If you’ve just adopted a new dog, are considering getting a dog or have been a pet owner for a while, the topic of dog collars is inevitable. There are so many options! From designs, the option to use a silicone dog collar and overall color, it can seem tough to choose the right collar for your pup. But, one question more important than whether or not your dog’s collar should have moons or mountains on it is how tight the collar should be on your dog. Here’s how your dog’s collar should fit and how to ensure you get them the right one. Why Get a Dog Collar? With so many advances in technology out there, you might be wondering why you even need a dog collar. Microchips will work, right? Wrong. Microchips, while a great way to store contact information for you should your dog’s collar break off, can’t provide any tracking information or store any information beyond your most recent contact info, such as your address or your phone number. And, microchips will need to be scanned by a vet tech or shelter staff that have the scanner for the same microchip company your pup was implanted with. While most scanners are now universal, there are still some that aren’t. Dog collars are great for a variety of reasons: Get a Matching Dog Collar and Leash Set Reflectivity: By getting a reflective dog collar, your dog’s more visible when out for a walk at night. Even if you let your dog run wild in your backyard, you’ll still be able to see your pup trying to dig a hole under your fence line from your deck because the light will catch on their collar! They’ll also be much more safe if you take them for nightly walks because headlights and street lights will catch on their collar. In some cases, it’s almost a matter of life or death! Restraint: When used properly with a harness or dog leash, a dog collar can keep your dog from getting into things it probably shouldn’t be — or wandering too far away from you! Source: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com Identification: One of the main reasons to get a dog collar is for identification. Your pup’s dog ID tags will hang from their collar, and before you even ask, yes, your dog needs a set of ID tags. They contain vital information that can save your dog’s life. From medical information, vaccine info and even your contact info, a dog tag will go a long way to ensuring your pup’s safety. You can never be too careful with your pup, so it’s important you do what you can to keep them safe — even if it means having three or four different places your phone number is stored! If you’re unsure what to write on a dog tag, the most common things are your dog’s name, your phone number and any pertinent medical information, such as diabetes or cancer. Get All Your Dog Essentials, Including ID Tag, Collar, Leash and Bowl! How to Measure Your Dog for Their Collar Measuring your dog for their collar is easy! If you can get them to sit long enough, that is. Put down a couple of treats or have them lick peanut butter off a plate to keep them sitting for a while as you measure! Here’s how to measure your dog for their collar: Get a flexible measuring tape Measure around your dog’s neck, near the base but above their shoulders Write down the inches/centimeters Find a collar that includes your dog’s measurement in the range How to Tell If Your Dog’s Collar Fits Properly If your dog’s collar fits properly, you’ll be able to fit your pointer and middle fingers underneath the collar (between their neck and the collar) and your fingers will move easily but fit slightly snug between the collar and your pup’s throat. If your fingers fit too easily, then your dog’s collar is too loose. If you can’t fit your fingers between the collar and your dog’s throat, then their collar is too tight. You might think it’s okay now to have your pup walk around with a collar slightly too loose or too tight, but doing so can place them in a lot of danger. A collar that’s too tight can cause skin irritation or even choke your dog, whereas a loose collar can get stuck on things (even your dog’s paws!) and cause injury to your pet. Prevent any issues and ensure your dog’s collar fits properly!