May 2020 - Page 2 of 2

5 Best Dog Foods For Less Poop

11th May 202014th March 2022 Rover Leave a comment

One of the necessary facets of dog ownership is cleaning up after your pooch. You can pick up less by feeding your pet one of the best dog foods for less poop.

Having a dog as a pet is wonderful! You want to do the very best you can for them by taking care of their needs to the best of your ability.

Being on poop patrol is a given. If you use the right dog food, such as Whole Earth Farm dry dog food, you will spend less time picking up after your dog, and you will have less poop to dispose of.

By using a portion of particular dog food, such as the ones we have reviewed in this article, you can reduce the waste that you have to clean up.

Dog Foods	Dry Food	Grain Free	Our Rating
Whole Earth	Yes	Yes	4.9
Hill's Science	Yes	No	4.8
Wellness	Yes	Yes	4.7
Honest Kitchen	Yes	Yes	4.7
Stella & Chewy	Yes	Yes	4.7

Here Are Our Top 5 Best Dog Foods For Less Poop:

Whole Earth Farms

Whole Earth Farms is a subsidiary of Merrick Pet Care and has been producing pet products for over 11 years. All of their products are manufactured in the United States.

This gives you confidence in the quality control over ingredients in their dog food. Whole Earth makes products using wholesome, natural ingredients.

Having several formulas, each one starts with a premium animal protein, followed by carbohydrates. This particular variety contains protein-rich pork, beef, and lamb.

It is a product that has no corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-products. This formula blend has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Your dog will love the addition of dried blueberries, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

The natural ingredients help to support easier digestibility. It will also promote a shinier coat with less shedding.

The protein in the Whole Earth Farms dog food will help to build stronger nails and healthier skin.

Whole Earth Farms Grain Free dry dog food with pork, beef, and lamb contains:

Crude protein 26%
14% of Crude Fat
Crude fiber 3.5%
Moisture 11%

Check on Amazon Check on Chewy

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin, dry dog food, works to promote both digestive health and improve sensitive skin.

Formulated with proteins and carbohydrates that are easy to digest, this dry dog food will be easy on your dog’s stomach.

This kibble contains less protein than other types of dry dog food, so it helps reduce any kind of allergy flare-up. It also includes a variety of essential nutrients, including omega-six fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, and E.

Hill’s Science Diet is free of artificial colors, dyes, and preservatives. Made in the United States, Science Diet is backed by Hill’s satisfaction guarantee.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Skin dry dog food contains:

Crude protein 21%
12% of Crude Fat
Crude fiber 4%
Moisture 10%

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Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free dry dog food with turkey and chicken is a natural formula for adult dogs made with ingredients that will help to support their health.

This product is fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. An essential aid to digestion, this dog food contains probiotics, which will make it easy on your pet’s stomach.

Promoting a healthy coat and skin, the fish and flax omega blend will work well to keep your dog’s coat in good shape.

Broccoli, kale, spinach, and parsley are also a part of the nutrient-rich ingredients. Turkey and chicken provide the needed protein and contain no meat by-products.

This grain-free formula has no wheat, corn, or soy. Made in the United States, you can buy with confidence.

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Turkey and Chicken contains:

Crude protein 34%
16% of Crude Fat
Crude fiber 4%
Moisture 10%

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The Honest Kitchen Human Grade

The Honest Kitchen Whole grain chicken dog food is made with free-range chicken. The dog food is dehydrated for maximum nutrition.

This formula is excellent for all stages of a dog’s life from puppyhood to adult. Adhering to the very rigorous standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Honest Kitchen recipe meets the human-grade quality for food…but it is definitely for dogs only. The “grade” shows you just how seriously they take the quality of the ingredients.

Their products are only dehydrated; they do not offer kibbles or canned foods. Ingredients are simmered over low heat that gently draws out the moisture.

The advantage of the process illuminates the need for preservatives. It also preserves the nutritional content of the raw ingredients.

Dehydration also makes the food very compact. A 10-pound box will produce 40 pounds of food.

All you need to rehydrate the dog food is to add water, stir, and let it sit for three minutes. It will then be ready to serve to your pooch.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic contains:

Crude protein 24.5%
14% of Crude Fat
Crude fiber 4%
Moisture 8%

Check on Amazon Check on Chewy

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw patties are made starting with 85%, or more, beef. Not only that, but the beef is also always grass-fed.

