Collars are an essential accessory for dogs. You can attach legally required information to the collar and walk your dog. But what if your dog has sensitive skin?
As a dog parent, you want your dog to be comfortable wearing a collar and choose one that doesn't rub. Unfortunately, finding a collar perfect for dogs with sensitive skin can be challenging, as most collars are made from nylon and polyester. Those materials can be rough, hardy and dyed with questionable chemicals.
Read on to find out how to spot skin problems and which collar best suits your four-legged friend.
Signs of sensitive dog skin
Dogs' sensitive skin requires special care when wearing a collar. Some collars cause irritation, while others can actually damage the skin. But how do you spot if your dog has sensitive skin? Here are 6 signs that your dog suffers from sensitive skin:
Excessive scratching and rubbing on furniture or carpet
Hair loss, especially neck area where a collar touches the skin
Dry patches
Flakey patches and dandruff
Sore, red or inflamed areas
Excessive head shaking, itching or licking
Some dog breeds are genetically more prone to skin allergies and react strongly to allergens. Among pure breeds, the dogs are the following: Dalmatians, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Boxer, Staffies, Irish Setter, English Setter, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Shar Pei.
What causes sensitive dog skin?
There are several reasons why a dog might have sensitive skin. One reason is that some breeds tend to have more sensitive skin than others, so it's a genetic factor. But an increasing number of environmental factors can cause skin sensitivity.
Diet
Allergies
Parasites
Nutritional deficiencies (often paired with gluten)
Chemically dyed and unbreathable clothing and dog accessories
Harsh shampoos and grooming products
It's essential to contact your vet to establish why your dog's skin sensitivity is heightened and establish which external factors might cause them. Then, removing the allergen is the only way to keep your best friend healthy.
Ways to treat sensitive dog skin due to chemically dyed products
It's time to start overthinking what products we put on our dogs. The European Union and the UK have a legislative framework called REACH, which protects babies and children from poor-quality imported products they touch and put in their mouths.
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
Thousands of imports from the east are stopped at borders every day to protect babies and children. But there is no framework for our little four-legged friends.
If your dog's skin gets irritated by a collar, there are several reasons for it. First, make sure the collar fits properly. It should fit snugly enough so that it won't rub against the neck but not too tight that it chafes the skin. Apply the two-finger rule if in doubt.
Second, wash the collar regularly with mild soap and water. This will remove any dirt and oils that might irritate the skin. Third, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to cleanse the skin. Fourth, apply a moisturiser to keep the skin soft and supple. Finally, avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning products. These can dry out the skin and cause more irritation.
If your dog has sensitive skin, the best remedy is to rely on nature and purchase collars for sensitive dog skin. The best collars for this purpose are made from natural materials like hemp, organic cotton, leather, cork or linen. These are breathable and lightweight collars making for an uplifting walk and a comfortable wearing experience.
The Problem with synthetic Collars
Synthetic collars are made of polyester, nylon and sometimes neoprene. These materials are not only bad for the environment but can also irritate a dog's skin. In addition, the chemical process during production can leave traces of chemicals and pollutants behind. Remove the collar immediately if you notice any redness or irritation around your dog's neck. You should also wash your hands after handling the collar to not spread the allergens further.
Synthetic collars are also not breathable, so your dog builds up sweat and oils. You want your dog to be comfortable and wear a collar that is second to their skin.
The Solution: Natural and breathable collars
There are natural alternatives to synthetic collars. Many people choose leather collars because they are more durable than other options. Leather collars are also breathable, so they won't cause irritation. Unfortunately, leather is not vegan, which is increasingly vital for animal welfare. The solution is plant-based materials.
Why do we use hemp for our dog collars, leads and harnesses?
Hemp is a natural material, so it's biodegradable and doesn't leave microplastics in oceans and soil
Hemp has excellent tensile strength and can withstand the pull of the strongest doggo
Hemp is super breathable, lightweight and doesn't suffocate your dog's skin making for a perfect dog collar for sensitive skin
Hemp has a low carbon footprint. This is because it uses, for example, 1/3 of the water in the growing process as cotton.
There is so much more to this fabulous plant!
We're not like other dog accessory brands because we have a different goal.
Most brands focus on the look of the dog harness, collars and leads. We think that's great! But what if there was something more?
We believe that the most critical part is sustainability and your dog's health. That's why we created our dog accessories from plant-based materials.
We want to help you make sure you can rely on the quality of eco-friendly materials whilst still looking stylish.
Our new hand-dyed collection is dyed with acorns in an azo-free and biodegradable colour.
The collar is such an essential item in the life of a dog. We wouldn't wear clunky earrings everywhere as they're just not comfortable. We should apply the same logic to our four-legged friends and shop more consciously.
Sensitive skin will benefit immensely from a collar suited for dogs with sensitive skin. Whilst there can be many reasons for itchy skin and inflammation, there are some things we can actively control as responsible dog parents. Relying on nature rather than on a chemical production process is one of them.
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Health Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If your dog may have a health problem, you should consult your vet.