Have you ever stopped to think about what happens underneath the collar?
We often clip on a leash, head out the door, and go about our walk without realising the invisible harm that might be happening. Especially if our dog pulls, lunges, or even just walks with tension on the leash. But what if I told you that every tug on your dog’s collar could be causing long-term pain, stress, or even permanent damage?
A dogs anatomy is practically the same as ours when it comes to the neck, and the pain that whiplash causes us is the same as the pain you cause your dog if you yank hard, and unexpectedly on his collar.
Let’s explore what really happens to your dog’s body when you walk them using a collar. And why switching to a harness might be one of the kindest things you can do.
The dog’s neck: Not built for pressure
We know that one whiplash incident in a car can lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness in humans. Your dog’s neck is incredibly similar to yours, filled with muscles, nerves, blood vessels, glands, and delicate organs. It’s not just fur and fluff under there.
Here’s a breakdown of what lives under your dog’s collar, and how it can be affected when they pull on the leash.
Vital structures damaged by collars
Skin
Dog skin is protected by fur, but it’s still vulnerable. The skin is a vital organ and forms an important barrier between the external environment and the internal body.
Collar damage: hair loss, bruising, irritation, open wounds, and persistent discomfort or pain.
Neck Muscles
A dogs neck muscles work constantly against gravity to keep their head up. Unlike ours, the centre of gravity of a dogs head is forward of their shoulders.
During movement the neck muscles keep the head balanced to keep the line of vision and the organ of equilibrium in the inner ear level.
Collar damage: muscle strain, contusions, and pain, which can affect your dog’s entire posture and movement.
Lymph Nodes & Ducts
Lymph is the fluid surrounding all cells. It is collected in lymph capillaries and transported to the lymph glands.
The nodes are important organs in your dogs immune system which help filter out toxins and support your dog’s immune system.
Collar damage: swelling of glands, damage or rupture of the duct, pain, and impaired immune function.
Thymus Gland (especially in puppies)
Another important organ of the immune system. The thymus can be large in puppies but atrophies after adolescence. So damage by the collar is mainly a risk in puppies and adolescent dogs.
Collar damage: trauma can reduce white blood cell production and lower immunity.
Tongue Bone
The tongue bone is a small, horseshoe-shaped bone where the muscles of the tongue and lower mouth attach. It helps with swallowing and tongue movement.
Collar damage: painful or difficult swallowing.
Vertebrae & Discs
The seven neck bones and their cushions help protect the spinal cord.
Collar damage: tension on the collar causes shearing forces that can accelerate degeneration, leading to osteoarthritis of the spine and possible disc herniation.
Spinal Cord
The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body.
Collar damage: can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve compression.
Peripheral Nerves
Peripheral nerves branching out from the spinal cord control movement and sensation throughout the body.
Collar damage: can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and coordination issues.
Autonomic Nerves (Sympathetic & Parasympathetic)
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.
Collar damage: mechanical trauma can cause direct damage to these nerves or indirect damage due to swelling and pressure from surrounding tissues.
Arteries and Veins
The blood vessels in the neck transport oxygen to and from the brain.
Collar damage: restricted blood flow can lead to elevated pressure in the brain and eyes, even contributing to conditions like glaucoma.
Trachea (Windpipe)
The trachea or windpipe is a tube reinforced by C-shaped cartilage rings and it allows your dog to breathe easily.
Collar damage: the cartilage rings can flatten or break, leading to chronic coughing or breathing issues.
Larynx
The larynx sits at the top of the trachea and holds a valve which keeps food out of the lungs when your dog swallows.
Collar damage: risk of choking and discomfort while eating.
Oesophagus (Gullet)
The oesophagus or gullet is a muscular tube which transports food from the mouth to the stomach.
Collar damage: painful or difficult swallowing, regurgitation.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid is one of the largest hormone secreting organs in the body and regulates metabolism, mood, body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, brain development and cell growth.
Collar damage: physical trauma has been linked to hypothyroidism in dogs.
But my dog doesn’t pull… much.
Even a gentle walker can still experience pressure on their neck when stopping, sniffing, or reacting to a sudden noise or distraction. And for dogs that do pull, or are still learning not to, a collar simply places too much strain on a fragile part of the body.
So what’s the alternative?
A Well-Fitted, Y-Shaped Harness
The best choice is a Y-shaped harness that rests on the sternum and doesn’t press on the trachea. It allows full range of motion in the shoulders and protects all the vital structures listed above.
Here’s what to look for:
Y-shape in the front: Allows free movement of the shoulder joints.
Harness rests on the sternum: Avoids putting any pressure on the trachea.
No straps in the armpits: Prevents chafing and rubbing. The underarm tissue is really sensitive for dogs.
Leash ring on the back, off your dog’s body: The leash fixing point doesn’t hit the vertebrae.
Doesn’t slide around: The strap is loose enough over the ribs so they can breathe when walking, but doesn’t slide around.
Not only does a good harness protect your dog’s neck, but it also allows you to communicate more clearly and gently through the leash.
You’re not a bad dog mom if you didn’t know
Most of us were taught to use collars. Pet stores still promote them, and many trainers still recommend them. But once you do know better, you can do better, and your dog will thank you for it.
If your dog has ever coughed during a walk, gagged when pulling, or resisted the leash, it might be time to make the switch. You may notice not only physical improvements, but also a more relaxed, confident dog who enjoys their walks even more.
Ready to make the switch?
The collar may hold your dog’s ID tag, but it doesn’t belong at the center of your daily walks. For the love of your dog, and for their long-term health, a harness is the kindest choice you can make.
If you’re ready to make the switch, and looking for a recommendation, I use a Canuzzo on my boy. Check them out, they’re amazing. They’re made by Elena and Lyubov, two of the students, turned teachers at the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Trainers where I did my studies. And I highly recommend the Canuzzo harness.
References:
You can download a handy guide from their website here: https://freedogz.be/downloads/ Select your language, the English one is about halfway down on the left.
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