Pulling on leash-collar disc stress

Neuro Corner Answers

Dr. Andrew Isaacs
DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology)
Dogwood Veterinary Referral Center

Primary interests include intervertebral disc disease, seizure management, luxations/fractures of the spine, and surgery for brain tumors

Question

JILL ASKS:

With a collar, is pulling backward more stress on the neck than pulling forward? Meaning, your dog pulling you, or you standing in front pulling him forward? Can neck pulling affect a disc in the lower lumbosacral area?

ANSWER

Both can be stressful on the disks in the neck. If the pull was hard enough it could cause issues with any disk. Andrew [Editor’s note: See harness information for the IVDD dog (selecting and fitting) https://dodgerslist.com/harness-with-leash/

Harnesses not Collars

Harnesses for the IVDD dog

Always attach the leash to a harness. Protect the soft neck area and from stress on the spine.

There are many good harnesses in the market.
IVDD dog owners should specifically seek a harness that does not wrap around the neck nor sit on the soft tissue of the neck.
A leash should always be attached to a harness, not the collar.
Collars for IVDD dogs are only used as a necklace to hold tags.

Harness fitting

Avoid harnesses where the pulling stress is on the soft area of the neck.
The problem in getting a good harness fit can be similar to us having to try on several brands of jeans til we find what fits our bodies.
You might see if one of these manufacturers has the right fit for your dog.

Product Examples: