The last thing you do not want is for your dog to go bald, yet that’s exactly what could happen if they wear a collar too tight or too long. It’s too common for people to put the wrong side of the collar on their pooch, sometimes leading to hair loss.
So how do you know what size of collar your dog needs? Your dog should wear a well-fitting collar at all times. The idea is that if you can fit a finger between the collar and your dog’s neck, you have a suitable size for them to wear without causing any damage or discomfort.
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Is it normal for dogs to itch their collar?
It’s normal for dogs to scratch or itch their collar when it rubs up against their neck, but if you notice excessive scratching, you should take your dog in to see the vet. Excessive scratching around the neck can be a symptom of allergies, skin infections, or even more serious problems.
What causes hair loss?
Balding occurs when a collar is worn for too long or too tight. As the collar rubs against your dog’s neck, it can pull out its hair and cause bald spots to appear. To help avoid this happening, ensure that you always buy the correct collar size to avoid discomfort.
Also, you can apply specialized collars for dogs specifically designed to reduce the friction caused by your dog’s collar and avoid hair loss.
Common Causes for Hair Loss Under The Collar
Skin Irritation
Itching, rashes, or itching around the neck area can be caused by skin irritation. If your dog has had a skin infection, it might itch and cause hair loss. Check that their belly is clean and free of fleas, or check with your vet if they’re worried about your dog’s skin.
Flea Dermatitis
Flea dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the bites of fleas.
Chemical Reaction
If your dog is allergic to some chemical or material, it may cause an irritation which can result in your dog having hair loss. Finding the best Dog Collar For Your Dog
Seasonal Shedding: When your dog sheds their winter coat, their undercoat falls out, and the topcoat grows. They’ll start to shed a lot more in spring and summer, and you might notice hair loss after this time of year. The things you can do to help prevent your dog from losing its hair include Regular grooming.
The Collar is Too Tight
Your dog’s collar should not be too tight. If you notice your dog pulling on their collar, it’s probably too tight. Your dog is pulling to try and get the collar to move, but if the collar is too tight, it will be painful for them.
Hormonal Changes
During certain times of the year, such as spring and summer, or if your dog is in season, it may undergo a hormonal change. Hormonal changes can cause dogs to shed more hair than normal.
You can help your dog manage its shedding by Trimming its nails in spring and summer, especially if it spends time outdoors.
Genetics
If your dog has a parent that sheds a lot, they’re more likely to do the same. It would help if you also prepared your dog to shed its hair in the spring and summer months.
Protecting Your Dog’s Skin
How can I stop my dog from itching his collar?
If your dog is itching his collar, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the problem. The first step is to allow your dog to wear a collar that fits them well. You should be able to fit a finger between your dog’s neck and the collar.
The second step is to try a different material for the collar. Some dogs will scratch their collars if they wear something like nylon or if it contains some scent or perfume that irritates their skin. A collar made from leather or wool can significantly reduce the problem of itching.
Methods of Treatment
Diagnosis
Itching on your dog’s neck can be a sign of many problems, and it is important to go to the vet to find out what is causing the problem. The condition is also known as “collar dermatitis” or “hot spot disease“, and it can be treated at home using certain products; however, professional veterinary treatment is usually necessary.
Best 5 Treatment of dog collar rubs hair off
- It is best to start with a new collar to see if it will help with the condition.
- An ointment called Desitin is applied to the skin of your dog’s neck and works to reduce the itching.
- Powdered naphthalene mixed with coconut oil and applied can reduce sores, ingrown hairs, or itching.
- Aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream can also be applied several times a day to help relieve the discomfort.
- If the problem persists, your vet may prescribe a stronger medication, such as an antihistamine.
How do you treat collar sores on dogs?
Powdered naphthalene mixed with coconut oil and applied can reduce sores, ingrown hairs or itching. Salt water spray before and after your dog plays in the water will help keep the salt-water fluid on their skin.
Adding a moisturizer that contains oatmeal and apple cider vinegar can be helpful to help with dryness. Cool water sprays, such as Eucerin Cetaphil Moisturizing Creme, can help prevent sores.
Final thought
The cause of your dog scratching its neck should be determined as soon as possible to ensure that they are not suffering from an underlying condition.
You should also ensure that you buy a collar that is the right size for your dog so that you can avoid the hair loss problem—adjusting Your Dog Collar. Depending on your dog’s activity, you may want to adjust their collar for comfort and safety.