Stella & Chewy’s feel that dogs should eat as their ancestors did in the wild. Besides the beef, the dinner patties also contain organs and bone, just as they would have in nature.

Organic fruits and vegetables round out the patties that never contain hormones, grains, or fillers.

Natural oils, omega fatty acids, and minimal processing of Stella & Chewy’s patties help to provide healthy skin and coat for your dog.

Made in the U.S., the patties are made in small batches and freeze-dried. The handy thing about the patties is that they do not need to be refrigerated or rehydrated.

The patties can be served whole or broken into pieces.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties contain:

Crude protein 44%
35% of Crude Fat
Crude fiber 5%
Moisture 5%

Check on Amazon Check on Chewy

How Much Is Too Much?

The diet that your dog eats has a lot to do with how much waste they generate. It is essential to choose a food that creates less waste but not to make it easier for you.

While less poop may be a happy benefit, that is not a reason to choose that type of food. A large amount of waste generated by your dog indicates that your pooch is not digesting the ingredients in the dog food.

So the volume of your pet’s stool is directly related to the amount of digestive material in the food itself. Your pet needs some amount of indigestible fiber as it helps to clean out the digestive tract.

However, if too much of what your dog is eating goes in one end and comes out the other, you might want to look into switching their food.

According to studies on a dog’s digestive systems, the researchers have stated that dogs are descended from the wolves of thousands of years ago.

The pets of today have not had many changes in their digestive process or dietary needs. Given that information, it makes sense to provide your dog with a diet that resembles a wolf’s diet.

That diet consisted of meat, bones, and a small amount of plant material. When a dog eats a diet that his body is designed for, then he will have used that food more efficiently and have less waste.

A Balanced Kibble

Most of what a wolf ate was raw, which is not always practical (or affordable) in today’s world. The majority of dogs today have a diet of dry kibble and canned food to a lesser degree.

If you choose a higher quality kibble that is grain-free, it will have fewer fillers that just pass through your dog’s system.

If a kibble has higher protein, then there will be less waste, and your dog’s stool will be more solid. At the same time, it is important to have a balanced kibble.

If the food has too much protein and not enough moisture, the food can give your dog constipation or the opposite…a loose stool.

What To Watch For

Some pet owners may think of poop patrol as just a stinky part of pet ownership, and it is.

However, it is a critical aspect of owning a pet, and the process should be one that you pay careful attention to.

The state of your dog’s stool has a story to tell, and it one you should listen to. The color and consistency of your dog’s stool can tell you what is going on inside his intestinal tract.

It will help alert you to a potential problem that might need your vet’s attention. Some differences in your dog’s stool from time to time is typical.

Knowing what your dog’s stool looks like regularly will alert you when it changes.

In general, here are some things to look for.

Normal:

You want to see chocolate-colored poop that has a consistency much like Play-Doh. It will be firm and have a mild odor.

Not normal:

If the amount of stool that your dog produces is not proportionate to the amount they are being fed and if it smells awful.

This might occur if the food the dog is ingesting is of low quality. If you think that your dog would do better on a different product, consult with your vet before doing so.

Switching foods, even when it is to a better product, can be hard on a pooches stomach. It is recommended that the switch is gradual.

For example, use a ratio of 25/75 when introducing a new food. If your dog gets one cup of food, make it a ¼ cup of the new food combined with ¾ of the old food.

Do this for a week. The following week use a 50/50 ratio. The third week will have a 75/25 ratio. The fourth week will have your pet eating new food exclusively.

Again, talk to your vet before you switch and follow their recommendations.

Loose Stools:

Much like a toddler, your dog will put most anything in their mouth and eat things that they should not.

Some dogs will get into the garbage when you are not looking or find delightful and forbidden things to eat while on their walk.

Usually, these deviations that might cause loose stools or diarrhea will clear up once the items pass through their digestive systems, and their stool should return to normal.

If this is not the case, diarrhea could be a sign that your dog might need to see your vet. If diarrhea does not clear up in a few days, be sure to take them in for a check-up.

When your dog has diarrhea, they are not absorbing nutrients into their digestive system, and they can also get dehydrated quickly, so don’t let this go on for more than a few days.

