Dog Collar Comparison: Which Types Are Safe And Which Are Harmful.

Dog Collar Comparison: Which Types Are Safe And Which Are Harmful

Okay, so I just gotta share this wild story and some thoughts about dog collars because honestly, I never really thought too much about what kind of collar my dog wears until recently — and now? Wow, it’s a whole thing.

Like, who knew a simple collar could be either super safe or seriously dangerous?

So here’s the deal. A while back, my furry best bud had *two* near-strangulation accidents with different collars. Yeah... you read that right. This was not something I ever imagined would happen to us.

First off: picture this — we’re chillin’ outside grilling (because summer vibes), when suddenly we hear this huge banging noise inside the kitchen.

Naturally, I run in thinking someone broke in or there is chaos (which sometimes happens around here ‘cause Murphy's law). What do I find? Our sweet Destin with a whole metal floor vent literally stuck on his neck! No clue how he managed that but apparently his dog tag got caught between those slots on the vent cover.

I kid you not, he was jerking his head trying to get free while the vent clanged against walls and cabinets like some weird musical instrument gone wrong.

It was heartbreaking watching him trapped like that — poor guy scared out of his wits.

At first glance, I even thought maybe his tongue was caught or something worse because it reminded me of those nightmare stories where dogs hurt themselves by accident (like tongues getting shredded—ugh).

Turns out though it was just that dangly dog tag swiveling through one slot and then locking him in place when he pulled up his head again.

So yeah… dangling tags? They can actually be pretty dangerous if your pup gets curious about floor vents or little nooks and crannies.

Since then Destin is super hesitant about going near any floor register at all; even weeks later he's scared stiff of that spot—and honestly who could blame him after such an ordeal!

That experience alone made me rethink EVERYTHING about our dog's collar setup:

- Should tags dangle?

- What type of collar keeps them safe yet comfortable?

- How do accidents like these even happen?

But wait—it gets more intense because Destin also had another close call with a totally different collar type—the part nylon / part chain slip/Martingale combo thingy recommended by a trainer years ago.

This second incident happened when driving in our Jeep Wrangler one day (Destin buckled up for safety–yes an actual seatbelt harness which everyone should use!). Anyway—while glancing into the rearview mirror—I saw my poor dude frozen stiff looking panicked near the window frame.

Turns out *his metal collar loop* somehow snagged on one inch chunk of metal holding the soft top in place! Not sharp but jutted enough for his choke-chain style Martingale slip loop to catch firmly—and buddy started pulling hard struggling quietly to escape without making too much noise.

Had I not stopped immediately and loosened/removing that collar from around his neck he could’ve choked himself…!!! Literally terrifying moment I'd never want anyone else to experience with their fur baby!

After all that trauma—not gonna lie—I’m so grateful we switched permanently BACK to basic solid nylon snap buckle collars without loose chains or loops hanging anywhere AND ditched dangly tags for slide-on silent versions instead (*shoutout Pawnimals for making these awesome silicone slide-ons!*).

Anyway—the lessons learned are real:

1) Dangling ID tags aren’t always cute—they can pose strangulation risks.

2) Collars with open loops/chains might look good/train well but increase chances your pet will get stuck somewhere.

3) Always supervise dogs wearing certain types especially around hazards like vents/furniture/vehicles.

4) Invest time researching safest collars/styles rather than picking whatever looks trendy or cheap.

5) Harnesses can offer safer alternatives during walks/cars since pulling pressure spreads across chest instead of neck—but fit must be perfect!

6) Consider breakaway collars if leaving pup unattended alike indoors/outdoors as they’ll “pop” off under tension before choking occurs.

The last point particularly resonates because breaks away from high-risk situations preventing true emergencies—a comfort knowing they release without human intervention if caught somewhere unexpectedly...

All this info blew my mind! We tend to underestimate how many everyday household “normal things” can turn hazardous once mixed with popular pet gear designs—especially stuff resting right at our dog's eye/necks level.

Personally speaking now?

I only use flat nylon collars without extra rings/loose parts plus slide-on quiet ID tags neatly slid onto them—no jingling madness—that way no parts hang freely ready to grab anything unsuspecting nearby…

For walks/car rides—or hiking adventures where control matters more—I rely mainly on sturdy harnesses designed especially for no-pull function distributing loads along strong muscle groups—not stressing fragile windpipes…

It took two very scary incidents—including almost losing my dog—for me realize never take lightly which collar you put on beloved pets each day—even seemingly small details matter big time!

Honestly? Sometimes being a responsible dog parent means admitting "I didn’t know better" before learning painful lessons firsthand—but sharing those lessons hopefully helps others avoid similar heart-in-mouth moments altogether.

If nothing else please:

- Check your dog's gear carefully regularly

- Avoid choke/prong/shock collars known for causing pain/injury

- Don't let dangling IDs swing wildly unchecked

- Use breakaways/buckle releases wisely based on supervision level

Your pup depends completely on YOU—we owe them safety combined with comfort every single day ❤️

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Phew okay thanks for letting me ramble! Just wanted fellow dog lovers out there know how serious & overlooked choosing THE RIGHT COLLAR truly is beyond aesthetics/trends…

Hope y’all stay safe + happy walking your pups,

Sara (and anxious-but-happy-to-be-alive Destin 🐾)

Doggyq1

Dog Collar Comparison: Which Types Are Safe And Which Are Harmful.

Dog Collar Comparison: Which Types Are Safe And Which Are Harmful

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