It’s beyond doubt that the saying ‘dogs are man’s best friend’ is truly right. But are you harming your furry friend by making them wear a collar that’s either too tight or too loose?
A well-fitting collar should lie comfortably around your dog’s neck, flat against the coat, and allow one or two fingers between the collar and the coat.
Don’t focus too much on the style of your dog’s collar. Instead, you should mainly buy it for comfort.
Why Does a Dog Need a Collar?
It’s important that your dog has a fitting collar. But why should your dog have a collar at all?
In many countries, it’s illegal for your dog not to wear a collar in public. Also, a collar is an easy way for an owner to hold onto a dog without hurting it. Of course, it’s also where a leash can attach.Most importantly, a collar can help identify the dog. If your dog gets lost, a tag with a name and phone number could solve the situation quickly.
Think of your dog’s collar as its ID. But don’t forget to microchip your dog either.
Why a Properly Fitting Collar is Important
It’s no exaggeration that getting the right-sized collar for your dog is a matter of safety for both of you.
Problems with a Loose Collar:
A loose collar can easily slip off. Why is this a concern?
-A slipped collar means a lack of control.
-Your dog could run onto the road and hurt itself and others.
-Slipping out of a collar while in your yard or on a walk could mean your dog runs away and gets lost.
-A loose collar is a safety hazard. Your dog could get caught on furniture and branches and suffocate.
However, be careful that your dog’s collar isn’t too tight either!
Problems with a Tight Collar:
A tight collar brings risks such as:
-Restricting your dog’s airways.
-Making your dog uncomfortable.
-Causing your dog pain and chaffing.
-Causing a lack of blood flow to your dog’s brain.
-Leading to fur and skin loss on your pet’s neck and painful infections.
Neither of these options is good. So, getting the right tightness is very important. Now, let’s see how to measure a collar for the perfect fit.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck
There’s a difference between a snug collar and a tight one. But these simple steps will help you get the size right and make ordering a new collar easy.
Step One:
-Buy a flexible or soft measuring tape. This is the only option that will give an accurate result.
Step Two:
-Wrap it around your dog’s neck where the collar usually sits. Then, put one to two fingers under the measuring tape. This will ensure the collar is snug but not too tight.
Step Three:
-Use this measurement to find out your dog’s exact size requirements. Use the size chart on this page to determine the right size to buy. If you’re still not sure, contact a professional.
Do NOT Measure Existing Collars
It’s very important that you measure your dog’s actual neck circumference instead of their current collar. All collars are made differently, so you won’t get an accurate measurement.
If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, use a rope or a strip of paper to measure your dog’s neck, then lay the rope or paper on a flat surface and measure the length with a ruler.
Which Collar is Right for Your Dog?
After measuring your dog’s neck, look for the right style of collar. For example, if you have a large dog that pulls on a leash, you should consider a wider and thicker dog collar. This will give you more control over your pet.
However, if you use a collar that’s too wide for a small dog like a pug, it may rub and chafe its neck.
Once you have the right shape and size, you can focus on the look of your dog’s collar. What color, style or look suits its personality? There are hundreds of different choices.
Regularly Test If Your Dog’s Collar Is Comfortable
Remember that as your dog’s weight changes, its collar also needs to change. If your dog gains weight, a perfectly fitting collar will become too tight.
Also, you should often remove your dog’s collar. This way, you can check if it has been chafing the skin. If so, you may need to buy a new collar or change the notch you’re using.
It’s also important to notice if your dog seems comfortable. A sign of discomfort is if your dog scratches often. By testing if the collar fits, you can be sure your dog is happy and comfortable.
Make sure you follow these tips. Check your dog’s collar at least once a month. Then, if it doesn’t fit anymore, buy a better-fitting collar.