How Long Do Dog Collars Last? (3)

3. How Long do Dog Collars Last? – The Collar is Showing Wear and Tear

Some signs of wear and tear are obvious. If your collar has a broken buckle, it’s time to buy a new one. Other signs are more subtle.

Check your collar periodically for signs of wear and tear. Plastic buckles may show a crack or begin to bend. Metal buckles may rust. If you see this happening, it’s time to replace the collar.

Keep an eye on the material of the collar as well. You don’t want your dog’s collar to snap if they try to bolt! Leather collars may begin to crack. Nylon collars eventually fray. These are also signs that you should replace the collar as soon as possible. 

Frequent water exposure can ruin some collars. If your dog loves to swim or just loves to play in the rain, consider purchasing a waterproof collar. These collars may last longer. As an added bonus, they’re less likely to take on that wet dog smell!

If you find yourself replacing a cheap collar, consider investing in a high-quality collar next time around. Some come with a lifetime guarantee. 

How Long do Dog Collars Last? – Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for more information? Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions surrounding dog collars. 

How Long Do Dog Collars Last?

Like we said to begin with, it depends on the collar. If you want your collar to last for years, we recommend investing in a sturdy nylon collar. 

This collar is guaranteed to last for the rest of your dog’s life, and the price is comparable to what you’ll pay in a pet store! 

How Can I Prolong the Life of my Dog’s Collar?

The most important thing to do is to choose a durable collar to begin with. We’ve linked to some of our favorite options above. Consider whether or not the collar will be exposed to the elements. Nylon is a better choice for dogs who like to swim. 

If your dog swims nearly every day, you may want to choose a waterproof collar. Their buckles are specially designed to hold up to tough weather, and can even go in and out of saltwater without rusting.

If you choose a leather collar, you will need to wash it on occasion and treat it with leather conditioner as it dries. This will help prevent the leather from cracking and breaking. With proper care, leather collars can last for decades.

Why is My Dog’s Collar Hurting Her?

First, check to make sure that the collar is fitted properly. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck without having to strain.

If fit isn’t the issue, ask yourself whether the collar is chafing your dog. Does it have rough edges? Leather collars will often irritate a dog’s skin if they’re not properly maintained. Metal collars will also irritate most dogs’ skin if they wear them all day long.

Some dogs are allergic to nylon! If you’ve addressed other potential issues and your dog is still constantly scratching at her collar, try switching to a collar made of a different material. 

Does My Dog Have to Wear a Collar?

While the tags on a collar can be a lifesaver, they can also be a danger in certain situations. There’s a reason farm dogs don’t wear collars. Sticks can get stuck beneath the collar. The sticks can then get stuck on something or twisted. Dogs have strangled on tree branches before.

If you live on a large, securely fenced property where your dog often runs out of sight, they may be safer without a collar. You’ll still need to purchase a collar for when you need to take your dog into town, even if it’s just for a rare trip to the vet. 

If your dog decides to bolt in a strange place, it’s safer to have a collar and tags than not to have them.

Dogs that live in cities or suburban areas will be safer with dog ID tags. Some people choose to attach them directly to their dog’s harness, so that they don’t have to wear a harness and collar when out on a walk. 

If there’s any chance of your dogs getting lost, they should have a collar and tags.