Dog collars can block their oxygen supply

Ever wondered why dogs start fidgeting as soon as you put a collar around their neck? Entrepreneur Rashi Sanon Narang, who runs an NGO for stray dogs, recently highlighted the hidden dangers of traditional collars on Raj Shamani’s podcast. She explained that dogs “often choke when they pull, risk muscle strain, and may even injure the delicate structures in their throat” because of a collar.
She shared, “Hum sab dogs ko collar pehnakar rakhte hein.. Har time jab woh pull karte hein collar pe, unka oxygen supply band hota hai. I don’t think that dogs should be walked on a collar. Kyunki har bzaari woh kisi cheez ki smell aagayi, thoda sa idhar udhar gaye, they are choked… muscle pull ho sakta hai, throat mei ek bone hoti hai wih fractur ho sakti hai, kaise batayengey… fir jab khaana kha rahe hei, bahut dard ho rahi hai, khanne ke time koi irritate kar raha hai, thoda growl kar liya, because they are having so much pain to eat, then you are like, trainer leke aayo isko theek karao…imagine where it started from, where it ended, an how we have interpreted it”
To understand the medical implications of collar use, spoke to Dr Vinod Sharma, a veterinarian, who explains what really happens inside a dog’s body when a collar is misused and how owners can choose safer alternatives.
Are traditional neck collars harmful for dogs?
Experts on conventional dog collars (Photo: Freepik)
According to Dr Sharma, traditional neck collars can indeed harm dogs—especially when they pull during walks. “When a dog pulls, all the force is concentrated on a minimal and delicate area,” he explains.
This pressure can partially restrict airflow, making breathing harder, particularly for breeds with short snouts. Over time, repeated stress may cause irritation, bruising, inflammation, or even early signs of tracheal weakness, he adds.
“The constant compression can also affect near tissues like salivary glands and lymph nodes. For smaller breeds, puppies, or dogs with respiratory issues, this risk becomes significantly higher.”

Potential internal injuries caused collar pressure
Addressing the risks further, Dr Sharma notes that constant pressure from collars can lead to a range of internal injuries:Story continues below this ad

Tracheal and airway issues: Chronic pulling can cause tracheal irritation or, in severe cases, contribute to tracheal collapse in predisposed breeds.
Soft tissue damage: “Most injuries aren’t fractures—they are soft tissue injuries,” says Dr Sharma. Bruising, muscle strain, and inflammation around the throat and upper spine are far more common.
Oesophageal discomfort: Sharp jerks can irritate the oesophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or discomfort during eating.
Nerve sensitivity: Continuous pressure around the neck may impact the vagus nerve, potentially affecting appetite or behaviour.

Can collar pain lead to behavioural changes?
Dr Sharma confirms that pain caused collar-related injury can absolutely lead to behavioural changes. “If swallowing hurts, dogs may growl or snap during feeding—not out of aggression, but out of discomfort,” he explains.
Early signs that owners should watch out for include:

Reluctance to wear a collar or leash
Yelping when touched around the neck
Constant scratching or licking of the collar area
Head kept low or in a stiff-neck posture.
Resance to walking
Reduced appetite or irritability

“These behaviours often start subtly,” he notes, “but owners make them for stubbornness instead of recognising underlying pain.”
Safer alternatives
To prevent long-term physical and behavioural issues, Dr Sharma recommends switching from neck collars to well-designed harnesses.
Safer options include:
Front-clip harnesses: Redirect pulling sideways without straining the trachea.Y-shaped or back-clip harnesses: Dribute pressure evenly over the chest and shoulders, improving comfort during walks.Story continues below this ad
High-quality, well-fitted harnesses help avoid neck compression entirely and support loose-leash walking. “A good harness preserves a dog’s physical comfort and emotional health,” Dr Sharma explains, emphasising that cheap or poorly fitted gear can create new problems.
He adds that selecting durable, dog-friendly products is essential since quality directly impacts both safety and comfort.