Jus’ Hangin’ Loose Doggy

Inside of the safety of your property a dog’s collar only needs to be as tight or loose as you want it.  Loose enough to get two fingers underneath is a sound rule. However please keep in mind that the looser the collar the more likely it may be prone to catching on things as your dog navigates the yard, rummages through the bushes etc. or it may just become lost.  Beyond the safety of your yard I strongly recommend the collar be snug enough that it cannot be pulled over the dogs head.  No-one wants a flat fido.  Breeds such as greyhounds, italian greyhounds or whippets where the head is a similar width to the neck may need a martingale style collar on walks.  Consult your vet about collars with breeds like bulldog and pugs where the breathing may be compromised.  Some owners prefer just to use a harness with these breeds.

Check regularly on your dogs neck to ensure the area is not staying damp under the collar if your dog has been wet.  Also, some materials can rub a dog’s skin so look to see whether fur is being rubbed away, reaction or any sores are forming from friction.

Please remember to look beneath your dogs collar whilst conducting a paralysis tick check.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)