As a pet parent, you naturally want the best for your furry family members. Selecting the right equipment for your dog can be important for their health and wellbeing, and the choice between a collar or a harness is one of the key decisions you’re likely to make for your pup.
We’re often being asked by our Everything Dog parents why we recommend harnesses, so in our latest blog we’ve captured some of the main factors you’ll want to consider when making your decision around what is best for your dog.
While collars have been the go-to accessory for dogs throughout history, harnesses have gained popularity in recent years as more evidence has emerged from vets and researchers on the many health advantages they provide – with some European studies finding up to 75% of the collar-wearing dogs they tested had neck or back problems that their owners were unaware of (1).
Pulling is a natural reflex for dogs, as they instinctively pull against opposite forces. But when a dog pulls against a collar, the pressure is concentrated on the neck, and can lead to discomfort and a range of injuries. The pain and headaches dogs can suffer from pulling against a collar can also lead to bad moods and reactivity – just like they would in humans. Collars can simply be uncomfortable for the dog, and for the owner who’s being pulled!
There are many reasons why we choose to recommend harnesses to our Everything Dog families, but here are our top 5…
1. Reduced strain on the neck and spine.
Pulling is a natural behaviour for dogs, especially when they are excited or curious about their surroundings. But when the dog pulls against a collar, over time this can cause strain and damage to their neck and spine, which can result in long term pain and health and behavioural problems. This pressure on the arteries and veins in the neck can also cause higher blood pressure in the brain and intro-ocular pressure as well – impacting blood flow in the brain and increasing the risk of glaucoma.
In contrast, a harness distributes the pressure across your dogs check and back, reducing the risk of neck and spine injuries. This can be particularly important for dogs that are prone to spinal problems, such as Corgis and Dachshunds.
2. Better Breathing and Lung Function
When a dog pulls against a collar it puts pressure on their windpipe and tongue bone, this can restrict their breathing and cause pain when they’re swallowing. This is especially a risk for short-nosed dogs such as Pugs, Boxers or Bulldogs which are already prone to respiratory issues, it’s also exacerbated during hot weather or exercise when dogs need to breathe deeply to cool themselves down. A harness, on the other hand, allows your dog to breathe freely and comfortably.
3. Improved Joint Health
As dogs age, they may develop joint problems such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. When a dog pulls against a collar the pressure in their neck can transfer down to their shoulders and hips. A harness can be a great solution to help reduce the stress on your dogs’ joints by better distributing the weight across the body. This can help to keep your dog mobile, comfortable and active for longer.
4. Better Control Over Your Dog’s Movement
A harness helps to prevent the sudden jerking movements which impact your dog’s neck, throat and spine. With a harness you have more control over their direction and speed. Unexpected jerks are also buffered by the harness, reducing the risk of injury to both your dog, and to you.
5. Greater Comfort and Less Irritation
Finally, a harness is simply more comfortable and less irritating for dogs. As collars concentrate pressure in a small area, they are more likely to rub against delicate skin, while a properly fitted harness is designed to fit snugly around the body without rubbing or chafing – perfect for all dogs, but particularly those with allergies or skin conditions.
HOW DO I FIT MY DOG’S HARNESS?
We recommend Y-shaped harnesses, like the ones created by Dog Copenhagen. These have a strap between the dog’s front legs, preventing the harness from sliding up to the throat area but allowing movement of the shoulders. Every dog is different, and our Everything Dog team can help you find the right harness to fit your dog’s shape and size, in our Dog Emporium.
So these are among the many reasons why we choose to recommend harnesses over collars for your dog.
Harnesses don’t replace collars completely. Collars are essential for use in an emergency and as a place to put contact information and council registration tags, in case your pooch should escape. They’re also useful in day care where our team may need to get hold of a dog quickly. When you’re walking however, a harness provides better support, control, and comfort, helps to prevent injuries, promotes better physical health, and healthy behaviours.
So, when you’re next shopping for dog accessories, consider investing in a quality harness that will keep your furry friend healthy, active and happy throughout their life.