H
arnesses are a great way to keep your dog comfortable and safe. There are many things to consider when it comes to choosing the right harness for your pooch. In this article, we'll go over some important tips on measuring your dog for a harness so that you can find the best fit possible. potential disasters is essential.
In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common holiday hazards and some simple tips for keeping your pet safe.
Introduction to dog harnesses
Harnesses are a great alternative to collars. They're more comfortable for dogs, and they can be used in a variety of ways. Harnesses can be used as training tools, as well as mobility or pulling aids.
There are many different types of harnesses available on the market today; some have no straps at all while others feature multiple straps that wrap around your dog's body (usually their chest). They can be lightweight or thick to help keep your dog warm in the winter.
Some harnesses come with padding for extra comfort and safety. This provides additional protection against chafing and rubbing during activities such as running or hiking outdoors.
Benefits of dog harnesses
In recent years, harnesses have become a popular pet apparel option for dog walks and adventures. There are many benefits to using a harness instead of a collar.
A harness will not choke your dog if it pulls on the leash or gets caught on something, which is especially helpful if you have an excitable canine who loves to run around and explore.
A harness also helps prevent collar-related injuries such as neck sprains and tracheal collapse (a condition where airways become compressed). This is because harnesses generally sit on a dog’s chest and are not as likely to come in contact with their airway if they pull or become caught.
A good fit is key when choosing any type of dog accessory, but especially when it comes to harnesses. If your pooch isn't comfortable in their harness, they won't want to wear it, and walking them will be a challenge!
Different types of dog harnesses
There are many different types of dog harnesses, and it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Your dog may do best in a step-in or vest-style harness that buckles over its back. Or, for dogs with arthritis in their front legs or ones who won’t stand still, an over-the-head harness may be more appropriate.
The type of harness you choose will depend on how well your dog walks on a leash and what activities they will be doing in their harness. For example, if you have a slower dog who doesn’t pull, a strap harness might get the job done. But for those pups who have some get-up-and-go, you’ll want to choose a harness with a chest plate with leash attachment in the front and/or padding to prevent pulling.
There are also several types of harnesses suited to different climates. Some are thin and lightweight for warmer temperatures, while others are heavier and fleece-lined to help your pooch stay warm on cold days.
Once you've decided on a type of harness, there are also many sizes available based on breed and weight range. No matter how big or small your pooch is — or whether he's got short legs like a Chihuahua or long ones like an Irish Wolfhound — there will always be something available!
How to measure your dog for a harness
Dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, so it’s best to rely on measurements rather than weight range alone when determining which harness size will best fit your dog.
When measuring your dog for a new harness, the most important thing to focus on is its girth, around their body directly behind their front legs and lower neck the area right above the shoulder blades and not around the trachea.
Use the following steps to measure your dog for a perfect fitting harness:
1. Make sure you have a tape measure, pencil and paper to write down the measurements. If not tape measure, you may use a string and a ruler.
2. Have your dog stand still on a flat surface.
3. For girth measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the chest behind the front legs. Slide two fingers under the tape to ensure the fitting is not too tight. Read and write down the measurement.
4. Next for the neck measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the lowest and the widest part of the neck right above the shoulders. This is where the harness would sit. Also slide your two fingers under the tape. Read and note the measurement.
Besides the measurements, you should also know your dog’s weight when harness shopping. Harnesses are often sized according to weight ranges. However, it’s essential to take your dog’s measurements into consideration as well as their weight. Some dogs, like greyhounds, are large but very slim, making their harness size smaller than their weight may suggest. Therefore, it’s essential to know your dog’s weight as well as its measurements.
How to select the right harness for your dog
When you’re shopping for a harness, it's important to select one that is the right size and fit for your dog.
The harness should be comfortable and not restrict movement, as this can cause injuries such as chafing or sores. It should also be made of a soft, durable and easy-to-clean material.
The handle on top of most harnesses comes in handy when you need to lift your pooch off the ground — or if they're having trouble walking because their back legs are stiff from arthritis.
The harness should be snug enough that your dog will stay secure, but not so tight that it constricts their movement.
Final thoughts
When looking for a harness for your dog, it's important to get the right one for his or her size and breed. The best way to do this is by measuring your pet's body using the steps above.
The most important thing is to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe in their new harness.
FAQ
What if I don’t have a tape measure handy?
You can download a printable measuring tape (HERE)
What if my dog is between sizes?
Size up but make sure your dog will not slip out.
If the harness fits well, do I still need to abide by the weight limit?
Yes. It is important that you observe the weight limit because the fabric and gears used on the harnesses are tailored to that specific weight to prevent the harness ripping.
Want to Receive the Educational Free Newsletter from Voyager Harness?