How Do You Know If a Dog Harness Is Too Small?

We’ve all been there—buying something we think fits our dog perfectly, only to realize it’s a little too tight. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this harness too small for my dog?” you’re in the right place. As someone who lives and breathes pet gear (yep, that’s me!), I’ve got all the insights you need to determine if that harness is snug or just plain uncomfortable. So, let’s get started with something that’s got all of us pet parents sweating!

Understanding When a Dog Harness is Too Small

You might be thinking, how on earth can a harness be too small? Well, it’s surprisingly easy to get the wrong fit, especially for dogs that seem to change size depending on the day or if they just ate! A harness that’s too small can restrict your dog’s movement, cause skin irritations, and even lead to discomfort or injury. That’s not just me talking—science backs it up. Plus, an ill-fitting harness makes it hard for you to control your pup on walks, and no one wants a stressed-out dog who’s squirming and choking during playtime!

Now that I’ve scared you with the importance of a properly fitting harness, let’s get into how to actually tell if your dog’s harness is too small. Ready?

1. Does Your Dog Look Like a Sausage in a Casing?

The easiest way to tell if a harness is too tight is by giving your dog a once-over. If their fur is bulging around the edges, or if you have to stretch and tug to close the buckles, that’s a huge red flag. No one likes to feel squeezed into something uncomfortable—imagine wearing jeans two sizes too small. Not fun, right?

Small dogs like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians are especially prone to being squeezed into harnesses that look cute but just don’t fit right. Look out for pressure marks around the chest, armpits, or back. These pressure spots indicate the harness is digging in, which could eventually lead to more serious issues, like chafing or even sores. Check out this handy guide on how to prevent harness chafing.

2. Can You Slide Two Fingers Underneath?

This is one of my favorite tricks—super simple and effective! A properly fitted harness should allow you to slide two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. Any less, and it’s too tight; any more, and it’s too loose. It’s like Goldilocks but for harnesses. Too tight, and you’re restricting your dog’s movement and potentially cutting off their circulation. Too loose, and they’ll wiggle out and be off chasing squirrels in no time! And we both know you’re not running fast enough to catch them.

Fun fact: According to a recent survey, over 65% of dog owners struggle with finding the right fit for their harnesses. You’re not alone!

3. Is Your Dog Acting Like a Drama Queen?

Dogs are subtle creatures—at least when they want to be. But if your dog is constantly pawing at the harness, trying to back out of it, or looking at you with those I’m being tortured eyes, it might be a sign that the harness is too tight. Little dogs like Yorkies and Maltese are notorious for doing the dramatic “I’m paralyzed because this harness is too tight” act. If your pup is refusing to move or seems uncomfortable, take that as a clear message: loosen up!

4. Are There Red Marks or Irritated Skin?

This one’s a no-brainer. After you take the harness off, check your dog’s skin for any red marks, irritated areas, or fur loss. These are all telltale signs that the harness is too small. The most common areas to check are around the chest, shoulders, and armpits—where most of the pressure is applied. If your dog’s skin looks like it’s been squeezed, the harness is definitely too tight. Time to go up a size!

Pro tip: Invest in harnesses made from soft, breathable materials to help avoid irritation. I personally recommend our QQPETS Reflective No Pull Tactical Dog Harness, which is designed with a breathable mesh inner layer to keep your pup comfy and stylish.

5. Is Your Dog’s Movement Restricted?

Now, this one’s a little tricky, but crucial nonetheless. Dogs need to be able to move freely in their harnesses—running, jumping, chasing balls, the works. If your dog seems hesitant to walk or is doing that weird bunny hop with their back legs, that could mean the harness is too tight, especially around the chest and shoulders.

Dogs have a natural gait, and a harness that’s too small can interfere with that, making them feel restricted or even unbalanced. If your dog’s movements seem limited, it’s a clear sign the harness is not the right size. Imagine trying to do yoga in a corset—no thanks!

How to Fix the Problem

Now that we’ve figured out how to tell if the harness is too small, let’s talk about what to do next. First off, don’t panic! It’s common to misjudge sizes, especially for small dogs whose measurements can be tricky.

Here’s a quick action plan:

1. Measure your dog properly. Grab a measuring tape and note the chest girth (around the widest part of the rib cage) and the neck size.
2. Compare the measurements with the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Every brand has slightly different sizes, so don’t rely on your previous size guess!
3. Adjust where you can. If the harness has multiple points of adjustment, use those to create a more customized fit.
4. Swap it out if necessary. Sometimes, you just need to size up.

For a detailed breakdown of how to measure your dog correctly, take a look at this guide here.

Conclusion: Get That Perfect Fit

In the end, the goal is to make sure your dog is as comfortable as they are secure in their harness. A harness that’s too small can cause unnecessary discomfort and health issues, so it’s important to be mindful of the signs. Whether it’s through checking for red marks or giving your dog that two-finger test, you now know exactly what to look for to keep your pup happy and harnessed up safely.

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 patterns, custom materials, custom sizes and custom products and more. If you want to start your dog products business, check out our website and contact us today.

FAQ about dog

1. How snug should a dog harness be?
   A dog harness should be snug enough to fit two fingers between the harness and the dog’s body, ensuring it’s secure but not too tight.
2. How snug should the harness be?
   The harness should be snug but comfortable, allowing for two fingers’ width of space to prevent restriction without being too loose.
3. How should a harness look on a small dog?
   On a small dog, the harness should sit comfortably on the chest and back, with no loose straps or gaps, and should not impede movement.
4. Is it OK if a dog harness is too big?
   No, a harness that is too big can allow the dog to slip out or cause discomfort due to rubbing or shifting during movement.