There are so many decisions to make when bringing home a fur baby for the first time. One decision many people don’t think about beforehand is, do you purchase a collar or a harness? There isn’t a right or wrong answer to this question, because it’s a personal choice to make, but sometimes the pros outweigh the cons for your pet. It is important to research which option would work best for you and your pet!
Would A Collar Work Best?
Fun fact! Dog collars have been around for over 8,000 years. It is thought that the first dog collars came from ancient Mesopotamia, where decorating a collar became a sign of belonging to the upper-class. Dog collars started as a simple rope placed around the dogs’ neck, with a stick attached as a leash. They eventually evolved into becoming leather and fabric with ornate designs. Some were even made out of gold to prove status and wealthiness.
Dog collars are generally easier to get onto your pet, which is why most people choose a collar when bringing their first fur baby home. There’s certainly less stress involved while potty training your pet, due to the ability to easily attach the collar. A collar also easily displays your pets’ ID tag. Most dog collars come with a ring to easily place an ID tag and a vaccination tag, keeping your fur baby safe and sound at all times!
Some think of a dog collar as the easier choice because you can just leave it on your puppy or dog all the time. There are others who believe a dog should wear nothing while indoors. Indoor accidents can easily occur if a puppy or dog has a collar on at all times. Collars can also attach to a window latch or something else in your home, becoming hazardous if the pup or dog is out of sight.
Would A Harness Work Best?
A fun fact about the dog harness, is that it has been around for more than 10,000 years, dating back to when dogs were bred for pulling sleds. A harness puts less pressure on your fur baby’s neck because it doesn’t strain your pets’ throat if they pull during a walk or run. If your pet is a “puller” you will want to choose a harness because there is a lower chance of any neck or back injury. Harnesses can be tricky to put your pet, so they will have to be more patient than they would when putting on a collar.
If your dogs’ breed tends to have breathing or tracheal problems (dogs with flatter faces like bulldogs), then a harness will definitely be a better choice. There are also certain breeds that are known for having spinal issues (dogs with a longer body, like the dachshund). In these cases, a harness would also work best because it relieves pressure off the spine. Larger and older dogs that may have osteoporosis or other bone issues, will also benefit from the use of a harness. A harness provides more support for their bodies, unlike a collar. A harness also gives more support in lifting them up from a sitting or laying-down position, without putting pressure on their necks.
Ask for Help!
If you are thinking about welcoming a new pet, or reconsidering whether to use a collar or a harness, you can always ask for help! At Cherrelyn Animal Hospital, we are always here to answer any question regarding your pets’ well-being. We are more than happy to go over the pros and cons of buying a collar or harness! We can help you figure out which choice would work best for your fur baby! Feel free to contact us at (303) 532-1258, or visit our website for more information!
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