You might have recently gotten a new puppy and you're wondering if you can put on the cute cat collar that you saw in the pet store. We know they look almost the same but according to our pet experts, not all collars are made equal. We've specifically asked them if a puppy could wear a cat collar and here's the answer that we got.
You cannot use a cat collar on a puppy because cat collars are made differently from dog collars. Cat collars have buckles that have a quick release feature in case felines find themselves entangled in a difficult spot. Meanwhile, dog collars need to have a secure clasp or buckle that wouldn't budge under pressure so that the owners can control their pups' movement and behavior for their pets' safety.
Kindly read the rest of this article so that you'll understand better why it's not recommended to use a cat collar for your pup. We'll let you know the difference between the two collars and how they relate to these animals' behaviors. We'll also discuss the use of flea collars and if it's safe to use Seresto collars for your pets.
Pet Collar Usage 101
You can start putting a dog collar and leash on your puppy as soon as he's 10 months old. This will give your pup some time to get used to the feel of these items on his body before you take him out outside for his daily walks and physical exercise.
It can be exciting to choose a collar for your pet. It can be your favorite color or design. But aside from the aesthetics, you have to understand that a collar is used to enhance the safety of your pet. Remember, he's just beginning to explore the world around him.
You can put a dog tag on it with your pet's name and your information. This is very useful just in case your pup runs away or gets lost. A pet collar, together with the leash, will also help you control your pup's movement as you walk him down the street. It will also make pup training easier as you can tug on the leash when you want to correct his behavior.
It is for these essential reasons why experts recommend that you choose the right collar for your puppy. A cat collar won't be enough to offer the kind of protection that your pup needs. Cat collars aren't made to be attached to a leash. Their buckles will give in easily when you tug on them. Simply put, cat collars aren't safe to use on your puppy because they are designed for a different purpose.
Are dog and cat collars the same?
As mentioned earlier, collars are more than a fashion statement. They are intended to keep your furbaby safe. Cat collars and small dog collars may look the same from afar. They're both colorful, can be made of the same materials, and have a buckle. But let's stop right here and may we ask you to take a closer look at those collars.
The buckle is the main differentiating factor between a cat collar and a dog collar. Each collar has been designed in a different manner in consideration of each animal's specific behavior.
A cat collar's buckle is designed so that it can snap open during an emergency. Cats like to go up high places and tight spots. In the process, their collars are prone to get caught in sharp objects leaving them stuck there or cause serious injuries to them. That's why it is important for cat collars to have a quick release buckle to reduce this kind of risk.
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On the other hand, a dog collar is designed to stay securely on your pet's neck. Since this is where the leash is attached to, it shouldn't give in even when there's enough force, or else your pup will be able to run away and who knows what could happen next.
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Pet experts say that dogs do not necessarily find themselves in such a predicament as cats wherein they could get entangled in high or narrow places. Hence, the difference in the design of the buckles in their collars. The main purpose of putting a collar on your pup is to have him steadily close by. This is also the reason why you cannot use a cat collar on your pup.
Can you put a cat flea collar on a puppy?
Cat flea collars used to be a popular method to kill or repel fleas which are considered dangerous for cats. They are put around the neck and they discharge gas that's toxic to fleas. Some flea collars also excrete an insect growth regulator into the cat's skin which could kill the fleas all over the feline's body.
However, many have stopped using flea collars because of the possible harm that they bring. Some aren't adjustable and don't have a quick-release buckle which compromises the safety of cats. Some even cause skin irritation and fur loss.
For the same reasons, it is also not recommended to put a cat flea collar on your puppy. There are more effective methods out there that are considered to be safer to use in killing off these parasites.
Can a small dog use a cat Seresto collar?
Seresto collars are said to be an innovative way of killing and repelling fleas and ticks so they won't bother your beloved pets anymore. These collars are resistant to water and are odorless. They work by ejecting their active ingredients into your pet's body in small doses over a period of time. Producers say that this will give your pet protection from fleas for 8 months and 4 months from ticks.
There are Seresto collars made specifically for cats and dogs. Thus, you should buy a dog Seresto collar if you plan on using it for your pup. But do this with extra caution or consult your vet first before buying one.
There have been testaments from pet parents who said that this product worked wonders for their dogs. However, there were also reports that some chemicals in Seresto collars could cause harm to both pets and humans. Numerous deaths have also been linked to the use of this pesticide.
Do veterinarians recommend Seresto collars?
The US Environmental Protection Agency that oversees the regulation of pesticides hasn't released any statement yet confirming the allegations against Seresto collars. As such, many vets still recommend the use of Seresto collars, be it for cats or dogs.
Those who have voiced their opinions on the matter said that they believed the incident reports could be caused by other things not necessarily related to the use of the collars. There has been no clear evidence that points to Seresto collars as the true culprit. Thus, they stand by the product for it has been very effective in killing fleas and ticks rapidly.
However, vets were quick to remind everyone that since these collars use chemicals, there will always be a risk involved upon using them. That's why it's still best to have a proper consultation with your vet to find out the possible dangers that could arise when you decide to use this product.
Final Thoughts
It's all quite simple. A particular collar is intended for a specific kind of pet. Use cat collars for your cats and tiny dog collars for your pups so that you'll be assured of their safety at all times. It is still best to consult with your vet regarding the use of flea collars so that you know the risks involved or if you could use other methods which are just as effective in keeping fleas and ticks away from your pets.