Not too loose and not too tight

Dogs are not exempt from the disastrous potential of loosely fitted collars. Sadly, this week, one owner described how his dog slipped his collar when out for a walk and was killed by a car.

neck. Poor Sid had a deep, infected wound around his neck that required a long time to clean under general anaesthetic. But once on medication, including pain relief, these wounds heal amazingly quickly, and after two days in the hospital he was rehomed to a loving family.

Another problem that we see in the autumn and spring is eczema associated with leather dog collars. When wet and warm, the collar seems to start a moist skin infection under the neck. So at these times of year, try to remember to take a wet collar off to dry completely in the hot water cupboard overnight before putting it back on.

So, no funny stories this week but a few tips to make life safer with collars:

When fitting a collar, allow only two fingers to fit under it, which should result in a snug but not too tight fit Use a reflective collar if possible New neoprene or soft rubber-lined collars don’t sweat or cause skin irritation as damp leather tends to do

Remember to add an identification and the registration tag to the collar

Most cat collars are designed to release or snap when under excessive tension.

Never tie up a dog by a check chain as they can pull up tight (or, as one patient did – the ring dropped down through the decking slats, turned and the dog was stuck there all day).

Microchip your cat and your dog. We returned two cats to their owners this week via the microchip number. It’s a one-off cost for life and it’s not expensive. Why wouldn’t you?

If you need advice or a problem does happen, give the hospital a call.

Anderson’s Veterinary Hospitals in Palmerston North, phone 357 9993 for Pitama Rd or 356 9993 for Hokowhitu, open till 7pm Monday to Friday and open Saturday and Sunday.