Do vets recommend harnesses?
Rylan Dach
2025-06-28 19:33:14
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Harnesses on the other hand can be safer, secure, and more comfortable than collars. They are low risk for dogs to escape from and help to avoid damage to the delicate structures of the neck. Harnesses are generally well suited to dogs who suffer from cervical neck pain, as they distribute the pull force across a larger area of the dog’s body. If you like to go running with your dog, a harness is much safer than a collar as the risk of sudden stops or repetitive pulling during your run is significantly reduced. Personally, I use a harness for my smaller dogs, and a collar for my larger stronger dog.
Rasheed Hand
2025-06-18 01:43:21
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Yes, many veterinarians recommend harnesses over collars. This is particularly true for dogs with respiratory issues or breeds prone to tracheal collapse, such as pugs and bulldogs. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), harnesses reduce the risk of neck injuries that can occur with collars. Many trainers recommend dog harnesses as they provide more control during walks, all without putting unnecessary pressure on a dog's neck. Even the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) supports the use of harnesses for their comfort and effectiveness during training. Studies have shown that harnesses can minimise the risk of injury associated with collars, making them the preferred choice out of the two. Harnesses distribute pressure in an even way across a dog’s chest and shoulders, spreading out the pressure and reducing strain on the neck.
Caroline Kihn
2025-06-11 00:39:45
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To avoid painful eye problems: switch from a collar to a well-fitting harness. Nothing beats loose lead walking for reducing pressure from a collar, but we all know that not all dogs are perfect when they first start learning. My advice would be to buy the very best you can afford and think about your dog’s comfort rather than making a fashion statement. My own choice of harness is the Perfect Fit. It has a Y shaped front which means no pressure on the dog’s neck, biceps muscles or supraspinatas tendon. The Y shaped harness allows the dog to move freely. It’s super comfy for the dog and gives owners peace of mind. When a dog’s collar is too tight or jerked the pressure could damage the windpipe, the thyroid gland and the immune system enough to pose a very big risk to the dog’s health.
Gustave Carroll
2025-06-02 04:32:10
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Collars have known detriments to them. There’s nothing worse than when I see a dog choking on a collar, so detriments include nerve damage, increasing intraocular or eye pressure, as well as for dogs who have tracheal conditions. Pressing that trachea is so detrimental. So I can’t stress enough the importance of walking on a good harness. Dog necks are similar to that of humans. They house the trachea, thyroid gland, esophagus, jugular, lymph nodes, and spinal column. Because of this, using a collar can be extremely harmful because of all the pulling that causes pressure on the areas of the neck. High risk and potential injuries include Neck Injuries, Eye and ear problems which is another effect of pressure to the neck, Hypothyroidism, or inflammation of thyroid cells leading to the deficit of thyroid hormone, Nervous system complications, Heightened behavioral issues. Last thing you want to happen is a collapsing trachea for your dog. So if you haven’t made the switch to a harness from a collar, we understand that it’s a matter of dog parent preference, but we implore you to consider the long term effects and take the word of a veterinarian like Dr. Lisa.
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