Collars are an everyday necessity for most dogs. They hold important identification tags, proof of vaccinations, and serve as a point of attachment for leashes. However, despite their commonplace use, collars can pose significant safety risks, particularly when it comes to strangulation.
While many pet owners trust traditional collars without a second thought, an increasing number of incidents have shown that dog collar strangulation is a real and present danger. This article will explore the risks associated with dog collars, provide insights into why these accidents happen, and discuss safer alternatives to help prevent such tragic incidents.
Risks Associated with Dog Collars
At first glance, a standard buckle collar appears harmless. It wraps securely around the dog’s neck and ensures that identification tags are readily available. However, what many dog owners may not realize is that this very design can lead to fatal accidents in certain situations.
Collar-Related Accidents During Play
One of the most common ways dogs experience collar strangulation is during play. Dogs naturally engage in roughhousing, which often includes mouthing, chasing, and wrestling. If one dog’s jaw or tooth gets entangled in another dog’s collar, panic sets in.
The trapped dog struggles to free itself, while the other dog instinctively tries to pull away. In a matter of seconds, the force exerted can tighten the collar around the dog’s neck, leading to strangulation. Many cases of dog collar strangulation occur in households with multiple dogs or at dog parks and daycare centers where group play is common.
Collar Snagging on Objects
Another common risk is a dog’s collar getting caught on objects. This can happen both indoors and outdoors. Examples include:
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Crate wires: A collar can become entangled in the metal wiring of a crate, particularly if a dog is attempting to exit hastily.
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Fences: If a dog jumps or squeezes through a fence, the collar can snag on a protruding piece of wire or wood, leading to asphyxiation.
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Branches and decks: Outdoor dogs, especially those left unsupervised, may get their collars caught on tree branches, patio railings, or deck boards.
In each of these scenarios, if the dog is unable to free itself, the consequences can be fatal. Tragically, these accidents are not as rare as one might assume.
Alarming Statistics
According to estimates, approximately 26,000 dogs suffer from injury or death annually due to collar strangulation accidents. These numbers underscore the importance of taking preventive measures to protect our canine companions from an easily avoidable hazard.
Preventative Measures to Reduce Risks
Back in the days when working for an animal hospital, collars were the first thing we removed from a dog upon admission into the hospital. This meant all dogs coming in for medical procedures that required an in-hospital stay even for just a few hours, had their collars removed immediately.
What did we replace the collars with? We used these flimsy looking identification collars made of the same material as medical hospital identification bracelets with the pet’s name and owner’s name written with a black marker.
Many veterinary hospitals, dog boarding facilities, and professional daycare centers have recognized the dangers of traditional collars and adjusted their policies accordingly.
Similarly, an increasing number of dog daycare centers have adopted a no-collar policy during group play. This simple precaution significantly reduces the risk of strangulation injuries.
“You can think of it as you would any safety measure such as backing up your computer or wearing a life vest, seat belt or bike helmet…Taking collars off dogs is a safety measure to prevent the worst-case – when the dog’s collar might get entangled on another dog or an object, and the dog chokes to death. At that point it’s too late to say, “if only . . .”~Gail Fisher
Safer Alternatives to Standard Buckle Collars
Recognizing the dangers associated with traditional collars, pet owners can take steps to minimize risks by considering safer collar options:
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Quick-Release Collars
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These collars feature a buckle mechanism designed to release when force is applied. If a dog’s jaw or tooth gets caught in another dog’s collar, the quick-release buckle allows the collar to detach, preventing strangulation.
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While safer during play, these collars are not ideal for everyday leash use, as they may inadvertently unclip under tension.
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Breakaway Safety Collars
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Breakaway collars look like traditional buckle collars but are designed to snap open under extreme force. This allows dogs to escape if their collar gets caught on something.
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Some breakaway collars feature two D-rings, so owners can attach a leash to both rings for secure handling, preventing the collar from breaking away during walks while still offering safety when unsupervised.
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Stretchable Elastic Collars
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Some safety collars, such as the Tazlab Safe-T-Stretch Collar, incorporate an elastic component that allows the dog to slip out if the collar gets stuck.
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These are ideal for unsupervised wear but may not be effective for leash-walking.
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Harnesses as an Alternative
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In many situations, a well-fitted harness can serve as a safer alternative to a collar, especially for leash walking. Harnesses eliminate the risk of neck strangulation altogether.
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However, they do not provide a place for ID tags, so microchipping is recommended for additional security.
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Addressing the Identification Dilemma
One common concern among dog owners is how to ensure their pet remains identifiable without a collar. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to provide identification:
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Engraved Collars: Some safety collars allow contact information to be directly embroidered or engraved onto the collar fabric, eliminating the need for dangling ID tags that could become entangled.
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ID Tags on Harnesses: If using a harness instead of a collar, owners can attach ID tags to the harness’s D-ring.
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Microchipping: A microchip is a permanent and highly effective means of identification. Ensuring that the chip is registered and the contact details are up-to-date is essential.
The Role of Supervision and Education
Even with safety collars, accidents can still happen. Supervision is key. Owners should be especially vigilant during playtime and when dogs are in environments where collar snagging is possible. Educating pet parents, dog daycare providers, and trainers about the risks of dog collar strangulation can help prevent unnecessary injuries and fatalities.
Final Thoughts
Dog collar strangulation is a distressing and preventable occurrence. By understanding the risks, implementing safety measures, and considering alternative collar options, pet owners can take proactive steps to protect their dogs. While no collar is entirely without risk, choosing safer alternatives such as quick-release or breakaway collars—and ensuring supervision during play—can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents.
As veterinary professionals and behaviorists advocate for safer canine equipment, it is up to pet owners to stay informed and make responsible choices that prioritize their dog’s safety and well-being.
“If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar.”~Nancy Kerns
By staying proactive, spreading awareness, and making informed choices, we can work toward reducing preventable tragedies and ensuring that our dogs remain safe, happy, and healthy.
Photo Credits:
- Flickr Creative Commons, Logan Ingalls Gus was in the hospital – HE’S HOME NOW! CCBY2.0
- Wikipedia, Nylon quick-release buckle collar with identification and medical tags. The original uploader was Elf at English Wikipedia – CCBY3.0