Selecting a collar and leash that is the correct size for your pet

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Smaller dogs require thinner leashes and collars with smaller clasps, while larger dogs require thicker and stronger materials.  

To measure if a collar correctly fits your pet, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and the pet’s neck. If the fit is too tight, it can cause your pet neck pain and you might notice a loss of fur beneath the collar. If the fit is too loose, your pet might be able to break free from the collar when you attempt to steer them in a different direction than the weight of their body.

Be careful to never pull, drag, or abruptly tug on your dog’s leash. Jerking the leash can injure your pet’s trachea and neck. If your dog is reluctant to come to you or takes off in another direction, call him to you in a calm, happy voice. This training starts when they are young puppies, in a confined space with quick rewards for doing as they are asked.  The training is also in short frequent episodes – with daily repetition until it becomes “second nature”

Full-body harnesses are a safe option. This will reduce impacts and harm to his neck. Out of instinct, owners with small dogs often yank their dogs away from dangerous situations. If this is done repeatedly, a normal neck collar will cause severe damage to your pet, whereas a harness won’t be problematic if you need to quickly scoop up little Rover. Harnesses also work well for cats that require some freedom while being safely restrained in places like airports or veterinarian clinics – collars are not recommended until the cat walks well with a harness. 

Cats and collars are another issue. If they wear it while on a walk then quick release are not ideal – if the cat jumps quickly with a slight tug it will ‘quick release’ and the cat will run off – so use a normal collar.  But don’t use a normal collar if the cat wears a collar all the time – in this case you need to use quick release.

Be sure to check your pet’s collar and leash often.Your pet can easily get away if the collar or leash is weak. Inspect for tears, thread-unraveling, and broken or rusted hardware. In addition, over time the fit of collars and harnesses tend to loosen. Without periodic adjustments, a pet can pull away from their leash and get free. Collars need to be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and oils and keep the skin clean under it.

Teach your dog to walk along with a relaxed leash. Patience and repetition as puppies will get good results for most dogs.

Walking is not only good for your pet, it is great exercise for you to ward off NCDs like high blood pressure and diabetes.  

Do your part making the sidewalks and streets safe for people walking by being a responsible pet owner.