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Collars, Haltis, and Harnesses... OH MY!
Many people don't realize that choosing a collar or harness can have a significant impact on their dog's health. As an animal chiropractor, I have seen the adverse results of some of these devices.
First let's discuss the anatomy of a dog's neck.
One of the most important anatomical features of this area is the cervical spine, which contains the cervical (neck) vertebrae as well as the spinal cord that runs through the center of these vertebrae and the spinal nerves that exit foramina (openings) between the vertrebae. Between each vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which are shock-absorbing "cushions" of fibrocartilage that connect the vertrebra together to form the spine and also allow for some movement.
The neck area also includes major blood vessels, such as the carotid arteries and jugular veins. The normal function of these vessels is crucial to healthy circulation.
There are also lymphatic vessels, a network of nodes and vessels that serve as a major part of the immune system removing toxins from the body. The lymphatic system covers the entire body, with no exception to the neck area, with the more notable areas being the submandibular nodes just under the head which drain into lympathic vessels to cervical nodes in the neck.
There are several muscles in this area that allow for head or neck movements as well as forelimb movemements. Some of these muscles also insert into the upper back.
A crucial gland in this area is the thyroid gland which secretes hormones and serves as a major component of the endocrine system. To be brief, the thyroid hormones regulate the growth and rate of function of many systems in the body, so if this gland is not functioning properly, the effects can be seen diffusely throughout the body.
The trachea, a componenet of the respiratory system, is also in this area, which connects the upper part of the respiratory system, the pharynx and larynx, to the lungs.
Now let's discuss the different devices available to use for our dogs.
We'll start with the most commonly used, collars. There are a variety of collars available to choose from as well.
First let's discuss the anatomy of a dog's neck.
One of the most important anatomical features of this area is the cervical spine, which contains the cervical (neck) vertebrae as well as the spinal cord that runs through the center of these vertebrae and the spinal nerves that exit foramina (openings) between the vertrebae. Between each vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which are shock-absorbing "cushions" of fibrocartilage that connect the vertrebra together to form the spine and also allow for some movement.
The neck area also includes major blood vessels, such as the carotid arteries and jugular veins. The normal function of these vessels is crucial to healthy circulation.
There are also lymphatic vessels, a network of nodes and vessels that serve as a major part of the immune system removing toxins from the body. The lymphatic system covers the entire body, with no exception to the neck area, with the more notable areas being the submandibular nodes just under the head which drain into lympathic vessels to cervical nodes in the neck.
There are several muscles in this area that allow for head or neck movements as well as forelimb movemements. Some of these muscles also insert into the upper back.
A crucial gland in this area is the thyroid gland which secretes hormones and serves as a major component of the endocrine system. To be brief, the thyroid hormones regulate the growth and rate of function of many systems in the body, so if this gland is not functioning properly, the effects can be seen diffusely throughout the body.
The trachea, a componenet of the respiratory system, is also in this area, which connects the upper part of the respiratory system, the pharynx and larynx, to the lungs.
Now let's discuss the different devices available to use for our dogs.
We'll start with the most commonly used, collars. There are a variety of collars available to choose from as well.
Flat Collars
These collars are simple with a buckle or clasp to hold them. If you attach a leash to this collar, regular pressure or a jerk of the leash will pull against all of the areas above and compresses the front and sides of the neck. Whiplash injuries to the cervical spine can be caused if you have your dog on a long lead or retractable leash and the run to the end of it. If your dog pulls on a regular basis, those micro-injuries can add up over time causing poor spinal health and increase the propensity of a disc herniation. Disc herniations can also be caused if your dog pulls at certain angles.
Any pulling also compresses the blood and lympathic vessels in this area causing abnormal circulation of both systems.
Additionally, the area that this collar sits is typically just in front of the thyroid gland, which can especially cause trauma to this area. Trauma over time can lead to this imprortant gland not functioning as it should, leading to endocrine, or hormone, disorders.
