Should I Take My Dog’s Collar off at Night? Here’s What to Do
It’s such a lovely feeling when you’ve taken your little poochie out for an early evening walk in the countryside, coast, or even around your local neighborhood, and considering taking your dog's collar off at night is a fleeting or nonexistent thought.
Both of you feeling refreshed and relaxed after spending time together head home for maybe a bite to eat and some chill downtime.
We all know that getting out of our restrictive day clothes such as jeans and jumpers, into some comfortable joggers make the evening seem more relaxed, but what about your best fluffy little friend? Is it important to take his collar off at night so he has a restful evening? Let’s find out the real answer below.
Should I take my dog’s collar off at night? Removing your dog’s collar at night is down to personal preference, there is no right or wrong answer but be guided by your dog’s size, body type, breed, personality, and environment. If your dog does wear a collar at night, ensure it fits them properly to avoid choking hazards.
Also, a flea collar or standard collar with a ‘breakaway’ mechanism is designed to break when pressure is applied to the buckle.
So now you know exactly how to make sure your favorite poochie poo is ready for a calm and chilled evening.
Now, so we can understand a little more as to whether you should take your doggies collar off at night, let’s start by looking at the purpose and importance of a collar in some situations you might find yourself in with your little fur angel.
Walking your dog at night
So as we understand that your dog wearing a collar at night depends on many different circumstances, it’s worth noting that in many countries it’s a legal requirement to wear one when you’re out at night with your favorite doggie.
If you live in the U.K., according to Petplan, one of the largest pet insurance offerers,
‘It is a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar in public. By law, when a dog is in a public place, it must wear a collar. This – or a tag attached to the collar – must also bear its owner's name and address.’
So if by ‘at night’ your question refers to being outside on a walk with your dog, then for many reasons it’s necessary to wear a collar.
Although it’s not a legal requirement in some countries such as the US for dogs to wear a collar when they are out at night, it makes sense for a variety of reasons ...to ensure your dog is wearing his collar and is attached firmly to a leash.
It’s often necessary to walk your dog during night time, maybe you work shifts or you simply prefer it, so a collar with a leash attached makes sense in order to keep tabs on your fur angel during the walk.
Ok so that’s the reasons why you might need to make sure your pup is wearing a collar at night, but what about any risks involved in keeping your pooch wearing his collar during the evening and late hours.
Let’s move on to that next...
Is there a risk of collars causing problems at night?
Although of course, used correctly whether it’s at night or during the day, a collar is perfectly safe, If used in the wrong way, collars can put your dog at risk of strangulation.
According to those in the know, it can be easy for a dog to jump up and possibly snag its collar on a window latch, or fence post which could lead to a very serious situation for your dog.
It’s worth also noting that hanging tags on your dog’s collar might get caught in his crate and could pose a choking hazard.
Even a well-fitting collar can be dangerous if not used properly when tying up dogs in backyards.
A more common situation for roaming outdoor dogs is that they will dig under or jump over fences.
If your fur baby has digging or jumping tendencies it might be a better idea to fit them with a harness, which will more than likely be removed at night, even more so than a collar, for the purpose of keeping your dog comfortable.
Harnesses like these are less dangerous when they get caught on things and you can still attach identification to them.
Any injuries my dog might get from leaving a collar on at night?
Apart from strangulation hazards, a collar can present other serious physical risks, especially if it’s too loose.
For example, if your pet might be scratching its ear and if the collar is loose, their back or front leg could get stuck inside the collar, looped through.
It could have serious consequences such as broken limbs, especially if you have a smaller type of pet.
According to Dr. Barbara Hodges, a veterinary advisor with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, there are other hazards relating to collars that are too loose.
She has also sadly witnessed dogs get their teeth or tongue stuck in a too-loose collar while grooming themselves, which can lead to broken teeth and other mouth injuries.
To avoid both physical injuries, many dog experts such as the above Veterinary, recommend collars that are designed to snap apart when pressure is applied to the buckle.
Many of us with fur babies completely understand why it’s necessary to keep her free from ticks and other little pests, so you might be wondering if you need to keep a flea or tick collar on at night? Let’s answer that next.
Does my dog need to keep a flea/tick collar on at night?
When you’re treating your best little furry woofer for mites, fleas, and ticks, one of the ways to treat and prevent re-infection is by the use of a flea collar.
These collars are impregnated with chemicals and help protect your dog against fleas and ticks. They are worn in addition to a regular collar.
Be sure to check how long the flea/tick collar is effective and be sure to replace it as recommended.
So if there are chemicals on the flea collar does it mean if she’s snuggled up with you, and wearing a flea collar at night, it might be unsafe for not only her but any humans she is in contact with?
The answer is as long as you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific product you are using, it’s fine to leave your dog’s flea collar on at night.
The flea collar should fit snugly around the dog's neck in order to make skin contact and to ensure that your dog cannot remove it. Generally, you should be able to place just two fingers under the collar.
Any additional length should be cut off and disposed of. Do not allow dogs or children to play with cut-off pieces. Re-check the fit of the collar frequently, especially in growing puppies, to make sure the collar has not become too tight.
Should my dog wear a flea collar with a ‘Breaking Point?’
As with all collars, there can be a risk of your dog getting caught on something but many of the better quality flea collars have a “breaking point” and quick release for smaller dogs which means that if your pup’s collar catches on something the collar will break to prevent injury to your dog.
And finally…
So we hope that’s given you the answer you were looking for!
There are many reasons why you might want to remove your doggies collar in the evening and there’s no right or wrong answer! It’s fine for you and your doggy’s personal preference.
However, just remember that it’s crucial to make sure any collars on your pet angel are fitted properly according to the manufacturer’s directions and according to experts.
This way he will be safe and comfortable wearing his collar not only during the daytime but also at night.