Dog collars come as fancy as they can be, they range from leather with metal ornaments, spikes, and all kind of decorations to pink/blue/white with rhinestones, embroidery, and more. Before you choose one for your pet, please keep a few things in mind.

Smaller dogs are normally better off with a harness. Harnesses do not put pressure on the larynx when the animal decides to “pull” (and for many small dogs this is a favorite game). This constant pressure can result in deforming and damaging the larynx. First signs are coughing and spitting, and having difficulty breathing.

Harnesses are less fancy, we admit that, but safer for certain breeds. Our suggestion: if you are still in love with one of these cute looking collars – use it, but add a harness and clip the leash on the harness when walking the animal.

When you buy a collar make sure it fits properly. It should sit high on the neck and neither be too tight nor too loose. A proper fit allows you to put two to three fingers between collar and neck. When too tight, the collar will cause problems breathing and the animal might start coughing. When too loose, it will slip off the animal’s neck, especially during dangerous situations in case the animal pulls away from you. Another danger is that the collar gets caught on something and the animal is trapped or even suffocates.

Please check the fit occasionally, especially if your animal is still growing.