How to keep your dog safe with accessories

Dog Safety

As a dog parent it is one of our highest priorities to keep our dog safe. At the top of the list when we get them is the collar and the tag. Then the dog parent is full of questions for the vet – what should feed them? Is this good or bad? There is so much information out there it can be overwhelming. This is post is about how to keep your dog safe with the accessories i.e. collars and leashes.

Collars

Let’s start with the collar. Collars can strangle your dogs if not used properly and they don’t have the right one. There are many dog deaths caused by strangulation from collars that could be prevented. There are so many collars out there. I could dedicate a whole blog post to each one and their purpose and which one I like, however this post is about safety. Typically people will get a flat collar and put the tag on it. That’s fine. I have that for my dogs. I only use it when I take them for a quick trip outside for a pee break. It has their tag on it in case they get out of it. It comes off as soon as they get inside though.

For a multi dog household that play a lot outside or inside and if you must keep the collar on, get a breakaway collar. This is one that can save your dogs life. Whether they are being choked playing with other dogs and they get stuck on the collar or are pulling on the collar. It is meant to breakaway if too much pressure is applied to save them from choking. Breakaway collars are also available for cats as they do get stuck on things too.

You should never crate your dog with their collar on, no matter what kind of collar. Many dogs have gotten their collars stuck on the crate and strangled themselves. Another good idea to do for your dog is to microchip, should they ever get out and their collar isn’t on or it breakaway. Almost all pet related places have microchip scanners so that is the first thing that they will check for when they found.

Leashes

When it comes to leashes, pretty much any dog trainer or dog professional will say the one type of leash they don’t like is retractable. This is a safety issue and a training issue. Retractable leashes are very thin nylon rope that can get stuck, get wrapped around the dog and cut their leg or worse, if the walker in an emergency tries to grab it they can cut, scratch or worse with their hand. I had my own personal experience when I was using a retractable leash for a clients dog. The leash stopped retracting (yes they stop retracting) so I had 12 feet of cord that I had to carry around. If you need to bring your dog back from a situation or have control over your dog and they are 12 feet away but you need them next to you, you have to be very quick with retracting and pulling that leash in. They just really aren’t great for your dog or you.

I usually tell clients if you want to give them room to smell and explore, go with a 6 foot leash. That’s what I have for my dogs and dogs I have worked with that gives them the sniffing and exploration that they need. It also gives you the control you should have.

My goal is to provide you with information that will bring you and your dog closer together and your dog to live a healthier and long life. I hope that you find this information helpful and informative for you and fur baby.

Wags,

Allison