Quote:
Originally Posted by MorkieMomma  Hi,
I'm sure there's a post about this somewhere, but I can't find it.
For those who are just now getting their little dreamyorkie, please make sure you buy him or her a harness and not a collar for walks and romps.
My husband and I did not know this when we purchased Brussels (our 12 year old) about 11 years ago. We have had him since he was 3 mos old. We had him using a collar only (a nice small leather one which we thought we were being responsible pet owners) when he was very small (2 lb)...even on walks. WE ARE THE REASON his trachea has a partial collapse. When we took him into the vet so many years ago, we were informed about harnesses and how vitally important they are to a small dog. For 10 years now we've been informed and only use harnesses. His trachea causes him no problems, and hasn't for 10 years now, and has not collapsed any further. The vet says it probably won't (thanks to another vet telling us what's what and thanks to us listening and immediately switching to a harness).
Collapsed Trachea isn't always caused by collars, it can be caused by a number of things.
That being said, please get your new puppies and tiny dogs of any breed a harness and NOT a collar unless the collar is used for decorative purposes only..and even then (personally) I don't recommend it as they can still get caught on things and damage the trachea.  |
I am so glad you posted this "warning". I have been noticing many Yorkies and small breeds not wearing harnesses and I have actually mentioned the do NOT use a collar please and explained why but I get dirty looks. It's frightening to know that new pet parents are not properly educated or just ignore advice from experienced pet moms and dads.
I hope your post will get the right attention.