Choosing a Dog or Cat Collar

Would you put a T-shirt on your toddler, and then leave it on him for the next year while he grows? Of course not. Strange as it may seem, however, this is exactly what some people do when they place a collar on a puppy, and then don’t replace it as the puppy grows.

As the pup gets bigger, but the collar doesn’t, the collar becomes embedded underneath the puppy’s skin. Infection sets in and, in the summer, flies will lay their eggs in the wound. Many dogs die a horrible, painful death or require expensive surgery and hospitalization all because their owners forgot to buy them a bigger collar.

Please don’t forget to adjust the size of your puppy’s collar as he grows. Remember that many medium or large breeds of dogs continue growing until they are two years old. You should also occasionally check your adult dog’s collar to make sure he hasn’t unexpectedly gained some weight.

You should check your puppy’s collar at least once a month and adjust its size accordingly. You don’t want it to be too tight. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to comfortably slip two fingers in between the collar and the pup’s skin. And always remember to have current identification tags permanently attached to the collar. A dog without identification has a very difficult time finding his way home should he become lost.

If your pup is able to slip his collar even when it is properly fitted, you may need to look into getting a special type of collar made for dogs whose heads are approximately the same width as their necks. These are called greyhound or whippet collars and can be purchased through most major pet stores. Don’t simply continue tightening the flat collar.

The only type of collar that should ever be left on your dog when you are not actively training him is the flat, buckle (non-slip or choke) nylon or leather type. Any other type of collar could cause your pet serious injury if left on. Many dogs have strangled themselves to death after getting their choke chains caught on fencing or other objects.

Cats also need to wear collars with permanent identification on them. It’s very rare for a cat without identification to find his way back to his owner. Cats should only wear collars that break away or stretch. You should be able to comfortably slip one finger between the collar and the cat’s skin. Never place a cat’s collar on too loosely. They can get a front or back leg stuck under the collar and severely injure themselves.

Just as for puppies, if you place a collar on a kitten, be sure to check and readjust it monthly as the kitten grows. Also be sure to check your adult cat’s collar periodically as cats can really pack on the pounds as adults.

With just a little forethought, you can avoid a lot of pain and suffering for both you and your pet.

Richelle Smith, DVM