Ask any pet owner and they will tell you that their furry friends are just as beloved and important to them as any other member of the family. Comfort and care is something that we all deserve, and our wonderful dogs are no exception!
For many dog parents out there, one particular issue that does pose a risk to comfort is the range of collar related skin irritations that can occur over time. It’s so important to address and nip these in the bud at the earliest opportunity, and don’t worry, we’ve got all the information that you need to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy and safe from dog collar irritation!
Can Dog Collars Irritate Skin? - Common Causes of Collar Related Irritations
When it comes to collar related irritations, things get simpler if you break the issue down into three main sections. These are material sensitivities, allergies and the general situation of fit. Let’s take a closer look at each category to make sure you are as clued up as you need to be.
Material Sensitivities
It is very much the case that not all fabrics are created equal, both in human clothing and in dog accessories! The likes of synthetic fabrics, chemically treated leather and hardware that has been nickel plated are all leading factors in causing skin irritations and unleashing allergies on your pup’s precious skin/fur. This happens when the materials aren't breathable and trap heat and moisture.
Allergies
Can dog collars cause itching? Yes, absolutely. Collars that have been treated with various chemical dyes and preservatives can definitely lead to allergies. Accessories on the cheaper end of the market will almost always contain levels of toxins and synthetic dye that can cause itching, rashes and redness to dog skin. Any poorer quality products that also contain adhesives in bonding layers can also cause irritation, especially if your usual conditions are wet or humid.
Friction, Moisture and Tight Fit
Just like any item of clothing that you might wear, if your dog’s collar is too tight, it is going to chafe. In extreme cases, it can even cut into the skin and create lots of painful friction. This issue becomes even more of a problem when your dog gets into their usual wet situations, we’re talking puddles, rain and streams that can promote hotspots and bacterial infections.
Symptoms To Watch For
Some of the clearest and most common signs that your pup’s collar is causing irritation that needs fixing include the following. It might not be a case of ticking all the boxes, but you will definitely notice at least two or three if their collar is causing them a problem.
- Discoloration/redness around the neck.
- Increased activity of scratching or biting around their collar area.
- Noticeable bald patches or hair loss around the collar.
- Any new rashes, swelling or scabs.
- Any noticeable unpleasant smells that could be the result of a bacterial infection.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your own fur baby, it’s always the best idea to consult your vet ASAP. That way, even if you find that it isn’t your chosen collar that is causing the issues, you will still be in the right place to get the correct treatment for your precious pup!
Prevention Tips
We have all heard the phrase ‘prevention is the best cure’ before, and that is because it simply is true! There are a bunch of tips that you can follow to try and make sure that you never have to deal with any collar related pain or irritation for your own pets. Here are five of the ones that we think are most important.
Opt For Natural Materials
The best option in this department is to go for vegetable tanned leather. This fantastic material is breathable, resulting in hypoallergenic dog collars that are completely free of the nasty harsh chemicals we have already been discussing. It’s a real game changer in the world of dog collars and accessories.
Pair With Solid Brass Hardware
Solid brass hardware is like the Rolls Royce of doggy accessory metal choices, you just can’t get better! It is rust resistant and boasts non reactive properties that help to prevent allergies developing. Vegetable tanned leather and solid brass are a match made in doggy style heaven!
Ensure A Proper Fit
As we said (and as we are sure you already know!), collars that are too tight are likely to chafe and cut into your pup’s skin. And on the other end of the spectrum, collars that are too loose can start to rub excessively and cause unwanted friction. Take a Goldilocks approach to your collar fitting and make sure it’s just right! In general, you should be allowing for two fingers to be able to fit comfortably between your dog’s neck and the collar.
Clean Regularly
It is absolutely essential to clean your dog collars on a regular basis in order to remove all of the sweat, dirt and bacteria that will build up over time. The good news is that it isn't a difficult task. All you need to do is mix up a batch of mild soap and warm water and give the collar a good scrub. It’s important to allow it to completely before putting it back on your pup.
Alternative Materials
You might also want to experiment with some of the better alternative materials out there. Our favourite in this category is Biothane, a synthetic alternative option that is both waterproof and hypoallergenic. Of course, though, we firmly believe that vegetable tanned leather is by far the superior choice in this arena!
Materials and Metals to Avoid
Keep these pointers in mind when thinking about what materials and metals you should be avoiding at all costs.
- Any nickel plated hardware, as this is super prone to rust and allergy encouragement.
- Synthetic fabrics that don’t allow for breathability, trapping moisture and causing painful chafing.
- Any leather that has been chemically treated and might contain harmful toxins and dyes.
- Buckles that are made out of plastic, simply for the fact that they can easily break and their sharp edges can lead to injury.
Why Vegetable Tanned Leather Is Ideal
It’s worth repeating, vegetable tanned leather really is the cream of the crop when it comes to materials that are going to give your dog the best and safest collar experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons why this is the case.
Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial Properties
The secret here is that vegetable tanned leather used plant based tannins in its manufacture, rather than chemicals. This is the main way that it can ensure a gentle experience for sensitive pup skin. The additional benefit of antibacterial properties helps to reduce the risk of any infections developing, as well as keeping away many of the pesky odors we all hate!
Eco-Friendly
Unlike all of the chemically treated leather options, vegetable tanned leather is actually a biodegradable product. It is made using sustainable methods, which makes it not only the most stylish but also the most environmentally friendly option!
Durable and Flexible
Another great bonus of vegetable tanned leather is the fact that it softens very nicely over time, becoming more and more comfortable with each use whilst still managing to retain its original strength. It essentially has the ability to mould to your dog’s neck, achieving the absolute perfect fit.
Stylish and Timeless
The bottom line here is that, amazingly, vegetable tanned leather collars are equally as elegant and stylish as they are functional! When paired with solid brassware especially, you simply cannot beat the timeless sophistication that the combo gives any dog, whether small, medium or large! The timeless quality is especially great when you want to invest in accessories that are going to last for years. There really is no question when it comes to a balance of practicality and style. Vegetable tanned leather all the way!
Check Out The Lille Björn
So, now that you know all of the most important facts about dog collars and what you should be looking for, all that is left to do is browse until you find the perfect fit for you and your canine companion!
Allow us to guide you towards the collection of beautiful, handcrafted leather dog collars and accessories that we have at The Lille Björn, including all of the fantastic vegetable tanned leather and solid brass hardware that we have been speaking so highly of.
Head over to our website to explore the full collection at your own leisure, we are absolutely confident that you will find exactly what you have been looking for.
We think that your doggy deserves the absolute best comfort and sustained health as possible, and a small but important thing to check off the list to achieve just that, is hooking them up with the perfect collar that will help them rather than hinder them!