Which is better, a dog collar or a dog harness? If you are trying to decide which one to purchase for your dog, here is a consideration to keep in mind.

If your dog pulls you along as you are walking or you have a hard time controlling him, you may want to consider purchasing a dog harness for him instead of a collar. The first reaction to a dog pulling you is to yank up on the leash. Yanking up brusquely creates a "whiplash" effect with extreme pressure on the neck. We all are aware that when you have continuous pressure or stress on one area, something is going to give eventually. A collar places all of the stress on the neck area whereas a harness distributes the pressure across the chest and "armpit" area. Disc and neck problems usually do not show up until later in life, so you are the judge. You know your dog better than anyone else.

If you feel that a harness is the better decision for your friend, you need to measure the girth of your dog to properly fit a harness. Place one end of your tape measure on top of your dogs spine at the widest part of his rib cage. Wrap the tape measure underneath your dog behind his front legs and up to meet the end of the tape you have placed on his spine. The number on the tape measure that coincides with the beginning of the tape is the girth measurement.

Most dog harnesses will indicate the sizes of girths they will accommodate; for example, medium will fit a girth from 32 to 48 inches. Opinions vary as to whether to choose the smaller or larger size that is closest to the girth measurement of your dog. If you have a pup that is still growing or a senior that has stopped growing, you are the best judge. When you have fitted your dog with his new harness, check to make sure that you can place a couple of fingers vertically between the harness and the body of your dog. The adjustable straps on the harness will enable you to secure your friend safely.

Your new dog harness should be made of a comfortable material. You know what kind of coat your dog has so you will know if a leather harness is suitable for your coarse haired friend. If your dog has fine hair, then your best choice should be a lighter nylon harness perhaps.

To keep both you and your friend content and happy with your dog harness, bear in mind the following tips:

Just like a collar, remember to increase the size of your harness as your dog grows or gains weight. Believe it or not, some owners just do not check their pet attire regularly.

Make sure that the harness does not rub against your dogs skin and create sores or lesions. Check for irritated or broken skin in the areas where the harness is close to your dogs body.

A dog harness is a simple, yet extremely effective, piece of canine equipment. They are used to secure a dog in a similar manner a collar would. However, collars distribute the force around the neck, but a harness is made to go underneath your dogs chest, allowing any force to be evenly distributed there.

Most dogs don't have a problem wearing the usual collar and leash. However, many hyper and overly-active dogs end up choking themselves when they do. This is because a collar only goes around a dogs neck, causing any pulling to result in a strain on their neck. This strain can lead to breathing problems, gagging, vomiting, and even damage to the skin on their neck.

If you have a dog who is choking themselves with a collar, you should try a harness instead. Choking is a serious problem, and can even cause them to be afraid of walks on the leash. Switching to a harness should eliminate this problem, and allow them walk in comfort.

A harness also makes it nearly impossible for your dog to slip out of it. Dogs, especially small breeds, have a tendency to wiggle their way out of a loose-fitting collar. However, a harness goes around your dogs torso, making it much more difficult to do so.

While dog harnesses are mainly used by owners to walk their dogs, they are also used in other situations as well. Dog harnesses are one of the most important tools for a sled dog. It allows them to run and pull the sled behind them, without causing any discomfort.

Dog harnesses can also be used if your dog is on a lead outside. Simply attach the lead to the back of the harness. It will help keep them safe and secure, while still being able to roam around the yard.

Another use for a harness is when they are traveling or riding in cars. Some harnesses are made to act as a seat belt for dogs. Much like our seat belt, these harnesses keep your dog safely in place while driving. I would definitely recommend one of these for any owner who does a lot of traveling with their canine.

Dog harnesses are made to come in a wide variety of styles and types. While the basic principle behind them all remains the same (distributing the force underneath their torso), there are still differences between them. Some dog harnesses, such as the step in dog harness, are made so all your dog has to do is step into it. Other harnesses are made to look like clothes, and are a great way to keep your dog stylish and warm while wearing a harness.

Some harnesses are one size fits all, but most of them come in many different sizes. It is important to make sure the one you plan on buying is made to fit a dog of your dogs size.

A dog harness has many benefits, but the most important is the fact that it distributes your dogs weight underneath their torso. This helps prevents your dog from choking themselves, and can make your dog enjoy walks and life a bit more.

Dog Harness Benefits

Dog harnesses are used in a similar way that dog collars are. They are are both simple, but effective tools, that are used with your dog. A collar is used around the neck, while a harness is used underneath the chest for even distribution.

