As pet owners, we want to keep our cats and dogs safe and secure at all times. This often means outfitting them with a collar, complete with identification tags, in case they ever get lost. However, many people leave their pet’s collars on all the time, even when they are inside the house. Here’s why your pet shouldn’t wear a collar inside. 

Safety Concerns

Collars can pose a safety hazard for dogs when they are inside the house. Dogs can easily get their collar caught on furniture or other objects and injure themselves, trying to break free. In some cases, this can lead to serious injuries or even death. 

The same goes for cats as well. Cats are certainly more active and like to jump and climb on furniture. If your cat gets caught on something while trying to leap up on their tree or a cabinet, this can be dangerous for them. 

Wearing collars inside the house can be a massive risk for dog smalls, considering their necks aren’t as strong as those bigger dogs like huskies and labs.

Some pet owners use choke collars for their dogs, who tend to pull on their leashes. These types of collars can be harmful to your pet when used incorrectly. These collars should only be used by trained professionals who know how to work them properly to avoid injuries to pets.

Additionally, collars can cause damage to your home. A dog wearing a collar may scratch floors, walls or furniture as they move around the house. This is especially concerning if you have expensive or delicate items that could be damaged by your pet’s movements.

Comfort Issues

Collars can also be uncomfortable for your pet to wear all the time. They can rub against your dog’s skin and cause irritation or sore spots over time. This discomfort can lead to behavioural issues like scratching or biting at the collar, which only exacerbates the problem.

It is crucial to ensure that the collar on your pet isn’t too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between your dog or cat’s neck and their collar. To maximize their comfort, your pet shouldn’t wear a collar inside. 

Alternatives

If you’re concerned about keeping your pet safe and identifiable while inside the house, alternative options are available. You could consider microchipping your pet so that they can be identified if they ever get lost without having to wear a collar all the time. If your pet isn’t microchipped, check out our blog about The Pros and Cons of Microchipping.

Another option is using a harness instead of a collar when walking your dog outside. Harnesses provide more support and control than collars, making them safer and more comfortable for dogs to wear during walks. Harnesses come in many varieties, so there is one for every pup!

While it may seem like leaving your dog’s collar on all the time is no big deal, there are several reasons why it could be better for their safety and comfort to leave them “naked” while they are in the house, especially in a crate where it can easily be caught and cause the crate to collapse in on your pet.  It is highly recommended that you remove your pet’s collar when they’re inside the house and explore alternative options for identification and control when outside.

 Your furry friend will thank you!

Morag Willcox

Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.