If your dog has sensitive skin, you might find that collars tend to irritate their skin and cause discomfort. Thankfully, there are plenty of collars that might be more comfortable for your sensitive pup. Finding the right type of collar allows them to wear a stylish, practical collar when they’re on walks and makes your life much easier. We’ll take a look at 5 of the best dog collars for sensitive skin, comparing comfort, material type, breed suitability, and price.
The Best Dog Collars for Sensitive Skin2023 Review
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The Best Dog Collars for Sensitive Skin
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best for control
- Soft nylon and padded nose loop
- Helps stop pulling
Runner Up
Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar- Best leather collar
- Lined and padded for comfort
- Prevents rubbing and irritation
Also Good
Chai's Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar- Best polyester collar
- Padded nylon mesh for comfort
- Designed to prevent rubbing and irritation
More Detailed Dog Collar for Sensitive Skin Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar review
Features
- Best for control
- Soft nylon and padded nose loop
- Helps stop pulling
Ann-Marie Sharpe
On your search for the best collar for dogs with sensitive skin, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar should be at the top of your list. The collar is made from soft yet strong nylon, designed to last and be comfortable for your pup. It features a padded, neoprene nose loop for comfort.
The collar puts pressure on the back of your dog’s neck and over their nose rather than on their throat which is perfect for those with sensitive necks. If you need control as well as comfort, this collar is an excellent option for training and correcting negative behaviors like pulling. Since pulling is often a significant cause of collar discomfort, this collar is ideal.
It’s suitable for all breeds and comes at a great mid-range price. I use this collar daily with my springer spaniel and find it’s very comfortable for her. It also gives me plenty of control on walks to prevent pulling and lunging.
Pros
- Many owners felt that this collar was gentle on their pet’s face and neck, even during corrections or when they pulled
- Gives greater control during training, which many owners found useful
- Helps to stop negative behaviors like pulling, which can be a major cause of irritation and discomfort for dogs
- Owners felt that their dog could pant, eat, drink, and play comfortably while wearing this collar
- Many stated this collar was good value for money and that they would recommend it to others
Cons
- Requires a period of training when first introducing the collar: without this, some dogs can find it distressing and try to remove the collar from their face
- Some owners found the plastic fastening broke quite quickly or stopped working after a period of regular use
- Breeds with particularly round or flat faces or those with excess skin may not be able to use this collar
- Some owners felt the collar wasn’t as high-quality as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar review
Features
- Best leather collar
- Lined and padded for comfort
- Prevents rubbing and irritation
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar is 1 of the best dog collars for sensitive skin, handmade from full-grain leather for the ultimate in comfort. The collar is padded, and the inside is lined with soft, sheepskin leather for extra comfort and to prevent rubbing. The collar comes in a range of sizes to suit all breeds.
While this collar is slightly more pricey than other options, in my opinion, the high-quality materials and luxurious comfort make it worth the price. I found this collar both comfortable and stylish for my dogs and I enjoyed the range of color options.
Pros
- Many stated that this collar was soft, padded, and very comfortable for their dog
- Some owners stated that this collar prevented rubbing and irritation, even for dogs who usually can’t wear a collar due to sensitivity
- Some owners felt that this collar was great value for money given its high-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Many really enjoyed the look and luxury of the collar, feeling it was very stylish for their dog
- Owners generally felt the collar was durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Some owners felt the collar was too chunky and large for their dog’s neck
- Some said that the collar broke easily which they found frustrating
- Buckle design means the middle prong is longer than the buckle, with some owners finding this displeasing
- Some owners found the size guide misleading and ended up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Chai's Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar review
Features
- Best polyester collar
- Padded nylon mesh for comfort
- Designed to prevent rubbing and irritation
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you need the best dog collar for a sensitive neck, the Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar is an excellent option. The collar is made from soft polyester, featuring breathable, nylon, mesh padding to reduce rubbing and irritation. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, designed for long-lasting comfort.
It comes in a range of sizes to suit all breeds and is a very affordable price. I found this collar was comfortable and cute for my dogs.
Pros
- Soft material and additional padding provide extra comfort, with owners saying they felt the collar was very comfortable for their dog, even for those with sensitive skin
- Owners said the collar was high-quality and good value
- Many said they found the reflective aspect of the collar useful for night-time walks
- Strong and durable, standing up to wear and tear even with big breed dogs
- Choice of colors, with owners saying they felt the collar was stylish and looked good on their dog
Cons
- Can be difficult to adjust at first, which some owners found frustrating
- Sizing needs careful attention, with some owners saying they felt it was misleading and ending up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- Stainless steel ring is quite large, which some owners found impractical
- Some owners found the collar broke quite quickly, leading them to feel it wasn’t good quality
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Dog Collar review
Features
- Best on a budget
- Low price and great value
- Comfortable and durable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Dog Collar is a fantastic option if you’re on a budget. It’s a classic design, made from durable yet comfortable nylon. The collar features webbing for breathability and extra strength, designed for long-lasting wear.
The collar is suitable for toy to large breed dogs and comes at a great low price. I found this collar was simple yet functional, and I liked the wide range of bright colors.
Pros
- Many owners said the collar was soft, with no harsh or scratchy edges, and was very comfortable for their dog
- Many said they found this collar durable and that it stood up to regular wear well
- Owners felt this collar was good value and very affordable
- Owners enjoyed the range of bright colors to choose from, feeling the collar was stylish and cute for their dog
- Well-made, with owners saying it was easy to adjust and use
Cons
- Some found the sizing misleading, ending up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- Some found the collar, in particular the plastic buckle, broke quickly after use
- Some owners stated that the collar was rougher than expected and too harsh on their dog’s neck
- Some found the collar kept coming loose and that their dog was able to slip out of the collar
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Perri's Havana Padded Leather Dog Collar review
Features
- Best for toy breeds
- Lambskin leather with padded interior
- Perfect for small, delicate necks
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you want absolute luxury for your pup, then the Perri’s Havana Padded Leather Dog Collar could be the 1 for you. This collar is made from lambskin leather which is incredibly soft on your dog’s skin. The interior is padded to prevent rubbing and increase comfort.
This collar comes in a range of sizes (this listing only features extra small). In my opinion, it’s perfectly suited to toy and extra small breeds because of its comfort level for small, delicate necks, along with its stylish look. I found this collar was very high-quality and looked great on my chihuahua.
This collar is slightly more pricey than other options but given the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, it’s a very reasonable price point in my opinion.
Pros
- Many said that the collar was particularly comfortable for their dog, mentioning the padding and soft material, even for dogs with sensitive skin who have had trouble with previous collars
- Owners really enjoyed the luxurious look of this collar, feeling it was stylish and very smart for their dog
- Sturdy, well-made, and strong enough to stand up to wear, with owners stating it didn’t stretch or become misshapen like some other leather collars
- Many felt that the collar was worth the price given its high-quality
- Owners felt that the quality of the leather was outstanding
Cons
- Some found that the size guide was misleading and therefore, ended up with the wrong sized collar for their dog
- No loop to hold the excess length of the collar when adjusted, which some owners felt should have been included
- Some owners found the collar too thick and heavy for their dog
- Some found the collar’s color bled onto their dog’s fur
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 dog 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.
The Best Dog Collars for Sensitive Skin
Editor's Choice
PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar- Best for control
- Soft nylon and padded nose loop
- Helps stop pulling
Runner Up
Soft Touch Collars Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar- Best leather collar
- Lined and padded for comfort
- Prevents rubbing and irritation
Also Good
Chai's Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Collar- Best polyester collar
- Padded nylon mesh for comfort
- Designed to prevent rubbing and irritation
