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Can Your Dog’s Leash Pain Their Neck?

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Written by Jarett Gilpin
Original publish date: Oct 11, 2022, 05:08 AM
Last updated: Jan 17, 2024, 01:39 AM
How to Protect Your Dog From Neck Pain with a pet leash extension
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  • 1 HOW A DOG LEASH PAINS YOUR DOG’S NECK
  • 2 HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM NECK PAIN
  • 3 THE BOTTOM LINE!

Before you read this post, here is a quick test. Open your hands while keeping your thumbs together. Place your thumbs at your throat’s base and your fingers across your neck. Now, take a deep breath, grip, and pull back with all your strength while keeping a link between your thumbs.

If you haven’t fainted yet and are still reading this, one thing that is certain is that the entire sensation was unpleasant. Perhaps you have never considered it, yet this is how most dogs feel when linked to a leash and collar. Let’s move on to the main question, “Can your dog’s leash hurt its neck?”

HOW A DOG LEASH PAINS YOUR DOG’S NECK

The short answer is yes. Dog owners are concerned about leash pulling as it can harm the health and well-being of dogs. The dog’s neck is sensitive and essential for its health. For instance, the thyroid gland regulates the system’s metabolism and is placed near the front of the neck below the larynx.

Canines are naturally active and always attempt to tug on the leash, hurting important organs beneath the neck. The spinal cord contains the nerves that regulate the body’s internal organs and the blockage of the flow of energy via the neck and spinal cord can lead to skin disorders and heart difficulties. A single event of yanking on a dog’s collar could inflict severe damage to its health, just as injuries to your neck could cause long-lasting health problems.

Dog leashes with collars are the hidden cause of most neck injuries. A dog leash can cause neck injuries when dogs push against the collars attached to the leashes. It can also cause physical discomfort if the dog hits the end of a leash or pulls on it. Neck injuries may include contusions, whiplash, migraines, a crushed trachea, larynx injury, and broken vertebrae. A spinal cord and neck injury may result in paralysis or neurological complications.

You might wonder whether using a leash with a collar would be a good idea, given that it causes your furry friend undesired neck pain and can cause health issues. That’s where pet leash extensions can help. This extra length on the leash reduces the impact of jerky movements and leash pulls. It’s a simple and secure option for active dogs and attaches right between the leash and collar.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM NECK PAIN

If you are thinking about other ways to help you go out and about with your pet and not involve using a leash with a collar, you aren’t alone. A harness is a good alternative.

A dog harness is an effective approach to prevent neck, spinal, and thyroid damage. A correctly fitted harness helps your dog feel comfortable and enables you to handle it safely. When your dog tugs on a harness, it does not damage or hurt its body as a leash with a collar does.

It protects the upper back, shoulders, and chest of your dog. As a result, energy is dispersed across a larger region instead of being focused around your dog’s neck. Since the pressure is not centered around the dog’s neck, harnesses are comfier for your dog. The harness will prevent several issues from intense pulling because it doesn’t strain your dog’s neck.

Using a harness can also provide neck, back, chest, and leg support. Also, it provides additional support for the dog’s body and offers the owner greater freedom of movement. It’s great for large, powerful canines that can intensely pull you in any direction.

Remember, walking with a leash tied to the dog collar stresses your dog’s neck. Some dogs are extremely fragile, so a harness that distributes pressure evenly helps prevent neck injuries. Using a harness could greatly enhance your safety. Since it prevents pulling, your furry pet is less likely to cause arm strain and discomfort.

THE BOTTOM LINE!

A dog leash is meant to ensure that your dog doesn’t run into trouble while you are out, but using it with a collar can severely impact your dog and cause neck pain. There is a better alternative, though: use a pet leash extension with a harness. This will facilitate easy walks and outdoor adventures and can be useful for your furry companion in several ways while protecting you from getting your arms and hands hurt.

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