For those of us that own toy breeds, the frightening sounds of coughing, shallow breathing or in the extreme, listening to your tiny Maltese honk like a barnyard goose may be all too familiar. Most often these symptoms result from an irritated, or in more severe cases, a collapsed trachea. Although these symptoms are unnerving to those new dog owners who are not familiar with this ailment, it is a fairly common one. Estimates range that between 20-40% of toy breed dogs will develop some tracheal disorder. The highest risk breeds are among our tiniest canine companions: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Italian Greyhounds, Maltese, and Toy Poodles.

Collar

If your little dog occasionally exhibits these symptoms, you may notice that a tug on your dog’s collar, while out for a walk, may suddenly bring them on. It is significant to understand that tracheal disorders are congenital. A tug on a collar rarely, if ever will cause a collapsed trachea. However, it can certainly worsen, an already existing problem or turn a predisposition into the problem. Tugging on a collar can easily cause the irritation that leads to coughing, which in turn, further irritates the trachea.

Harness

In this way, whether you are attempting to check the vitality and abundance of your new puppy companion, take control of your dog in dangerous circumstances, or simply get your pup out to answer nature’s call, harnesses are the ideal decision for toy breed dogs.

Intended to permit your dog to push with the mid-section instead of the throat. Appropriately fitted harness expels weight from your little dog’s sensitive trachea. Notwithstanding for small dogs without tracheal concerns, harnesses are best since they appropriate weight even more uniformly around the dog’s body. Harnesses are in this manner significantly more pleasant for Your dog. For “Houdini’ dogs, harnesses give an escape evidence contrasting option to the great collar that can at times permit your dog to force its head back through it. Toy breed dog collars should be worn to look superb and to hold labels, not for chain connection.

Conclusion

Once you have made the decision to shop for a harness, there is a myriad of harnesses to choose from. Unfortunately, for the first-time harness buyer, it’s like trying to buy athletic underwear – for someone else! I have talked to numerous little dog owners who can pull a harness that didn’t work out of the back of the closet. Too often, what starts off with the best intentions, ends up being an exercise in frustration. But, like anything you want to feel good about and have for a while, acquiring the right harness takes some planning.