How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be? Worrying Signs, Measuring & FAQs
Dog collars play a significant role in keeping your pup safe. It is one thing that your dog needs to be wearing every time they are leaving your home. Most dog owners leave collars on their dogs 24 hours a day and seven days a week for an added sense of security.
Even the best-trained pups have their rebellious side; that’s why it is so crucial to invest in an ideal dog collar that will keep them contained. New dog owners often find themselves on the fence with this topic and often wonder how tight should a dog collar be.
There is a fine line between making the dog collar too snug and too loose. The collar should just be tight enough to alleviate the chances of your furry mate wriggling their way out of it, but loose enough not to hurt them or cause injuries.
Thankfully, the world of dog collars is not a difficult one to understand. From choosing the most suitable collar for your dog to figuring out the perfect size, this guide is your one-stop solution for all dog collar-related concerns.
How to Find the Right Fit for Your Dog’s Collar?
Before buying your dog’s collar, you should take accurate measurements to be sure that it is best suited for your pup. Remember that all dogs are not created equal. Even dogs of a similar breed can have varying neck measurements because of their lifestyle, age, and weight.
Having the right measurements will show how tight a dog collar should be. They will give you a collar that is a good fit and will hopefully last you a while. To ensure your pup never experiences any collar-related injuries, follow these helpful steps:
Use a Soft Measuring Tape
Using a soft and flexible measuring tape will allow you to wrap the tape around your dog’s neck for more accurate results. It makes sense to measure more than once at various points along your dog’s neck.
Measure the Base of Your Dog’s Neck
The dog collar will fit most naturally and comfortably at the base of the dog’s neck, close to the shoulders. Be sure to measure the lower neck to guarantee an appropriate fit.
Consult a Sizing Chart
Once you have accurate measurements, follow a sizing chart to narrow down the most suitable collars, the best style for your dog, and of course the appropriate size.
The Two-Finger Trick
The two-finger trick is often used to determine how tight a dog collar should be. Once you have your collar, wrap it around your pup’s neck and ensure that it’s secured so that it leaves enough space to move around. Be careful that the collar is not pressing on your pup’s throat.
Next, slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. The collar should feel snug, but you should not have to force your two fingers under the collar to make it impossible to perform the test.
Finally, slide the collar up to determine if it can easily slip over your dog’s head. If your pup’s collar makes it past the ears, you should tighten it a bit.
How Do You Know if Your Dog’s Collar is Too Tight?
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your dog is wearing a collar that is too tight. Here we have outlined a few easy-to-read signs of your canine companion’s collar-related discomfort. These include:
Coughing
One sign that a collar is fitting too tight is a coughing dog. If the collar is too snug, your dog may cough to help relieve that pressure their feeling on their necks and throats. If your dog is coughing with no evidence of any obstruction or illness, be sure to check its collar right away and loosen it up a bit.
Sluggishness and Shortness of Breath
A tight dog collar can restrict the airways limiting the amount of oxygen available for your dog. As a result, your dog may show signs of tiredness, difficulty breathing, and maybe even throw up.
Fur Loss and Chafing
If you notice fur loss or chafing from a tight collar rubbing on your dog’s neck, check to see if it needs loosening. If ignored, your pup can develop discomfort and infection.
How Do You Know if Your Dog’s Collar is Too Loose?
This may seem obvious, but if the collar slips off of your dog’s head, it’s too loose. Many dog owners think that a loose collar is safer and cannot harm their pets. While a dog collar that is too tight may cause various issues like those mentioned above, a collar that is too loose can also create problems.
A loose collar can be unsafe when you are in public with your dog. They can easily slip out of their collar, making your leash useless, and get into dangerous situations.
Loose collars can also cause skin irritation because they move around so much. You can avoid these issues by following the measurement procedures provided or the two-finger rule, keeping your dog safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Collars
Pet owners should be cautious when choosing the right collar and placing it on their canine companions. It is understandable for a new pet parent to have several questions about how tight a dog collar should be and other related topics. In this post, we have provided you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
How Tight Should I Make A Dog Harness?
A dog harness is designed to fit snug. If you are worried about properly securing a harness, following the two-finger rule is your best bet.
The harness is required to fit tight to minimize the chances of your furry mate wriggling out of it yet loose enough to slide two fingers in for a snug feel. The ring you will use to clip on the leash should be centered on your dog’s chest.
A harness is a good alternative for dog owners who worry about causing harm through the use of a collar with a leash. A harness provides control and safety while avoiding any pressure on your dog’s throat.
How Can I Tell If a Collar is Fitted Correctly?
Once you have secured the collar onto your pup, slide two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar. The fit should feel snug. If you find you have to adjust the dog collar, don’t worry. The adjustable collar strap makes it easy to tighten or loosen the fit.
Does My Dog Need to Wear Its Collar 24/7?
Most dog owners will only take their dog’s collar off when it’s time for grooming. This is for added security because you never know when your pup will try to escape. If they manage to escape your home and run away, the chances of reuniting with your pet are higher if they are wearing a collar with identification tags.
What About the Width of my Dog’s Collar?
The tightness of a dog’s collar is not all that matters. If the collar is too wide, it can cause uncomfortable skin irritation.
Our advice is to go with the recommended width (which is up to 1.5 inches) based on the dog’s size and weight. Getting the right width determines the comfort of the collar. If you have a large dog breed, you will need to go with a wider collar.
What if My Dog is Fluffy?
If you have a fluffy dog getting the ideal collar can be a little tricky. You do not want it too loose or too tight, but the fluffy fur can make it challenging to get an accurate measurement. Try measuring just under the coat without pressing against the dog’s skin. It should feel snug but not too tight.
Final Thoughts
If you choose to become a dog owner, you accept a wide range of responsibilities. One of which is ensuring that your dog is comfortable. Asking yourself how tight should a dog collar be will ensure that you do your homework to guarantee an ideal fit.
You just need to use a textile measuring tape to take measurements of the dog’s neck, purchase the accurate size, and ensure you can fit two fingers between your pup’s neck and the collar. You do not have to overcomplicate the process and the greatest reward will be a safe and happy dog!