Small and Hard

If your pet has small and rock-like stools, it could be a sign that the dog is constipated.

It might be a sign that your pet is overeating insoluble fiber (found in vegetables) or that they are not drinking enough liquids. Often the ingredients that are found in low-quality

kibble can have the same effect. Another factor that contributes to constipation is if you have a long-haired dog who licks themselves a lot.

The ingested fur can cause their digestive system to clog up. If your pet ate something around the house like a piece of fabric or part of a stuffed toy, that could also cause a blockage.

If your pet goes more than a day or two being constipated, get them to your vet for a check-up.

The stool is coated in mucus.

Dogs have a natural occurring mucus in their colon that is designed to lubricate and help stools pass easier.

There are times when you will be able to see this mucus on the stool. This is normal and might indicate that there was a self-resolving issue.

If the presence of mucus is a regular thing, this is another time to check with your vet to make sure this is not an indication of inflammation in the dog’s intestinal tract.

Color

As mentioned before, you are looking for the stool to be a chocolate brown. Therefore if your pet’s stool is another color and there is no clear indication why it is again time to consult your vet.

If the stool is green, that could be a gallbladder issue. Black could indicate blood in the stool, and a yellowy-orange might signal something amiss with the liver.

Gray stools could indicate pancreas problems. If you see turquoise or blue-green stools, it could be that your dog has ingested rat poison, and this would need the immediate attention of your vet.

If you have any doubts or see a significant change in your pet’s stool, get them to your vet to have it checked out.

AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is a non-profit organization that sets standards for both animal and pet feeds in the United States.

You will see that some dog food bags will say “complete and balanced” on the package. To do so, they have to meet the nutritional standards that have been set by AAFCO.

All of the dog food reviews in this article are certified by AAFCO as complete and balanced.

To say that a standard is adequate, the AAFCO uses two nutrient profiles that are based on a dog’s stage in life.

They are:

Adult maintenance

Growth and reproduction

The AAFCO nutrient profile symbol can be found at the end of each recipe and enclosed in brackets, as shown in the chart below.

Symbol	AAFCO Guideline
[A]	All Life Stages
[M]	Adult Maintenance
[G]	Growth and Reproduction
[S]	Supplemental Feeding Only
[U]	Unspecified on Product’s Webpage

A dog food company must have its claims about its food profiles validated by the AAFCO to have the certification on its label. AAFCO approved the claims in two ways. The first is a nutrient content analysis, and the second is feeding trials.

If a dog food cannot meet either of the profiles, the company must state on the label that “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.”

Nevertheless, if a dog food claims that their food is suitable for “all stages of life,” the food must have met both adult maintenance and growth and reproduction trials of the AAFCO.

In Conclusion

We love our dogs! They give us so much joy, unconditional love, and companionship. Your pet is another member of your family, and you take the very best care of them.

Part of that care is the food that you give them and the attention you pay to their stools. Feeding your pet dog food, like Whole Earth Farms that generates less poop, makes good sense.

It is not just less picking up for you; it is that you are assured that your dog is getting all the nutrients from their food that they should and that they will be healthier for it.

Showing your love for your dog by feeding them the right food is reciprocating all the love and joy that they give you.

How To Stop Dog Licking Wounds

10th May 202017th September 2020 Rover Leave a comment

Wound licking in both humans and animals is an instinctive response to injuries. Cats, rodents, dogs, and all primates prefer licking their wounds as a means of easing pain. There is a popular belief that that animal saliva, especially from man’s best friend, has a number of healing properties.

This belief dates back to ancient Egypt where it was believed that being licked by a dog helped to heal lesions and sores. But why do dogs love to lick wounds? Is licking wounds bad or good? Should it be encouraged or discouraged? How do you stop it?

Why Do Dogs Lick Wounds?

The first thing instinct that animals and people respond to after an injury is trying to ease the pain or discomfort. Just like humans rub their heads after hitting it against a hard object, dogs lick their wounds; the sensation caused by licking prevents them from feeling pain and soreness.

Besides, a dog’s saliva is comprised of valuable properties that essentially keep the wound clean and also encourages blood clotting, which is a critical step in healing.

Why Do Dogs Lick Human Wounds?

Dogs are also known to lick cuts and grazes among other wounds on a human body. This is triggered by affection and their presumed duty to care for their owners.

