Safety With Breakaway Collars
A lot of people buy collars simply based on looks and aesthetics, but it is important to choose the right type of collar for your dog.
Do you plan on having your dog wear a collar all the time? Use it for walks? Or simply to hold their tags? Do you not want them to wear a collar at all unless out of the house? A lot to consider, but let me help with some of the decision making to make it less overwhelming.
One thing I can say with certainty is, if you plan on keeping a collar on your dog at all times, I cannot urge you enough to have that be a breakaway collar (https://amzn.to/45NO0cp)! A safety risk many people don’t consider is the risk of your dog’s collar getting stuck on something at home while unsupervised, and choking to death. It’s sadly more common than I’d like it to be true. A breakaway collar, when used properly, should pop off of your dog when tugged on or snagged.
An important note if you choose to have your dog in a collar at all times, is to NEVER walk your dog with the leash attached to a breakaway collar. One swift tug and your dog is loose off leash.
You might wonder, “why even have my dog wear a collar at home if I need a different kind for home and when we’re out?”. Valid question!
My dog personally doesn't wear a collar when he’s at home, and we just use his Fi GPS Tracking Collar (https://amzn.to/4tWSs1P) when he’s out. BUT that’s because he doesn’t have outside access while he’s home alone. If I were leaving him outside or with outside access, I would want him to have a collar on with all his tags and information in case he escapes, digs his way under the fence, mailman leaves the fence unlatched, or any other scenario where he could get out. Therefore, I would be leaving him with a breakaway collar so that he has all his information on him, but also lower the risk of getting strangled by his collar.
For cats, same thing! If they’re wearing a collar, it really should be a breakaway collar (https://amzn.to/4cdAW3w). Cats are natural climbers and explorers, which means a regular collar can potentially become caught on a branch, fence, or other object. A breakaway collar is designed to pop open if the cat becomes trapped, allowing them to get free rather than remaining caught in their collar.
This doesn't mean a breakaway collar is completely risk-free, so a couple details to be aware of. Proper fit is still important, and collars should be checked regularly for damage and to make sure they're not too tight or too loose. A collar can also come off when the breakaway mechanism does its job, so microchipping your dog or cat is still an important backup for identification!
So, if you're considering a breakaway collar, think about what your pet will be doing while wearing it. For cats, a properly fitted breakaway collar can be an excellent safety choice. For dogs, it can be useful for everyday wear, but you'll generally want a secure collar or harness designed for leash walking when you're heading out.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you!