Choosing the right harness for your dog can be one of the most challenging parts of being a pet parent. This is important in order to maintain the health and well-being of your dog during their movements, when you take them out for a walk, or simply during their training for various commands. The right harness can make all the difference, especially if you have a breed of smaller dogs or while your puppy is in its growing years. Harnesses can keep your pets secure and reduce the pressure on their neck and back. With so many options of small dog harnesses available on the market, you may find it overwhelming to choose the right one. Through this blog, let us help you understand why a specially designed small dog harness is essential for your pet and what features you should look for when buying one.
How Does a Small Dog Harness Help with Security and Safety?
If you have recently brought home a small dog, you would be struggling to find the right tools to care for them. Small dogs usually slip out of collars and harnesses that are not well-fitted and designed based on their build and delicate bodies. It is no wonder you would find yourself in stressful situations when you see your furry companion escape during their walks. They may slip out of uncomfortable harnesses and run into traffic, encounter larger dogs, or get lost – putting themselves in dangerous situations.
Moreover, an ill-designed harness exerts a lot of pressure on their sensitive necks, inhibits their movements, puts them in constant discomfort, and exposes them to the risks of injuries. A well-designed small dog harness is the best to secure your pet and provide it with better control of their movements. This especially holds true for dogs that pull, run, and jump often or get scared easily in busy and unfamiliar environments. Finding a small dog harness that fits your pet well and ensures its safety can give you the required peace of mind as you train them or take them out on walks.
Key Harness Features to Look for In a Small Dog Harness
Your cute pet deserves the best tools for their training and everyday life, and we will help you figure out what the right small dog harness looks like for your dog or puppy. A good fit, long-lasting durability, use of high-quality materials, and the type of harness are some crucial factors to consider in your search for the right harness. Let’s discuss them in detail.
- Fit
There are dog harnesses that you can use for dog breeds of small and big sizes, but those aren’t the best ones in terms of safety. One size does not fit all. For your small-sized dog, it is better to choose a fully adjustable harness that snuggly fits your pet. To find the right fit, take measurements of your pet’s front chest and girth and then assess which size would suit them the best. When you try to put the harness on your pet, make sure you are able to fit two fingers easily between the straps and your pet’s body. Also, the harness should not prevent the dog from comfortable movements in any way.
- Anti-Chafing
A poorly built dog harness can not only chafe your pet but also cause them irritation and pain. Sometimes, despite having the right size small dog harness, your pet may experience chafing due to cheap and subpar materials. A good quality harness with nylon webbing or other breathable material is the ideal option to ensure your dog’s comfort. You may also look for padded mesh while choosing a harness. If you find your dog struggling with chafing , immediately remove the harness. Gently wash their irritated skin with warm water and a soft cloth, take a pea-sized amount of a pet-friendly moisturising cream that has coconut oil or aloe vera to bring down the inflammation and soothe the affected region.
- Durability
Another feature to look for in a small dog harness is its ability to withstand the everyday wear and tear. See as to how much effort you will need to put in to maintain your harness. For instance, a leather harness typically needs frequent conditioning to maintain its great shape and effectiveness. If your dog likes to play in and out of water, a neoprene dog harness is a good option. Harnesses made of nylon are a great option for everyday use as they do not fray or break easily – best to have if your dog is quite energetic and prone to pulling.
- Washability
Next thing to consider is the washability aspect of the small dog harness. Some materials need more care and maintenance while washing and cannot be left to dry out in the sun. Harnesses made with nylon are usually easy to clean with a quick wipe using a damp cloth. When they get excessively dirty over time, you can even put them in a washing machine on a gentle setting and hang them to air dry.
- Harness Type
One of the major points of confusion for every dog parent is choosing from different types of dog harnesses. If you want to reduce your dog’s pulling behaviour, go for a heavy-duty front clip harness that you can attach to the leash. Back clips harnesses are easy to attach the leash to but may not deter the pulling. Dual clip harnesses come with a front and back clip. No-pull small dog harness is a great option to keep your dog safe and secure while reducing their pulling.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, finding the right harness that fits well for tiny dogs can be challenging and confusing, but it is always worth the investment. Make sure your chosen small dog harness is not only comfortable to their skin but also keeps them safe from sudden jerks and injuries. As a small dog owner, it is imperative that you try out different options with them while purchasing to ensure that the harness can distribute pressure evenly across their body. The more comfortable your dog is during playtime, walks and other activities, the more peace of mind you will have.
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