Just like their mother licked their wounds when they were puppies, dogs will attempt to ease your discomfort by licking your injuries. It is also an instinctive response for dogs and other animals to tend to wounds hastily after an injury.

A dog’s mouth carries different types of bacteria that can get to your wounds through licking. These bacteria can cause infections, which might ultimately necessitate amputation especially if they spread. Also, bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pasteurella have been known to cause catastrophic infections and threats to human life.

Is Dog Licking Wounds Good or Bad?

Unlike wild dogs that devote most of their time to searching for food and running from predators, domesticated pooches have a lot of free time, and they can spend an entire day tending to their injuries.

Too much licking, however, worsens the wounds and thus prompts more licking. It can also open up closed wounds and break down stitches, which might leave the wounds vulnerable to infection. Also, compulsive licking of wounds in dogs can lead to stress and anxiety. Hence, you should stop the habit before it deteriorates.

How Can You Stop a Dog from Licking Wounds?

It is considerably easy to stop your dog from licking your wounds. For instance, you may begin by covering your injuries appropriately and also consistently train your pooch to deter them from licking.

You can also leave the room every time your dog tries to lick you, which will eventually encourage them to stop.

It is, however, harder to stop a dog from licking their own wounds, particularly because it is quite impossible to supervise them throughout the day and night. Some people use bandages, inflatable collars, or Elizabethan collars to prevent their dogs from getting to the wound.

You can also use distraction techniques such as lots of play, training, and walks to keep the tongues and paws busy. For instance, you can use a buster cube filled with biscuits that fall out gradually every time the dog hits it.

Licking wounds in dogs is an impulsive action that essentially helps to keep them clean. As much as licking helps to keep the wound fresh while easing the discomfort caused by injuries, allowing your dog to lick their wounds excessively has dire consequences.

This is because it can lead to the spread of dangerous bacteria in the human bloodstream. Also, it causes compulsive behavior in dogs in addition to leaving wounds vulnerable to infections.

5 Best Outdoor Dog Kennels

10th May 202014th March 2022 Rover Leave a comment

Chances are, your dog loves spending time outside enjoying the sunshine. However, if your dog is going to be outside for an extended period of time, you need to make sure they will be able to stay safe and comfortable with an outdoor dog kennel.

The best outdoor dog kennel is the Advantek Original Pet Gazebo, which comes in different sizes and is easy to install. It can even be configured to suit multiple dogs.

An outdoor dog kennel comes in a range of different styles to suit your home. Clearly a random cage will not look too great. Paying the extra for a nicely designed kennel will prevent it from being such an eyesore in your garden.

Best Outdoor Dog Kennels

Outdoor Dog Kennel	Style	Sizes
Advantek Gazebo	Octagon	4
PawHut	Rectangular	2
Neocraft Companion	Hexagonal	3
Lucky Dog Uptown	Rectangular	3
Lucky Dog Modular	Rectangular	3

Providing your dog with an outdoor area where they do not need to be constantly supervised is a worthwhile investment. If you are going to leave them for long periods during the day, providing them with an outdoor area will ensure they can stretch their legs, use the toilet and get fresh air.

Without a wireless dog fence system, it is virtually impossible to ensure your dog is staying within their designated area and not running away without your knowledge.

An outdoor dog kennel is the best way to keep your dog safe while still giving them space to play and relax. Below is a list of the best outdoor dog kennels that provide a safe and secure area for your dog.

Advantek: The Original Pet Gazebo

The Advantek Pet Gazebo is a very functional and well-designed outdoor dog kennel. It is the best outdoor dog kennel because of its unique design and because of the comfort it provides your dog while they’re outdoors.

It is very safe, with a secure latching window, as well as a weatherproof polyurethane roof that will keep your pet safe from the rain or sun.

The Advantek Pet Gazebo comes in 4 different sizes and 4 different color selections. The octagonal design provides plenty of room for your pet to get comfortable while they’re outdoors.

You can even buy multiple Pet Gazebos and connect them, so multiple dogs can hang out and interact with each other while still having their own space. These kennels can be assembled very quickly with no extra parts or tools, so you can take them with you on the go and set them up anywhere.

The Advantek brand also sells many accessories that go with the gazebos to enhance your pet’s experience. Overall, the Advantek Pet Gazebo provides the best outdoor dog kennel experience for you and your dog.

