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Jan 30, 2024

Vet issues urgent warning to dog owners who use a harness

AN EXPERT vet has warned dog-owners to beware of keeping their pet in a harness - suggesting they could actually injure instead of protecting them. Dr Joanna Woodnutt has issued a series of tips on

AN EXPERT vet has warned dog-owners to beware of keeping their pet in a harness - suggesting they could actually injure instead of protecting them.

Dr Joanna Woodnutt has issued a series of tips on how to keep dogs safe while restrained - but says keeping too tight a hold can prove counter-productively harmful.

The Nottingham University-trained specialist is not opposed to harnesses, which she says can be "a useful aid when it comes to reducing anxiety in dogs".

But she has now cautioned: "It still has risks.

"As it goes under the front legs, there’s a risk that the harness will rub the armpits, causing sores.

"Poorly-fitted harnesses could also restrict blood flow or cause discomfort.”

Harnesses have been recommended as helpful since they impose less pull on a pet's neck than a traditional leash - while spreading any weight across the chest and shoulders.

They are also trickier for a dog to shake off - said to be "ideal if your pet is an escape artist".

They are also less likely than leashes to pose an injury threat to the throat, thyroid, esophagus or trachea - and should not cause extra difficulties to those dogs who already struggle with their breathing, such as pugs.

Yet harnesses can also prove more dangerous, Dr Woodnutt warned.

She said: "A harness is a useful way to control your dog without using a collar.

"They’re particularly recommended for small breeds, who can be prone to tracheal problems with a collar putting pressure on their throat.

"They’re also important for dogs with eye issues, especially glaucoma, as collars in these dogs put pressure around the throat."

But she pointed out: "You shouldn’t buy a harness just because your dog pulls at the leash — many harnesses are not designed for this and can make pulling worse, or cause damage when your dog pulls.

"If this is the reason you’re buying a harness, you’re better off buying a specific anti-pull harness."

Non-padded harnesses can cause chafing or raw spots for short-coated dogs.

And Dr Woodnutt went on to say: "Ideally, you shouldn’t leave a dog alone for more than a few minutes while wearing their harness, in case it becomes trapped.

"Dogs can and do sleep with a harness on, but in general it’s safer not to have anything on your dog while they’re alone.

"This is because of the risk of them getting the harness caught and becoming stuck somewhere. How comfortable your dog’s harness is will depend on the padding and how well fitted it is."

She also highlighted puppies as a particular risk, saying harnesses should not be left on them and urging supervision "so they are not at risk of danger or discomfort".

The website PetRadar says harnesses "should be tight enough to be secure so they can’t get loose, but loose enough to fit two fingers underneath it".

The alert comes as dog-owners were also advised about the risks to pets of artificial grass gardens.

And another animal care expert urged people to avoid dog parks, suggesting they can help spread infectious diseases.