A collar will also cause micro-injuries over time to the trachea, which can eventually lead to abnormal heavy or labored breathing and collapse.
To summarize, attaching a leash to a collar does not support cervical spinal health, circulatory health for both blood vessels and lympathics, endocrine health, or respiratory health.
These collars are simple with a buckle or clasp to hold them. If you attach a leash to this collar, regular pressure or a jerk of the leash will pull against all of the areas above and compresses the front and sides of the neck. Whiplash injuries to the cervical spine can be caused if you have your dog on a long lead or retractable leash and the run to the end of it. If your dog pulls on a regular basis, those micro-injuries can add up over time causing poor spinal health and increase the propensity of a disc herniation. Disc herniations can also be caused if your dog pulls at certain angles.
Any pulling also compresses the blood and lympathic vessels in this area causing abnormal circulation of both systems.
Additionally, the area that this collar sits is typically just in front of the thyroid gland, which can especially cause trauma to this area. Trauma over time can lead to this imprortant gland not functioning as it should, leading to endocrine, or hormone, disorders.
A collar will also cause micro-injuries over time to the trachea, which can eventually lead to abnormal heavy or labored breathing and collapse.
To summarize, attaching a leash to a collar does not support cervical spinal health, circulatory health for both blood vessels and lympathics, endocrine health, or respiratory health.
Martingale collars
These collars are going to do essentially the same as above, except instead of only compressing the front and sides of the neck if the leash is held tight or they pull, it is going to compress fully around it.
These collars are going to do essentially the same as above, except instead of only compressing the front and sides of the neck if the leash is held tight or they pull, it is going to compress fully around it.
Pinch or Prong collars
These collars are going to do the same as a flat collar, except the surface area touching the neck is drastically decreased, which causes all the force to be in the tiny prongs touching the neck causing a painful stimulus which some people use as a negative reinforcement in training.
These collars are going to do the same as a flat collar, except the surface area touching the neck is drastically decreased, which causes all the force to be in the tiny prongs touching the neck causing a painful stimulus which some people use as a negative reinforcement in training.
Choke Chain Collars
These collars will do the same as a martingale collar, but withing a smaller surface area.
These collars will do the same as a martingale collar, but withing a smaller surface area.
Haltis
Head harnesses or "haltis" have caused the worst injuries I have seen. If a dog pulls with one on, especially if their head is not straight, it is going to cause a long lever torque upon the neck which can cause severe neck injury. I have also seen this harness change the cranial bone development of puppies wearing them. These have caused the worst of the worst injuries I have seen in my practice. If you have one of these, my advice is throw it away, immediately.
What all of the above devices do is either cause small injuries that add up over time interfering with function of the anatomy in the neck area or they cause a sudden severe injury. I personally only use collars (flat) for identification purposes only. You will never see me attach a lead to it.
Head harnesses or "haltis" have caused the worst injuries I have seen. If a dog pulls with one on, especially if their head is not straight, it is going to cause a long lever torque upon the neck which can cause severe neck injury. I have also seen this harness change the cranial bone development of puppies wearing them. These have caused the worst of the worst injuries I have seen in my practice. If you have one of these, my advice is throw it away, immediately.
What all of the above devices do is either cause small injuries that add up over time interfering with function of the anatomy in the neck area or they cause a sudden severe injury. I personally only use collars (flat) for identification purposes only. You will never see me attach a lead to it.
Onyx demonstrates the Balance Harness which has the option of front lead, back lead, or both. (Black straps are neon dotted for you since it is hard to see on him)
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Bella demonstrates the Easy Walk Harness. Note that the front strap should be about 1/2in higher. Most harnesses need to be re-adjusted over time.
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Lolo demonstrates the Julius-K9 Harness. This harness has velcro patches on the sides that glow in the dark, you can also switch out for back pack pouches, handle on back, strap for flashlight.
