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According to recent scientific study,
it seems as if the choice between a collar and a harness should no
longer be arbitrary. Studies have found that the use of collars in dogs
with ocular conditions such as glaucoma or weak corneas can create
intraocular pressure (IOP),
a condition which can lead to severe eye damage and vision loss.
Published in the May-June issue of the
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, the
study found that the pressure created by the use of neck collars
significantly increases IOP in certain dogs. Some breeds such as
American Cocker Spaniel, Basset hound, Boston Terrier, Chow Chow and
Miniature Poodle are predisposed towards eye problems such as glaucoma
where the pressure in the eye is elevated due to an obstruction that
prevents fluids in the eye from flowing out. If not treated immediately,
acute glaucoma can and will lead to irreversible blindness.
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Dogs predisposed towards eye problems
or with mild glaucoma should wear harnesses, not collars, as the
application of neck pressure using a leash attached to a harness results
in a significantly less increase in IOP than the use of a leash attached
to a collar.
However,
a study was
conducted on healthy breeds of both sexes including the
Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky, Staffordshire
terrier, American Cocker
Spaniel and the Chinook. While the Alaskan malamute and the Siberian
husky generated the greatest tension when pulling against their collar,
these two breeds experienced the least increase in IOP than did the
other three breeds. Perhaps dogs bred to pull objects may be somewhat
resistant to increased IOP.
Since we still have a lot to learn about IOP and its long term
implications, any pet with weak eyes or that tends to pull while being
walked on a leash may be better off with a harness than with a collar.
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