Dog harnesses are beneficial to your dog in a lot of ways. Dog harnesses can be used for training and can be good for dogs that are hyper-active. If your dog tends to choke themselves a harness can help eliminate that problem because the harness can’t cause serious neck problems that a collar would.

Dogs can sometimes get free of their collar, but they usually can’t slip out of a harness. Since the harness is snapped around your dogs chest and torso it is hard for dogs to wiggle out of it. You also don’t have to worry about the dog being hurt as much if he struggles with the harness as you would if he struggled with his collar.

Harnesses are helpful for a variety of functions. One example is harnesses are used with dog sledding. The harness allows the dogs to run and pull the sled at the same time, without having any discomfort by doing so.

A dog harness can help your dog recover from an injury. Harnesses allows you to support your dog while they are walking, standing, climbing stairs, etc. Some dog harnesses allow you to lift your dog up from both the front and the back at the same time for pets that are handicapped.

Dog harnesses are a good substitute for a dog collar in many ways. For example you can still connect a lead to the back of the harness if you would like to leave them out in the yard. They are still secured to the lead, and will be able to move around the yard freely.

Harnesses work well when traveling with your dog. Harnesses can be used as a dog seat belt. Adjustable nylon harnesses can attach to seat belt clips to keep your dog secure during your drives.

They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and types. You have a lot of different options with dog harnesses. They are all used and styled in different ways so you have a good chance of finding one that works for your dog.

Teaching a dog will assist them in averting bad habits. An excellent way to train a dog is to use a dog harness.

Helping Your Kitty Adjust to Life as an Indoor Cat

It's a common belief that cats should be outdoors. Nothing could be further from the truth. Outdoor cats are exposed to threats of all types, including being hit by cars, attacked by other animals, ingesting poison such as antifreeze, and even attacks by people. They are also exposed to diseases and parasites.

Outdoor cats live only a few years, compared to indoor cats which can easily live a contented, full life into their teens. Many indoor cats even live into their twenties!

There are few things more distressing than listening to a well-meaning cat owner whose has just lost their beloved pet (run over by a car, killed by another animal or person). They let their cat outside because the cat "really wanted to go" and they "didn't have the heart to keep them inside".

... But you're not doing your cat a favour by letting him or her outside. They will be much safer and happier indoors.

Help Your Cat Adjust to Being Indoors By ...

•              Purchasing toys and catnip. This will help to distract your feline from the lure of the outdoors. Play with your cat and make indoors seem like a happy place. He may cry to go out, but do not give in.

•              Get a litter box, if you don't already have one. Outdoor cats may be used to digging in the dirt to do their business. Help your cat by gathering some dirt or sand from your yard and putting a few inches in the litter box. Place the litter box in an easily accessible spot. Gradually mix the dirt with kitty litter. You eventually want to be using kitty litter only. 

Note: Be sure to clean the litter box daily. Cats are naturally clean creatures, and you want to encourage them to use the litter box. If it's too dirty, your cat may decide to go elsewhere in the house (uh oh!).

•              Think about introducing a harness or outdoor enclosure. Cats can be quite content outside on a harness and a leash, basking in the sun. Do not use a collar; cats are clever little escape artists and may slip free. Outdoor enclosures that are closed on all sides as well as on top are another alternative. If you live in a remote area, you should keep an eye out for your cat as wild animals may attempt to break in.

•              Be alert! Your crafty cat may try to sneak by you whenever someone opens the door. Keep an eye out.

•              Make sure your cat has permanent identification. Hopefully you'll never have to use their ID, but just in case, be sure your cat is wearing an ID tag (with the most up-to-date information on file), a tattoo, and/or a microchip.

•              Be patient! It can take a while for both you and your cat to adjust to his new indoor life. He may yowl at the door to go outside, but be firm.

It's well worth the effort to reform an outdoor cat to the indoors. Your cat will lead a much safer, longer, and happier life with you.

Prevention is the medicine. Have your pet fully vaccinated every year; supervise your pet; and provide your pet with a proper diet and adequate exercise.

Even with all of the above, your pet may still get sick. While it can be difficult to know when to call the vet, here are a few guidelines in recognizing a sick pet:

• Diarrhea.
• Unexplained or sudden weight loss.
• Significant loss of appetite or increased appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Pawing at ears or shaking head.
• Lumps on body.
• Significant fur loss (not just shedding, which is normal); dull, patchy coat.
• Persistent sneezing or coughing.
• Abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose.
• Stiffness or weakness in any joints; pet moves with difficulty.
• Straining to urinate or defecate. Inability to urinate is an emergency - get your cat to the vet immediately.
• Injury.

Note: Keep the name and number of the closest emergency vet clinic (for after-hours pet care), as well as those of your regular vet, close by the telephone.