But What if it Isn’t the Collar?
If your dog has a rash or is losing hair around their neck, most owners would assume their dog is allergic to the collar. Although that is likely the case, there could be something else causing the rash or hair loss.
Is your dog’s collar too tight? If it is, this can be extremely uncomfortable for them. The friction of the collar against their skin could cause hair loss and/or chafing of the skin.
Your dog might also be consistently scratching at their neck in an attempt to loosen the collar, which results in hair loss and skin abrasions.
If these skin abrasions go untreated, they could get infected and lead to worse problems for your pup.
You not only have to make sure the area around your dog’s collar is clean, but the collar itself.
Think about it. Would you wear the same shirt every day, even if it was dirty? And by dirty, I mean covered in dirt or mud or whatever else your dog might get into.
If you have a rambunctious or outdoorsy pup, there’s a good chance their collar is seeing some grime.
Keep the collar clean and dry so it does not become a breeding ground for harmful mold and bacteria.
Flea and tick collars are a widely used method of flea and tick prevention.
These collars use chemicals that continuously release into your dog’s fur to kill fleas, ticks, and larvae that might lurk there.
These collars usually remain effective for a few months at a time and are relatively harmless.
However, that is not to say that your dog might be sensitive to the chemicals used and have a reaction to the collar.
The most common adverse reaction is hair loss, but skin redness and irritation can happen as well.
If this occurs, it is best to consult with your vet for other flea and tick prevention methods. Once removing the collar, the hair will usually grow back within a few weeks.
Dogs can either be born with food allergies or manifest them over time, just like humans. The most common food allergens for dogs are soy, wheat, dairy, and beef.
You can determine if your dog is allergic to a particular food by starting a veterinarian-recommended food trial, where you feed them only hypoallergenic food for a few weeks.
Does your dog start itching like crazy in the spring? They might have a pollen allergy.
Other common environmental allergens for dogs include grass, mold, weeds, trees, dust, and dander.
You can help lessen the severity of their allergy symptoms by making sure they are bathed regularly, avoiding the allergen as much as possible, and possibly even administering some anti-itch medication like Apoquel when their symptoms are the most severe.
It is imperative to never use shampoos and soaps made for people on your dog.
It’s best to use a hypoallergenic soap or shampoo when bathing your dog. If they suffer from excessive itchiness, perhaps a medicated shampoo.
Your vet will recommend a brand they think is best. If you want to try a shampoo that is best for dry, itchy skin without the medicated factor, oatmeal and aloe-based shampoos are usually very effective.
Medication that is prescribed to your dog can sometimes cause them to have an allergic reaction. This is usually antibiotics and/or vaccinations, but it can also be something topical.
If you believe your dog is experiencing an adverse reaction to a medication or supplement, stop the dosage and consult with your vet before proceeding with any treatment.
2 Answers 2 Sorted by:
Yep! Collars can cause these kinds of irritations, most commonly I see it in dogs that go in the water a lot and get their collars wet. The moisture from the collar can cause yeasty irritations on the skin. Leather also tends to keep moisture in better than nylon.
I would remove the collar and wait for the area to heal, once healed try a different kind of material. If you notice that its persistent with different materials I wouldnt make her wear one.
For walks I recommend a gentle leader or a body harness – both these options are great for dogs who pull a lot, it doesnt harm their esophagus/trachea and corrects their pulling behavior. For the body harness make sure it clips from the front, the ones that clip on the back wont correct pulling.
If your worried about her getting lost and needing identification ask your veterinarian to implant a microchip. These chips will have information on the pet that is lost and help return them to you, chips can be scanned at animal shelters and vet hospitals.
I think its safe to assume that most things that humans can be allergic to, a dog can be allergic to as well. There are people that have contact allergies with certain types of metal, like nickel is a common one. There are also people that are allergic to their shoes, for instance, possibly due to chemicals used to treat the materials in the shoe. Therefore, I believe it is possible that your dog is in fact allergic to the collar. I recommend trying collars made out of different materials and see if that helps. You might also try a harness type instead, at least temporarily, if youre concerned the collar might rub the raw area.
Check With Your Vet For Medications
Your vet might administer medications for itching and irritation, which often comprise steroidal drugs such as prednisone and cortisone administered as an injection, tablet, topical cream, or ointment.
Antihistamines are more successful in preventing allergic responses than they are at treating symptoms, although they can still be beneficial in the treatment strategy. They may also be prescribed for future preventative usage, such as administration at home during allergy season.
A solution for chronic conditions such as allergies is not conceivable; instead, therapy focuses on symptom management and reducing flare-ups.
using markers for a collar sensitive dog
Your dog’s collar is an important accessory. Not only can a collar show off your pooch’s personality, but it can be a lifesaver if your dog ends up lost. Of course, collars can be tricky to get right — you need to get the right type and you need to make sure the collar is the right size. And what if your dog hates their collar? When your pet isn’t comfy, she isn’t likely to do well on walks — or even to like her collar at all. Fur can get matted, necks can be itchy, and so many fabrics can wear down over time, leaving frayed edges and pieces to chew. Contents
Still, as a responsible pet parent, you need to make sure your pup is protected. Here are four fantastic dog collars for sensitive necks.