Not all collars are created equal

This type of collar is a classic look no doubt, but should always be taken off during play or when unsupervised. Photo by REVOLT on Unsplash

This type of collar is a classic look no doubt, but should always be taken off during play or when unsupervised.
Photo by REVOLT on Unsplash

Some are a recipe for tragedy.

Dogs are playing- in the scuffle, one dogs jaw gets caught in the other dogs collar- she dies. A dog left in a wire crate gets their collar stuck and dies. A dog jumps over a fence- their collar catches on the fence- the owners manage to help just in time- another is not so lucky. A dog is lying near the floor vent, their dangling dog tags slip into the grate- thankfully, the grate comes loose- but the same does not apply to patio slats.

I have sourced and added notable highlights to some harrowing stories here.

When caught by the collar, dogs tend or twist around in a circle, much like the way an improvised tourniquet is tightened. This causes rapid constriction.

Sources: The Chronicle Herald, Robert Wilson’s FB Post This illustrates the way dogs twist when caught.

Sources: The Chronicle Herald, Robert Wilson’s FB Post
This illustrates the way dogs twist when caught.

Source: Whole-Dog-Journal Another example of a regular buckle causing a delay. The dog releasing his bowels makes me suspect it is not an exaggeration to say he was likely seconds from death.

Source: Whole-Dog-Journal
Another example of a regular buckle causing a delay. The dog releasing his bowels makes me suspect it is not an exaggeration to say he was likely seconds from death.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Take your dog’s collar off whenever possible. Especially when left alone, when in a crate, or when interacting with another dog.

  • Get a breakaway collar. I have this one from Indi-Dog, only mine is custom entirely without D-rings. Tip: Get it in a bright colour, easier to find if it does break off.

  • Don’t let tags dangle. Get a pocket instead: This one works for the ridiculously oversized Berlin dog tag.

  • Even a regular non-breakaway collar should have a quick release buckle if possible. Regular tongue and pin buckles cannot open under tension. That can cause a delay as you need to either fetch something to cut with, or you need to rotate the dog to untwist them before you can unbuckle it.

  • Use a harness instead - Note that getting caught by the harness can also cause injury, but it’s less likely to cut off the dog’s air. A harness is therefore a good option when you want to let dogs play but you still need to be able to grab them easily. Still, don’t leave a harnessed dog alone.

  • And as always: Supervise playing dogs.

Excerpt from Dog Detectives by Kat Albrecht

Excerpt from Dog Detectives by Kat Albrecht

Source: The Sun

Source: The Sun

Source: DoYouRemember

Source: DoYouRemember

Source: The Fun Times Guide This illustrates that even if you’re nearby, it wont necessarily be obvious that something is dreadfully wrong.

Source: The Fun Times Guide
This illustrates that even if you’re nearby, it wont necessarily be obvious that something is dreadfully wrong.

Source: FB Post

Hazel