Secret Benefit Of Dog Harnesses: Massive!

Do you know the secret benefits of dog harnesses? I bet you’re saying, “What the heck? Is it some kind of 007 gadget?” Nope. But it’s still pretty cool. Do you have a dog harness for your pup? I actually, have a couple of dog harnesses for my dog, Henry. There are a few benefits of dog harnesses that are great! Today, let’s dig in and discover the secret benefits of dog harnesses. 

a cute puppy enjoys the benefit of dog harnesses and his dog mom enjoys the cost savings
disclaimer note

*Updated: June 14, 2024

Budget tip:

A simple little dog harness can save your dog pain and save you thousands of dollars in vet bills. I know sometimes we look at dog supplies that cost $20-40 and think “Hmmm…maybe I should budget for that one.” No! Not when it comes to a dog harness. It’s an essential purchase. Think of it as essential as dog food. Yet, you don’t have to replace it every month or so. It’s a great investment, as long as it fits properly. You’ll get your $40 back many times over. It’s more than a simple win-win…it’s a no-brainer lottery win for you and your dog!

What are the benefits of dog harnesses? 

There are a few benefits you and your dog will get when you use a dog harness. They include:

  • Not easy to slip out of like with a dog collar
  • Generally provides comfort for your dog when walking or hiking
  • Reduces your dog’s chances of getting their legs tangled in their dog leash
  • Helps to reduce back pain
  • Prevents throat damage and trachea collapse (especially with pulling dogs)

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Are there any cons to using a dog harness?

Poorly fitted harnesses can cause pain or make it easy for your dog to escape. Basically, think about how painful it is to wear shoes that are too small and then try to run in them. It’s not fun!

  • Could be hotter for your dog during the summer months 
  • Often takes a few minutes longer to put on/off (might even be a learning curve involved)

My dog is a pulling dog. What do I look for in a dog harness?

The main items you’ll want to look for when your dog wants to lead you on your walks are:

  • Front clip harness
  • Properly fitting harness with adjustable straps

NOTE: I have a harness for Henry with a back clip and a front clip leash attachment. This is handy, in case he thinks he needs to lead with his nose. It also has a loop on the back for a quick pickup for those off-leash dog encounters. Of course, Henry is a small dog. I can’t imagine the loop does a lot of good for a large dog. 

This harness is very harness is very similar to the one I have for Henry.

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What’s the big deal with dog harnesses?

Even with a non-pulling dog, using only a dog collar can put more pressure and stress on your dog’s throat and trachea. Over time, this can result in tracheal collapse. 

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Henry enjoys the benefit of dog harnesses on one of his daily walks
Henry shows off one of his dog harnesses on our walk.

What are the symptoms of tracheal collapse in dogs?

The cough is usually the tall tell sign. It will be a “honking” cough. You may also notice your dog with such symptoms like:

  • Labored or difficult time breathing
  • Immediate coughing when any pressure is put on your dog’s neck or is picked up
  • Gagging and coughing (vomiting may or may not follow the gagging/coughing)
  • A sound of wheezing when breathing
  • Bluish tint to gums (Cyanotic), which means oxygen is low

Do you worry about off-leash dogs rushing you and your dog? In this article, I give great tips to handle these encounters and you don’t need a loop on your dog’s harness either. 

Are certain dogs more prone to tracheal collapse?

Yes, tracheal collapse can be genetic and not environmental. Dogs that are more prone to tracheal collapse are generally small dogs and toy breeds. They include, but aren’t limited to breeds such as:

  • Pugs
  • Toy Poodles
  • Yorkies
  • Pomeranians
  • Chihuahuas 

This type of harness is great with a front and back clip as well as a handle on the back. I use this type for Henry

How do I avoid tracheal collapse with my dog?

There are three ways to reduce the risk of tracheal collapse in your dog. Each puts pressure on your dog’s respiratory system. However, some are admittedly easier to do than others. They include:

NOTE: If you’ve ever seen a dog with severe tracheal collapse, it’s a horrible disease. They can’t breathe and don’t understand. It’s truly heartbreaking! I personally witnessed a friend’s dog struggle with this disease. (He was a large dog too). His struggle is why Henry always wears a dog harness when leashed.

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Won’t my pet insurance pay for tracheal collapse for my dog?

