Do collars cause discomfort for dogs?
A collar may be associated with maltreatment or agony for your dog, depending on his or her previous experiences. The use of a collar for restraint in any capacity may induce some discomfort around the neck, but most dogs become quickly familiarized with their collars and accept them as a normal part of life. For dogs that may have been mistreated prior to finding their forever homes though, these dogs may perceive their collar as a weapon for abusing them. Some collars can create anxiety in dogs, but this is often not the case.
When should you take the collar off of your dog?
Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and pets sometimes become separated from their owners. As a result, it’s essential to keep your dog’s collar on at all times, especially when walking him or her on a leash, moving houses, or traveling. However, there are several situations in which it is entirely okay (and even safe) to remove your dog’s collar.
Here are some occasions when you remove their collars:
When it’s time to go to bed, removing your dog’s collar after their last potty break of the day can provide a much-needed breath of fresh air to their fur and skin beneath the collar. If your pup moves around a lot at night, scratches, or shakes his head regularly, removing his collar may also help make the evening more peaceful for the human members of the home.
When your dog is out playing with other dogs, they may get somewhat rowdy when playing with one another. Allow your pup to enjoy his or her frolic (in a contained and monitored area) without his collar whenever feasible. This will reduce the likelihood that his collar may become entangled in another dog’s collar or limb.
Because every play place is unique, paying attention to the regulations in parks and other dog-friendly settings is essential. In many cases, dog collars are removed during group play, yet some dog parks mandate that your dog wear his collar and identification tags at all times.
When your dog is in its crate, even the finest collars risk becoming choking hazards if the identification tags were to become entangled in the bars of the crate. Along with that, when your dog scratches its neck, its leg may also become entangled in the collar, which can cause fractures or other leg damage in a confined area such as a crate.
What do dogs think when you take off their collar?
Excitement. Dogs learn by association and yours may have identified the collar as a trigger. This is called operant conditioning. For example, if you only remove his collar when you’re about to let him run free in the field, he’ll naturally learn to associate collar removal with that wonderful sense of freedom.
Dog Excessive Paw Licking: Stop It With Natural Recipe
Dogs and cats tend to instinctively lick their wounds, which can often do more harm than good, so keeping your pet from licking their wound is an important part of surgery aftercare. With access to the wound, your pet’s licking could delay healing, lead to infection, or even remove the stitches and reopen the wound.
To prevent licking, most veterinarians recommend your pet wear an Elizabethan collar (or E-collar) which is the classic, plastic cone collar, sometimes called the “cone of shame.” Though it is effective, an E-collar isn’t usually the preferred option for most pets because it’s stiff, bulky, and can be heavy, which causes discomfort and makes it more difficult to move around. This may cause your dog or cat to appear depressed, and some pets may even refuse to eat or drink.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to the “cone of shame,” including cones and collars that are more comfortable for your pet, as well as other tactics to prevent licking.
When purchasing any type of collar or cone, it’s important to choose the appropriate size for your pet, otherwise they may still be able to reach their wound with the collar on. It’s advised to try out a few options in advance, if possible, so you can find out what works best for your dog or cat. Here are some great alternative options to the plastic cone.
An inflatable collar is similar to an airplane pillow and prevents your pet from licking by greatly reducing the mobility of their head. These collars are lightweight, soft, and allow your dog or cat greater visibility than the traditional E-collar which blocks all of their peripheral vision. There are a number of inflatable collars available, such as the KONG Cloud Collar, the Protective Inflatable Cone Collar, and the Well & Good inflatable collar.
Similar to the traditional plastic E-Collar, a soft collar is made of fabric, which is quieter, more flexible, and ultimately more comfortable for your pet. The Comfy Cone is the most recognized brand, but there are other choices, like the E-KOMG, and various attractive collar designs by Alfie Pet, such as a sunflower and a lion’s mane.
Similar to a neck brace for humans, these pet collars for dogs and cats have a rigid plastic exterior and a soft, padded interior. When properly fitted, it prevents your pet’s neck from bending and only allows for lateral head rotating. One popular brand is the BiteNot collar which is available in seven sizes.
Another method to prevent licking is to cover the wound, rather than restricting the movements of your pet’s head. There are specialized recovery body suits you can purchase for dogs and cats, or you can use a t-shirt, onesie, or sock (for leg wounds) and medical tape to secure the fabric (but never apply tape directly to your pet’s fur).
Redirecting your pet’s attention away from their wound is another technique that can be used alone or in conjunction with one of the products mentioned above. Keep your dog busy with something safe to chew on, such as a carrot or a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or canned dog food (freezing it first will make it last even longer!). Puzzle toys are another great option for both cats and dogs. Simply fill them with dry food or treats and let your pet get to work trying to retrieve their tasty reward.
Want to make sure your pets are covered from those unexpected illnesses or injuries with no limits on payouts? Get a quote and make sure you’re covered for those dog and puppy mishaps and unpleasant surprises.
Stacy has always been an animal lover and has worked in the pet industry and pet insurance specifically for over a decade. As a writer since early childhood, content writing for Healthy Paws pet insurance was a natural career path to combine her two passions. She currently lives in Florida with her boyfriend and Taiwanese rescue dog, Kaya.