Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Attaching your dog’s leash to a harness rather than a collar, no matter the dog’s size is important for many reasons.

If your dog suffers with arthritis or IVDD in their neck, a harness prevents the risk of causing further pain and injury if your dog pulls — even a mild jerk on a collar can cause trauma.

Another reason a harness/leash combo is a good idea is that there is no pressure on their trachea (windpipe). For dogs who suffer from trachea collapse, a progressive disease that worsens with age, or laryngeal paralysis, any irritation or pressure to the throat can worsen the condition.

Harnesses also allow you to stabilize their mobility if needed. If they begin to tire on a walk, you can help ease some of the strain on their joints by just pulling up on it slightly.

Typically, Y-shaped harnesses allow for better shoulder extension and ease of movement versus an H-shaped harness.