Dog Choking: Know the Dangers of Dog Collars
The fear of your dog choking can concern you when your dog pulls hard on his leash which forces his collar to dig deep into his neck and makes him cough… or even worse you worry about your dog at home alone because his collar and tags could get stuck on something and cause him to choke before you can help him get out of his collar.
This article gives you tips on dog collar safety to help you keep your dog out of harm’s way. I hope when you read this article you’ll use these tips to prevent your dog from choking because of his collar’s poor fit or his dog tags.
Prevent Dog Choking: Steps to Check the Correct Fit of Your Dog’s Collar
First, check out whether your dog’s collar is the right one for your dog’s age, size and breed. Here’s how to get the right size collar for your dog.
- Use a soft measuring tape to measure the top part of your dog’s neck and add 1 inch. This part of your dog’s neck is the narrowest part.
- Slide your index and middle finger under your dog’s collar to check that it’s not too tight. Your dog’s collar should fit snugly so it won’t to slip over your dog’s ears.
3 Dog Choking Dangers from Dog Collars & Tags
Second, here are 3 dangers to avoid that will help prevent your dog from choking due to his collar.
- Tight Collar – Your dog’s tight collar could restrict his airway and make it difficult for your dog to breath. Tight dog collars also cause chafing around your dog’s neck which can lead to skin irritations.
2. Loose Collar – Your dog’s loose collar can easily slide off. This means that your dog’s collar could get caught on gates, furniture, bushes and other dogs when they play. The risk for your dog is choking or suffocation if he’s unsupervised or home alone.
3. Tags on Collar – Dog tags can get caught on things like your dog’s crate, furniture or bushes. Your dog may twist and turn to get loose which could have fatal results from choking.
6 Tips to Prevent Dog Choking Injuries & Accidents
Lastly, here are 6 valuable tips to help you keep your dog safe from injuries due to his collar.
1. Micro chipping – One strategy to protect your dog from collar injuries and choking is to get your dog micro chipped. Your dog also has a better chance to be found if he’s gone missing because his collar and tags could easily be removed by someone who might want to steal your dog.
2. Break-Away Collars – These collars will unsnap when it gets stuck on something like your dog’s crate or a bush. Dog choking accidents can happen in the blink of your eye which means you need to supervise your dog at all times.
3. Collar Free – Consider removing your dog’s collar when he sleeps or is home alone, plays with other dogs, and when your dog is asleep at night. This way, your dog won’t be in danger of choking from his collar or dog tags when you’re not able to be with him.
4. Boarding and Doggie Day Care – Discuss your collar on and collar off rules with the owner of all dog boarding and day care centres so your dog is safe in their facility and with other dogs at play.
5. Dog Sitters & Dog Walkers – Instruct your dog sitters and walkers on your collar rules and dog choking safety so they understand the do’s and don’ts to keep your dog safe inside and on walks. This includes being careful not to pull your dog with his leash and cause harm to your dog’s neck and throat.
6. Groomers – You may want to give you groomer specific instructions about your dog’s collar when they wash and dry your dog for safety. Soapy fur becomes slippery and collars can slide off while your dog gets lathered up. To prevent accidents, always require that your dog is supervised and never left alone while they are at your groomers. Check ot How to find bets groomer in your nearby area
How to choose the right Leash for your Pooch
Finding the right leash for your furry babies is the first step in training them. This is because the leash you use will have a greater impact on your training experience than you think. Different types of leash help you control your dog in different ways.
Most people think that control leash is best for training dogs to walk. Leashes with built-in shock collar controls that pinch your dog, and collar-tightening leashes are among these. This will work if you are in a rush to train your dog, but it will also have adverse side effects.
Unintended effects would include the dog being disgusted to walk on a leash. If you use these on them it may dislodge them from running.
- Standard dog leashes
The most basic leash is often the best option in teaching your dog to walk. This is because they are long enough to hold your dog and durable enough to keep your dogs under control. They are versatile enough to be used for adult dogs and puppies.
The main issue with type of these leash is lack of features. This forces dog owners to adjust as per their dog’s movement.
They are uncontrollable if they are new to leashed walking. They can also break the leash but its depending upon dog breeds and strength of dog.
- Harness
Harness-type leashes are great option if your dog is energetic. A regular leash with a normal collar can choke the dog. It has no permanent damage but may cause discomfort to your dog.
Harness-type leashes also allows you to have more control over your dog. It’s often wraps around your dog’s torso rather than its neck. This is perfect for dogs who need more guidance during walks.
This leash also recommended for small dog breeds as they often break out of regular collars. Some harnesses are also easy to adjust for different dog sizes.
- Chain leashes
This type of leashes allows you to replace the standard leashes. This is a great way to keep dogs that destroy their leash. Most dogs have a habit of chewing on the leash if they think it is too short. This leads to a shorter life expectancy with these dogs. They will understand that the new leash will not break no matter what they do. This will also help them break the bad habit of chewing on the leash.
4. Retractable Leashes
This is perfect for dogs who have short bursts of energy label. Most dogs are lazy until something noticed. This is great for controlling whether stimuli encourage approaching.
If there is something that is not healthy for them, you will have no problem keeping them close. However, a retractable leash can confuse a dog. When they run into things they can expect more lengths behind them.
Doing so can damage their neck if using stander collar or chock collar. The great thing about this is that you can train it out of them. All you have to do is let them assume that the line is always straight when using these straps.
5. Bike Leashes
If your dog is too energetic to with you, get bike leash instead of a regular one. As the name suggests, this is a strap that you can attach to the frame of your bike. It also has an adjustable length when walking with the dog.
It will take time for your dog to get used to this leash. You should help your pooch to adjust with tis leash.
Once they learn how to deal with then it will become the best way for you to give your dog some exercise.
Types: How Stop Them Pulling during walking.
This is the most common problem during a walk with dogs. They lunge and pull you to steer you in a specific direction. The way to overcome this is to make yourself as like a tree.
Keep yourself as still as possible walk reeves. This will teach your dog that nothing will come of their eagerness to go in a specific direction. Pulling the leash will injure your dog, so it should be avoided.
You’ve just read about the dangers of dog collars and how to prevent dog choking which will help you keep your dog safe from accidents and injuries that could result from your dog’s collar and dog tags. Freak accidents like dog’s choking by his own collar can happen in seconds so I hope this information gives you all the tips you need for your dog’s safety.
Share this article with your friends and family so they have ways to keep their dog safe from accidents, injuries or choking as a result of their dog’s collar.
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