Skip to content 
When you’re a proud pet parent, one of the fundamental decisions you’ll make is choosing between a collar and a harness for your furry friend. This choice isn’t just about fashion or comfort; it’s about health and safety. So, what do veterinarians typically recommend? Let’s delve into the benefits of each option and explore why the choice might be more significant than you think.
What Do Vets Generally Recommend?
Vets often lean towards harnesses, especially for dogs prone to pulling or those with respiratory issues. Why? Because harnesses distribute pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders, rather than concentrating it on the neck. This can prevent injuries to the windpipe and neck, making them a safer choice during walks.
Why Choose a Harness Over a Collar?
Harnesses are particularly beneficial for breeds with delicate throats, such as pugs or bulldogs, who can suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. They’re also ideal for training puppies not to pull, as the design discourages pulling without causing discomfort.
When Might a Collar Be Appropriate?
Collars are not without their merits. They’re great for dogs that don’t pull and are often more convenient for quick bathroom breaks. They also carry ID tags and registration information, which can be crucial if your dog ever gets lost.
Understanding the Types of Harnesses
- Back-Clip Harness: Best for small dogs or those that do not pull much. It’s easy to use and comfortable for the dog.
- Front-Clip Harness: Ideal for training purposes, as it gives the owner control over the direction the dog is moving.
- Dual-Clip Harness: Offers the flexibility of using either the front or back clip depending on the situation.
What About No-Pull Harnesses?
No-pull harnesses are designed to discourage pulling without causing pain or discomfort. They are a popular choice among vets for dogs that are in training or naturally inclined to pull.
Are Collars Ever a Better Choice?
In some cases, yes. For dogs that are calm on walks and do not have any breathing issues, a collar might be perfectly adequate. It’s also easier to leave a collar on a dog with tags in case they escape or get lost.
What Do the Experts Say?
Many veterinarians and animal trainers advocate for the use of harnesses over collars, especially in puppies or active breeds. Harnesses not only prevent injuries but also promote better behavior and safer interactions during walks.
Conclusion
While both collars and harnesses have their place, vets generally recommend harnesses for safety, comfort, and training effectiveness. Always consider your dog’s specific needs, behavior, and health when choosing between the two.
QQPETS is the leading custom dog harness manufacturer of adjustable harnesses for dogs and other items that people may use when walking their dogs. Our goal is to make dog walking easy for pet owners by providing valuable accessories. We offer a variety of customization services including custom logos, custom graphics, custom products and more. If you want to start your dog products business, check out our website and contact us today.
FAQ about dog
Is it better to run with a dog in a harness or collar?
It’s better to run with a dog in a harness as it provides better control and reduces the risk of neck injury.
What are the pros and cons of a dog harness?
- Pros: Distributes pressure evenly, reduces strain on the neck, increases control.
- Cons: Can be more complex to fit, might cause overheating due to more body coverage.
What are the pros and cons of a dog collar?
- Pros: Simple to use, less body coverage which is cooler, ideal for well-behaved dogs.
- Cons: Risk of neck injury if the dog pulls, less control over strong pullers.
What is safer, harness or collar?
A harness is generally safer than a collar, especially for active, pulling dogs, as it reduces the risk of injury and provides better control.