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PawHut Outdoor Covered Dog Box Kennel

The PawHut Outdoor Covered Dog Box Kennel provides a huge amount of space and security for your dog. It’s a good large dog kennel because it is expandable. You can also make it larger as your dog continues to grow or if you add a new pet to the family. The dimensions allow your dog to run around and play in a safe area.

The PawHut Outdoor Covered Dog Box Kennel is also very safe and durable. It is made with durable steel that won’t bend or break with wear and tear and comes with a waterproof and UV resistant tarp roof. This will keep your pet comfortable no matter what the weather, and it stays in place with elastic cords.

The roof is also pitched to allow water and debris to run off the side instead of collecting on the top. While there is some assembly required with this kennel, it’s very light and easy to move around. In general, the PawHut Outdoor Covered Dog Box Kennel is a good choice for large dog owners.

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NeoCraft Companion Kennel

This is the best outdoor dog kennel for those on a budget. It’s a great outdoor dog kennel because it is very quick and easy to set up – all you have to do is unfold the panels and attach them to create the hexagonal crate.

It also comes with a durable canopy that protects your dog from the elements. The sides are made with a durable metal frame, but are still light enough to carry around easily, and allow your dog to look out comfortably.

The NeoCraft Companion Kennel is an amazing choice for those on the go, because it folds down flat, making it easy to carry. It can be purchased with a carrying case for even more convenience. It comes in multiple sizes to suit many different sizes of dogs.

Overall, this kennel provides the best value for money because it’s durable, but still easy to carry around and set up. There are only three sizes, so be sure to choose the one suitable for the size of your dog.

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Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel

This kennel is an excellent large dog kennel that will keep your dog safe and comfortable while they spend time outside. It comes in three different size configurations, with heights as tall as six feet to suit larger dogs. The Lucky Dog Uptown kennel is also incredibly durable and designed to last for years, so you can take it anywhere and use it frequently without worrying about wear and tear.

It’s made from a tough steel frame and comes with a thick roof cover that’s totally waterproof, so your pet will stay dry outside. It uses elastic cords to attach to the frame, so it stays on tight and secure, and the cover is made with UV protection as well to prevent sun damage.

The Lucky Dog Uptown Kennel is very easy to set up and use. It doesn’t require any extra tools to set up and has a secure latch that swings open easily when necessary. All you have to do to assemble the kennel is clamp the sides together using their built-on clamps and it will be set up and ready for your dog.

The kennel is also very easy to clean because it has raised legs that allow you to sweep it out without opening or deconstructing the kennel. The one potential downside to the Lucky Dog Uptown Kennel is that the durable parts are also quite heavy, so it could be difficult to carry around. However, it still is an excellent choice for large dog owners.

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Lucky Dog Modular Box Kennel

This is another kennel by the Lucky Dog brand that is excellent for larger dogs. This kennel works well because it has large dimensions and plenty of room for your dog to move around. Instead of the curved, waterproof roof of the Uptown kennel, the Modular Box kennel has a flat roof. The roof is not as waterproof as the other kennels mentioned here, which is something to note when making a purchase.

However, the Lucky Dog Modular Box Kennel is excellent for large dogs because of the durable construction of the frame. It’s made from commercial-grade steel, so this kennel will last you for years to come. The welded wire mesh allows your pet to see out. It is completely secure and won’t bend or break (even if your dog likes to chew).

The edges are also center welded, so there aren’t any sharp points where your dog could potentially hurt themselves. The latch is completely secure to keep your dog from getting out. Overall, the Lucky Dog Modular Box Kennel is excellent if you need a truly durable space for your pet.

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Outdoor Dog Kennel Buying Guide

There is a very wide range of outdoor kennels available for purchase online, but it’s important that you find the best one for your dog. Your dog needs to be safe outside, but they also need to be comfortable and happy.

A good outdoor dog kennel is secure and spacious for your pup, but also convenient for you to install and transport. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor dog kennel.

Size

The size of the kennel is the first thing you should look at when making your purchase. Most outdoor dog kennels come in multiple sizes, so you’ll need to determine how much space your dog will need to be comfortable and happy. This not only depends on your dog’s size but also their breed and how much energy they have.

