How to Find the Right Collar for Your Furry Friend

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Are you looking for the right collar for your cat or dog but have no idea where to start? Choosing the ideal collar for your animal companion can be challenging and requires some knowledge. 

There are many types of dog and cat collars available. The Martingale collar is the best for preventing your dog from getting loose while walking. Cats do well with breakaway collars, which help prevent injury or choking, as they unfasten easily for a comfortable fit. 

Choosing a collar for your pet is a tricky task, but it helps to know the basics of pet collar 101. In this article, you will learn about various types of collars for your pet to ensure their safety and identification. 

How to Fit a Pet Collar

Collars protect your canine or feline companion from becoming a runaway pet. If they have proper identification, there is a greater chance that they will be brought back to you. Microchips and ID collars are imperative for your furry friend. How to find the ideal fitting pet collar:

• Make sure if it is an existing collar, it is not torn
• Fit should be comfortable yet secure around the neck
• The collar should fit well enough that your pet cannot escape 
• The finger test: one finger under the collar for cats, two for dogs

According to the Animal Humane Society, you should check your pet’s collar “once a month, or once a week for puppies and kittens.” You should follow the above guidelines to ensure proper fit. If the collar fits correctly, chances of it causing injury are slim to none.  

Finding the Best Collar for Your Pet

Dog and cat collars can be used for different reasons, but the main purpose is to safeguard them from harm. Collars come in all different sizes, strengths, and widths, and you should always leave room for the potential growth of your furry companion. It is essential to find the collar that is most suitable for your pet:

Martingale Collars

There are martingale collars for dogs and cats. The Humane Society of the United States explains that a martingale collar is “designed for dogs with narrow heads.”

• Salukis 
• Whippets
• Greyhounds 
• Airedale Terriers 

The martingale collar will gently tighten at the neck without choking the animal. Just be sure it is adjusted correctly to avoid hazards. The Sleepypod Martingale Harness is perfect for cats. 

Flat Collars

Flat collars are the most common collars for dogs. It has a buckle or “quick release” belt that provides an attachment for ID tags. The collar will rest flat against your dog’s neck. They are usually made of nylon, rubber, or leather. Flat collars are suitable for well-trained dogs who do not pull on the leash or try to bolt when walking. The fun part is that flat collars come in assorted colors and designs. 

Smart Collars 

Smart collars are a bit of an innovation, as they are more high-tech. They allow you to find out information about your dog. They offer several attractive features:

• GPS location tracker 
• Assistance with training 
• Smartphone compatibility 
• Monitor activity and health

The Link ACK Smart Dog Collar is a popular choice, as it will alert you if your dog leaves your home. Smart collars will monitor your pup’s heart and respiratory rate. You can even monitor their sleeping activity. 

Breakaway Collars

A cat should never wear a dog collar because they threaten the feline’s safety. A breakaway collar is the most appropriate collar for your cat. If a cat is wearing a dog collar and it gets caught on something, they could choke or be strangled. A breakaway collar easily opens and releases the feline so they do not get hurt. Your cat should wear a breakaway collar.  

Head Halters

Head halters humanely prevent your dog from pulling without causing the dog any discomfort. It is like a harness that guides a horse. One strap goes around your pup’s head, and the other creates a loop around your dog’s nose. The head halter is an excellent choice for strong dogs who may pull the lead. The loop formed around the nose is an advantage. Your dog cannot utilize their entire body weight to pull. 

 Harnesses

Harnesses prevent your dog or cat from pulling without putting any pressure on the neck. Harnesses are ideal for dogs who experience neck or back pain. However, you should be careful, as dog harnesses do not work well for cats. There is too much opportunity for your furry feline to wriggle out of it. A harness may be a wise choice because it is less restrictive and more comfortable.  

4 Things to Consider When Selecting a Pet Collar: 

Four important factors when considering a collar:

• Size of collar
• Breed of pet
• Color or design 
• Material of collar 

Every collar should have an ID tag with your pet’s information. 

Conclusion

Our pets are furry family members who depend on us to keep them safe. Part of keeping your dog or cat safe is by having them wear a collar with an ID tag. The tag needs to include your pet’s name, your name,  address, and phone number. You should also microchip your pet for additional safety and protection. 

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