Can dog collars damage a dogs trachea?

Understanding the Risks..

While dog collars are a staple with dog ownership, it's worth thinking about the risks of walking your dog on a collar.  There is growing concern with Veterinarians that the traditional collar could be harmful to your pet.  The main concern is when your dog pulls on its collar or the owner tugs the collar on a dog, the trachea, or windpipe, is a relatively fragile tube made of soft, cartilaginous rings. Excessive pressure from a collar can cause these rings to collapse, leading to a condition known as tracheal collapse. Symptoms include a honking cough, difficulty breathing, and gagging, especially when excited or after drinking water.

Small dogs, or dogs with long slender neck's are especially at risk, short nose dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs can suffer discomfort by being pulled along on a collar when being walked.  

I always think -  how would you like to be pulled along by a collar and lead it would be uncomfortable and certainly painful at times.

What are the alternatives?

Harnesses - a well fitted good quality harness distributes the pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders reducing strain on the neck and trachea.  It puts the pressure onto the strongest part of the dogs body. There are various types of harnesses including back clip, front clip designed to give your pet a comfortable walk and for all levels of training. 

Start your puppy off with a harness as soon as you can to get it used to wearing one early on...

Make sure you buy a good quality harness, one of the best harnesses for small dogs that we recommend the Swiss designed Curli Clasp harness.

https://louisandphoebe.com/collections/dog-harness

For larger dog's we recommend the Curli Belka Harness..

Head Halters: For dogs that pull excessively, head halters can be an effective training tool. The head halters are not mean't to be a permanent way of controlling your dog as they can damage their nose which is the most sensitive part of their body. They work by controlling the head and, consequently, the body, but they must be used correctly to avoid discomfort or injury. 

Martingale Collars: These are a safer alternative for dogs that might slip out of traditional collars. Martingale collars tighten slightly when a dog pulls, but have a built-in limit to how tight they can get, reducing the risk of tracheal damage.

If you choose a collar it should be snug enough that you can get two fingers under it and, it doesn't slip.

Conclusion

While dog collars are an essential part of pet ownership, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks they pose to your dog's trachea. By choosing the right type of collar or alternative, and by using them correctly, you can help ensure your dog's safety and well-being. Remember, every dog is different, and what works best will depend on your dog's size, breed, and behaviour. When in doubt, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to find the most suitable option for your furry friend.