You may want to consult your veterinarian or another professional expert to determine what makes the most sense for your pet. Consider the vertical height in addition to the width and length, because if the kennel is too short, your dog may feel cramped in. Some kennels even have the option of add-on sections or connecting tunnels between kennels. That allows you to create a comfortable play space for multiple dogs.

Frame Material

The next thing to look at is the frame material and design. The frame should be made out of durable metal, such as steel. The metal shouldn’t bend or warp over time, particularly if your dog is very active and likes to chew. Although the frame needs to be made with durable material, it should still be light enough to move around and shouldn’t have any sharp edges that your dog could hurt themselves on.

Roof Material

The roof material is another important factor to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor dog kennel. Ideally, the roof panel should be made from a thick fabric that’s both waterproof and UV resistant. This is particularly crucial if you live in an area where the weather fluctuates often.

Waterproofing will prevent rain or snow from leaking into the kennel. The UV protection will keep your dog comfortable in the shade while minimizing fading or cracking. It is also very helpful if the roof is pitched instead of flat. This will allow rain as well as any dirt and debris to roll off the sides instead of staying on top.

Easy to Transport

If you’re on the go frequently, you will want to look for a kennel that’s easy to transport when you’re out and about. Outdoor kennels are particularly good for camping or traveling with your dog, but they are only convenient if they’re easy to move. The frame of the kennel should be light enough to pick up easily without straining. You should also be able to fold it down to a transportable size, so it can fit in the back of a car or other vehicle. Many kennels come with a carrying case, which makes this easier to do.

Secure

It’s essential that your kennel keeps your dog secure while they’re outdoors. This means not only preventing them from getting out, but also preventing other animals and people from getting in. The exterior frame should be very durable. Although it should be a mesh design so your dog can see out, the holes in the mesh shouldn’t be big enough that your dog can slip out. The latch on the door and the attachments between sections should also be completely secure.

Easy to Clean

Keeping your dog’s kennel clean is important for their health and safety. Many kennels have raised bottoms of a few inches that allow you to reach in and sweep away debris without letting your dog out. This is a convenient feature to look for in a dog kennel. Some kennels even come with a tray or bottom that you can put over the grass or dirt in your yard. It’s also helpful to look for a kennel with a washable tarp roof for added convenience.

Simple No-Tool Setup

You don’t want to spend too much time setting up your dog’s kennel. A very good feature to look for is a setup process that doesn’t use any tools. A no-tool setup is not only much easier to figure out, but it also makes the setup process faster and less confusing. If you’re shopping for the kennel in person, you may even want to ask the store assistant to go over the setup process with you. That will minimize any confusion.

Number of Doors

Some kennels come with multiple doors, which can be helpful or problematic, depending on your dog. If your dog likes to dart out of the kennel, having multiple ways to do that could be a negative. However, if you want more flexibility with the way you configure your kennel, multiple doors are an asset. Some kennels even have half-doors that you can use to feed your dog while they are still in the kennel.

Conclusion

An outdoor dog kennel is a great investment for dog owners. It allows you to keep your dog outside without worrying about their safety. Many dog owners worry about keeping their dogs in a kennel. We’ve shown that, with a little bit of training, your dog will be perfectly happy and comfortable inside.

It’s important that the dog has enough space to play and jump inside. Also, they need access to some of their favorite toys and bedding inside as well. If you’re struggling to train your dog to use the kennel, be sure to ask your veterinarian or a dog training professional for more help.

The Perfect Fit: How Tight Should A Dog Collar Be?

6th May 202013th July 2020 Rover Leave a comment

One of the standard items that you have for your dog is their collar. A dog’s collar performs a couple of essential functions for them.

For one, the collar around their neck allows you to clip on a leash and have your pet within your control at all times.

It would be a total disaster if you took your pooch for a walk only to find that no other dog in the neighborhood was restrained. Mayhem would ensue!

A collar also allows you to keep your pet safe from darting into traffic, or running into the woods and being unable to find them.

You love them too much to risk their safety. It is a necessity for their safety and well-being that they wear a collar.

In the United States, most states and local governments have “running at large” statutes that forbid dogs from being off of their owner’s property without proper restraint.

A dog’s collar is essential to be able to provide the restraint that is necessary to keep them safe and within your control.

