Expert explains why traditional dog collars can ‘block their oxygen supply’

To understand the medical implications of collar use, indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Vinod Sharma, Director, DCC Animal Hospital, Delhi, who explains what really happens inside a dog’s body when a collar is misused and how owners can choose safer alternatives.

Are traditional neck collars harmful for dogs?

Experts on conventional dog collars (Photo: Freepik)

According to Dr Sharma, traditional neck collars can indeed harm dogs—especially when they pull during walks. “When a dog pulls, all the force is concentrated on a minimal and delicate area,” he explains.

This pressure can partially restrict airflow, making breathing harder, particularly for breeds with short snouts. Over time, repeated stress may cause irritation, bruising, inflammation, or even early signs of tracheal weakness, he adds.

“The constant compression can also affect nearby tissues like salivary glands and lymph nodes. For smaller breeds, puppies, or dogs with respiratory issues, this risk becomes significantly higher.”

Potential internal injuries caused by collar pressure

Addressing the risks further, Dr Sharma notes that constant pressure from collars can lead to a range of internal injuries:

• Tracheal and airway issues: Chronic pulling can cause tracheal irritation or, in severe cases, contribute to tracheal collapse in predisposed breeds.
• Soft tissue damage: “Most injuries aren’t fractures—they are soft tissue injuries,” says Dr Sharma. Bruising, muscle strain, and inflammation around the throat and upper spine are far more common.
• Oesophageal discomfort: Sharp jerks can irritate the oesophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or discomfort during eating.
• Nerve sensitivity: Continuous pressure around the neck may impact the vagus nerve, potentially affecting appetite or behaviour.

Can collar pain lead to behavioural changes?

Dr Sharma confirms that pain caused by collar-related injury can absolutely lead to behavioural changes. “If swallowing hurts, dogs may growl or snap during feeding—not out of aggression, but out of discomfort,” he explains.

Early signs that owners should watch out for include:

• Reluctance to wear a collar or leash
• Yelping when touched around the neck
• Constant scratching or licking of the collar area
• Head kept low or in a stiff-neck posture.
• Resistance to walking
• Reduced appetite or irritability

“These behaviours often start subtly,” he notes, “but owners mistake them for stubbornness instead of recognising underlying pain.”

Safer alternatives

To prevent long-term physical and behavioural issues, Dr Sharma recommends switching from neck collars to well-designed harnesses.

Safer options include:

Front-clip harnesses: Redirect pulling sideways without straining the trachea.
Y-shaped or back-clip harnesses: Distribute pressure evenly over the chest and shoulders, improving comfort during walks.

High-quality, well-fitted harnesses help avoid neck compression entirely and support loose-leash walking. “A good harness preserves a dog’s physical comfort and emotional health,” Dr Sharma explains, emphasising that cheap or poorly fitted gear can create new problems.

He adds that selecting durable, dog-friendly products is essential since quality directly impacts both safety and comfort.