identification. In many areas it is the law to have your dog wear a collar with a license.
- Collars are used for fashion! Many of my clients love to make a statement with their dog’s collar. Those Philly, Main Line, and South Jersey pups love to strut their stuff.
The Trouble With Ill-Fitting Dog Collars
As the guardian of your paw-some pet, you don’t want to have your collar too tight or too loose.
The Trouble With Loose Collars:
A loose collar can easily slip off. This is a concern because:
- You lose control over your dog.
- They can easily run into a street and be injured.
- Your dog can run away and get lost.
- Your dog can end up in a scrape with another dog.
- It is a choking hazard – your dog could get caught on something and suffocate.
- Dogs with loose collars quickly figure out that they can get out of them and slip away.
- Your pup can get a paw or their jaw caught in the collar which can cause injury.
- Skin irritation may occur from the collar rubbing loosely against the skin of some dogs.
The Trouble With Tight Collars:
A tight collar poses safety risks such as:
- Asphyxiation (choking)
- Skin irritation and chaffing.
- An embedded collar if the dog is growing.
- Discomfort for your dog
- Painful neck infections.
- Neck muscle or trachea injury.
- A lack of blood flow to the brain.
- Extreme discomfort for your dog.
The Proper Way To Fit A Dog Collar
Take a soft measuring tape and measure around the thickest part of your dog’s neck, then add two inches. This is the length of collar you need to buy for your dog. If you have a small dog, only add one inch. If you have a large dog, add three inches. A normal dog collar should be snug but not too tight. There is a rule called the Two Finger Rule. This rule instructs you to place your index finger and middle fingers and slide them in between your dog’s collar and their neck. If your fingers slide in easily but are snug between the collar and the neck, it is a good fit. If your fingers can’t fit without force, the collar is too tight. If your fingers are not snug to the neck once inserted, the collar is too loose.
Do not measure existing collars because all collars are made differently. You want to ensure that you purchase the proper size for your pup.
Keep Up On Your Dog’s Collar
Regularly check the fit of your dog’s collar. If they have lost or gained weight, the collar will need to be adjusted or replaced. Check the wear on your collar. If it looks like it has seen better days, it is time to buy a new one before it breaks while your dog is outside. Take the collar off at night to prevent it catching on something; this is also a good time to check your dog’s skin for signs of chaffing.
A Special Note On Puppy Collars
Puppies grow like weeds during their first few months so it is best to buy an adjustable collar that can grow with them. Check the fit of your puppy’s collar frequently.