How a Dog Collar Should Fit

You must provide your dog with the right size collar. Besides being uncomfortable, having the wrong size collar on your dog could cause them to choke.

If a too-tight collar impedes their airway, it could also cause serious injury to your pet.

Pay special attention to your pet if it is just a puppy. Puppies grow like weeds and will go through several different size collars as they grow.

Too tight collars can rub and chafe the skin and possibly cause infections if left untreated.

Conversely, if a collar is too loose, your pet could slip out and run away.

The rule of thumb for how a dog collar should fit is this: you should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s collar and their neck.

Use both your index and middle finger and slide them in between the dog’s collar and their neck with your fingers in a vertical position to the collar, not parallel.

In other words, your fingers should not be lying flat against their neck.

Veterinarians recommend that you check your dog’s collar every two weeks throughout your pet’s lifetime.

If you take your pet to a groomer, always double-check the fit of the collar. The collar may have been put back on too tight or not tight enough.

Kinds of Collars

There are a variety of collars that can be used for your pooch. The ones listed below are the more common type of collars.

Standard

A standard dog collar comes in a buckle on or snap-in variety. The collar should also have a metal loop that can hold the dog’s identification tag.

The collars can be made of leather or nylon, with nylon being the most common. Nylon can come in a variety of colors, is waterproof, extremely durable, and inexpensive.

You can get a dog collar that is bejeweled or adorned and embellished with all manner of decorations.

Slip Collar

There are some dog breeds whose necks are the same widths as their skulls. Greyhounds, whippets, bulldogs, and pugs will be able to slip out of even a tight collar.

If you have a breed like this, you will want to look into a slip collar. A slip collar will gently tighten when pressure is put on the leash attached to the slip collar.

Some slip collars come with extra padding so that it is not rough on the dog’s skin.

Martingale Collar

Another type of collar for dogs whose neck and skull are the same width is a martingale collar. This collar looks like a large collar and a small collar connected by two metal rings.

A martingale collar fits loosely and tightens when the dog pulls against the leash. These collars distribute their pressure evenly around the neck rather than in just one area.

Head Halter

This type of collar controls the dog using the skull rather than the neck. The head halter is especially helpful in controlling larger dogs or those that have a lot of strength.

The collar uses the dog’s momentum to restrain him. If the dog is pulling, the collar will close the dogs’ mouth, much like a muzzle, but otherwise, it will keep the collar relaxed.

How Often Should A Dog Wear Their Collar

Some vets suggest that you let your dog’s sleep at night without a collar, which will give your dog’s skin a chance to breathe.

If your dog is in the house, with no chance of escape, you could consider taking their collar off. Any time that your pet is outside, they should have their collar and identification on.

It is the easiest and least expensive way to help ensure that your pet will get back to you if they are ever lost.

When first introducing your dog to a collar, start gradually. Use the collar without any tags that jingle or make noise.

Properly fit the collar and leave it on for about ten or 15 minutes. Take the collar off for a while and then put it back on, leaving it on for a more extended period each time you do so.

Reward your pet each time. Replace and remove the collar several times over the course of a few days until you can see that your pet is comfortable wearing the collar.

If your pet has never worn a collar before, do not leave them unsupervised with a collar on until you are sure that they have accepted it.

You can add your pet’s registration tag to the collar if wanted, their rabies tag and an ID tag. It is a good idea to have an ID tag that includes a phone number for a rescuer to reach in case of your pet getting lost.

Some pet owners don’t prefer the jingling of metal tags on a pet’s collar. You can get around this by adding tag silencers, which are a soft plastic that is flexible enough to go around the outside of the tag.

You can wrap a rubber band around a tag, and that will keep it from clanging against another one. A personalized collar with your phone number and the dog’s name embroidered right on the collar can also be purchased.

In Conclusion

Our love for our pets is age-old. According to hieroglyphics, Egyptians constructed leather collars and adorned them with precious metals and jewels.

Not only were dogs pets, but they were also working members of the family, and their owners protected them.

The ancient Greeks used dogs for herding animals and safeguarding them from wolves. The dogs themselves were also vulnerable to wolves.

The Greeks put collars with large metal spikes pointing away from the dog’s neck that would help protect them from wolves. During the middle ages, there were no ID tags.

Owners would place ornate collars on their dogs that were held in place by a padlock. Only the owners had the key, and so could prove ownership.