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Harnesses
Harnesses give the ability to attach a lead to your dog without putting stress on the neck. Usually there is a strap that goes in front of the chest, across the middle of the rib cage, and across the upperback. This disperses any pressure that may be placed on the dog and allows for all the areas discussed previously in the neck to function normally. Even if a dog pulls with a harness, they have much better osseous (bone) protection and atability in the areas that a harness covers.
Front lead attachment harnesses: If your dog is a puller and not a breed like a corgi or daschund with an extended sternum, usually this is the best choice. These harnesses will inhibit shoulder movement if they pull causing the dog to immediately let up, which does not hurt the dog in anyway.
Ex: Balance Harness (allows free shoulders), Walk in Sync Harness (allows free shoulders), Easy Walk Harness (be sure front strap is above shoulder joint), Sensible Harness (be sure front strap is above shoulder joint)
Back lead attachment harness: These work just as above, however, sometimes dogs will pull when wearing these.
Ex: Balance Harness (has both front and back) and Julius K9 Harness
Vest harnesses: These harnesses work great for chondroplastic (long back/short legged) breeds like corgis and daschunds whose sternums protude foreward moreseo than other breeds. Other harnesses can cause stress on the sternum. This type of harness fully covers the anterior sternal area, chest, and upper back.
I hope this information helps you decide on a safe device to use when your pet is on leash. From this, my goal is to help eliminate injuries and health issues from collars. The most common injuries I have seen in my practice are musculoskeletal injuries in the neck, herniated discs, thyroid conditions, and tracheal collapse. Some of these injuries are recoverable, some are not.
If you have used collars or haltis on your dog, I would recommend seeking care for your dog with an AVCA animal chiropractor to take care of any injuries from using them, even if your pet is not displaying symptoms currently. A directory can be found at AVCAdoctors.com. I am an animal chiropractor in the western suburbs of Chicago and my information is at myvitalitychiropractic.com.
For more on collars, Dr. Jeannie Thomason and I collaborated on ths article: http://www.animalnaturopathy.org/dog-collars-dangerous/
Harnesses give the ability to attach a lead to your dog without putting stress on the neck. Usually there is a strap that goes in front of the chest, across the middle of the rib cage, and across the upperback. This disperses any pressure that may be placed on the dog and allows for all the areas discussed previously in the neck to function normally. Even if a dog pulls with a harness, they have much better osseous (bone) protection and atability in the areas that a harness covers.
Front lead attachment harnesses: If your dog is a puller and not a breed like a corgi or daschund with an extended sternum, usually this is the best choice. These harnesses will inhibit shoulder movement if they pull causing the dog to immediately let up, which does not hurt the dog in anyway.
Ex: Balance Harness (allows free shoulders), Walk in Sync Harness (allows free shoulders), Easy Walk Harness (be sure front strap is above shoulder joint), Sensible Harness (be sure front strap is above shoulder joint)
Back lead attachment harness: These work just as above, however, sometimes dogs will pull when wearing these.
Ex: Balance Harness (has both front and back) and Julius K9 Harness
Vest harnesses: These harnesses work great for chondroplastic (long back/short legged) breeds like corgis and daschunds whose sternums protude foreward moreseo than other breeds. Other harnesses can cause stress on the sternum. This type of harness fully covers the anterior sternal area, chest, and upper back.
I hope this information helps you decide on a safe device to use when your pet is on leash. From this, my goal is to help eliminate injuries and health issues from collars. The most common injuries I have seen in my practice are musculoskeletal injuries in the neck, herniated discs, thyroid conditions, and tracheal collapse. Some of these injuries are recoverable, some are not.
If you have used collars or haltis on your dog, I would recommend seeking care for your dog with an AVCA animal chiropractor to take care of any injuries from using them, even if your pet is not displaying symptoms currently. A directory can be found at AVCAdoctors.com. I am an animal chiropractor in the western suburbs of Chicago and my information is at myvitalitychiropractic.com.
For more on collars, Dr. Jeannie Thomason and I collaborated on ths article: http://www.animalnaturopathy.org/dog-collars-dangerous/
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