That will depend on your pet insurance. However, you should know that there is no cure for tracheal collapse. So, once the damage is done, it’s a matter of managing the condition. Sometimes it will require surgery. Most times it will require pain medications and other medications. Either way, your dog’s quality of life is compromised and will never be the same. 

Do you know how to find a mobile dog vet? There are a few tricks. In this article, I walk you through the process. 

What are the cost savings when using a dog harness?

This is always the eye-popping part. Of course, we all want to be great dog parents, but sometimes we need to see the dollars to have a big kick in the backside to do it. So, here are the numbers. 

Using a collar and your dog wiggles out and escapes and possibly gets hit by a car $0-8,000
Treating your dog with throat or tracheal collapse$5,500+
Diminished quality of life for your dogIMMEASURABLE!!!

Related article:

Summary of the secret benefit of dog harnesses

Yes, the secret benefit to dog harnesses is that you may prevent tracheal collapse, keep your dog in good health, and avoid very pricey vet bills. My goal with Henry is to always keep him in good health to the best of my ability. So, if that means he gets a cool harness, it’s a great win for me and him. He doesn’t know that I actually have more than just letting him look good in mind. I’m focused on his health, which keeps my budget in check. That’s a tail wagging, paws-up benefit or maybe it’s benefits? Hmm.. Either way, it’s a good thing for Henry and your furry friend. 

an adorable husky dog enjoys the benefit of dog harnesses and his dog parents enjoys the cost savings

Do you use dog harnesses? Did you know about the secret benefits? 
 

About Terri Rodefer

Terri Rodefer is the founder of Tail Wag Wisdom, a blog focused on affordable pet care. She likes to say helping pet parents afford and love their animals even more, makes her tail wag. As a lifelong lover of all animals with a background in economics, biology, and marketing, allows Terri to bring a unique spin to pet care. 

10 thoughts on “Secret Benefit Of Dog Harnesses: Massive!”

  1. I’m a huge fan of using a harness! When my Husky was a puppy, she practically pulled me across the county! I learned about No Pull harnesses and got her one – it changed Everything for us. I’ll never be without it for her. I loved harnesses so much I used one for my other dog too. she wasn’t a puller but I feel a lot more secure with a harness and I don’t have to worry about her throat area! Great post.

    Reply
    • Harnesses really are a great invention, aren’t they? Not only for pulling dogs but just to protect our dogs from injury. Truly amazing! I know Henry’s has helped him as well. Thank you for your kindness. I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  2. When I rescued Layla the first thing my vet told me was to get her a harness as it is safer and healthier for small dogs and she has been wearing one ever since. The one she wears is custom made for her and I love them as they are comfy and easy to walk with plus the D-Ring is on her back not around her neck. Every dog should wear a harness, great post

    Reply
    • Yes, a dog harness is safer and healthier for our dogs. It does amaze me that so many dog owners don’t seem to know that yet though. Hopefully, they will in a very short time. I really appreciate your kind words and for sharing your experiences.

      Reply
  3. What a great informative post. I love how you broke down the “cost savings” table. Yes, keeping your pup safe in a harness is priceless compared to the potential damage of a car accident or tracheal collapse. I’d definitely agree the cost of getting a good harness is well worth the investment! Sharing this post!

    Reply
    • It’s kind of funny that sometimes folks need to see the dollar and cents in order to do what they really knew they should do all along. I completely agree a dog harness is priceless and a great investment. Thank you for your continued support and kind words. I greatly appreciate it!

      Reply
  4. Excellent article. I am a huge believer in harnesses. I used them with my five Huskies. They were not only pullers (so the harness helped here), but they are also Housini escape artists and a well-fitted harness was so much safer for no slipping out of collars. Plus, as you mentioned, this is so much better than pulling on a collar around their throat. I used a double-leash method with my pups – a harness and hooked a backup leash to their collars. That was just “in case” where the walking, steering, etc. was with the harness leash. And to think of the money savings! Added bonus (and not having an injured dog). Sharing this for sure!

    Reply
    • Awe, yes the double leash method is wonderful to use as well. More control and helps with pulling.

      I know the bonus of what is saved by a simple little harness is rather remarkable, isn’t it? The money part always shocks me. It is the kibble on top for sure.

      Thank you for sharing your experiences with dog harnesses and for your continued support. I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  5. I have gone through the blog post and I must admit it is very informative. I liked the writing style too. Keep up the good work and share more contents. Cheers!

    Reply

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