Things to Look for in a Dog Collar for Sensitive Skin
Finding the right collar for your dog’s sensitive skin is crucial. We’ll cover some of the most important things to keep in mind to help you make the best choice.
Correct Size for Your Dog
Choosing a collar that is the right size for your dog is vital for their comfort, as well as their safety. A collar that’s too small can be very uncomfortable, while 1 that’s too big can be more prone to rubbing, causing irritation for sensitive skin. Ideally, your dog’s collar should be tight enough that they can’t pull out of it, but loose enough that you can fit 2 fingers between the collar and their skin.
Soft, Flexible Material
Material choice is essential for a dog with sensitive skin. You should always choose a collar made from high-quality materials that are soft and flexible. A collar with stiff or scratchy materials can cause irritation.
Look for padding if your dog is particularly sensitive, as this can provide extra comfort. The material should be breathable to lessen the chance of irritation, so look for mesh linings or natural materials. Ideally, the material should be hypoallergenic as this is less likely to cause a reaction.
In general, collars made from leather, hemp, nylon, neoprene, or mesh are great options for dogs with sensitive skin as they’re soft, flexible, breathable, and often hypoallergenic. If your dog has specific allergies, you will need to look at the description carefully to ensure you avoid any materials which could trigger them.
Low/No Chemicals
Often collars will be treated with chemicals to make the collar stronger, waterproof, or to dye the collar, for example. Choosing a collar with low amounts of chemicals, or no chemicals at all, is better for dogs with sensitive skin.
Strength
As well as being comfortable, the collar must be functional so ensure you choose 1 that is strong enough for your dog. Look for collars that are designed to be durable, strong, and long-lasting.
Style
Think about what style of collar is most practical for you, for example, a headcollar, a traditional collar, or a martingale collar. They all have pros and cons, so do some research to see what works for you.
Of course, when we refer to style, we’re not just talking about the type of collar you choose: we want our dogs to look cute and stylish in their collar too. This is down to preference, so consider what you feel suits your dog best.
Why Are Some Dogs Sensitive to Collars?
There are a few reasons your dog’s skin might be sensitive to collars. Firstly, your dog might have sensitive skin in general which can be caused by health issues, environmental causes, changes in seasons, genetics, and diet. However, lots of dogs are sensitive to collars for more simple reasons.
Some dogs pull on the lead a lot when they’re on walks: this pulling can cause friction between the collar and their neck, causing their skin to be sensitive. If the collar is too small for your dog, it can cause discomfort and irritation. If the collar is too big, it may move around too much, causing rubbing and chafing.
Just like for us, harsh materials can cause discomfort for dogs. Therefore, if the collar is stiff or scratchy it may be uncomfortable for them. Some dogs are more sensitive to specific materials or chemicals than others.
Finally, some dogs suffer from allergies to specific materials on collars which can cause a reaction. If you’re unsure what’s causing your dog’s sensitive skin, it’s always best to get them checked by a vet.
Collar Safety Advice
Always ensure your dog’s collar fits correctly for their comfort and safety. Don’t leave your dog’s collar on when they’re in their crate or pen, when left unsupervised, or during play as this can pose a safety hazard.
Dog Collar for Sensitive Skin FAQ
Can dogs be allergic to collars?
Dogs can be allergic to specific types of material on collars, but not collars in general.
Why does your dog’s collar rub their skin raw?
If your dog’s collar is rubbing it may be because it’s too tight, they’re pulling too much on the lead, the material is too rough, or due to allergies.
Conclusion
Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean your dog can’t have a stylish, practical collar. With the right collar, you can both strut your stuff on walks, and you can relax in the knowledge that your best pal is comfortable and safe.
