Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Taking your dog’s collar off at night: Safe move or safety risk?

You wouldn’t dream of letting your dog roam around in the neighborhood without their collar — if the worst happens and your dog gets lost, the collar has your dog’s personal identification and emergency contact information, which is absolutely vital (especially if your dog isn’t microchipped). According to American Humane, close to 10 million pets are lost each year. Of dogs that end up in animal shelters, only 15% of those without tags or microchips are reunited with their owners.

But what about when your dog is safe and sound at home? Is it better to leave your dog’s collar on or should you take it off and allow them to have a breather? Do dogs even like collars?

Some pet owners take off their dog’s collar at night, but is that a safe move? Here’s what we know.

dog-holding-collar-in-mouth
https://www.shutterstock.com/g/alexei_tm

 Do dogs like it when you take their collars off?

Every dog is different, which means each one reacts differently to wearing a collar. Experts say their response depends on a variety of factors:

  • What happens after you remove the collar. There may be a flurry of excitement when you remove your pup’s collar if something desirable — such as playtime with other dogs — follows immediately after its removal. Likewise, they may resist having his collar removed if something undesirable happens, such as going into his crate before you leave the house.
  • How the collar fits. If your dog’s collar is too tight, it may have irritated the skin and be a painful area for you to touch. If it’s too big, it might get caught on objects easily, which can create panic and anxiety.
  • Skin and neck sensitivities. If your dog has skin allergies, the collar may be aggravating them. Additionally, if your dog has an injury on their neck — like a cut or muscle strain — they may not appreciate having anyone touch their neck.

dog-sleeping-with-alarm-clock

When should you remove your dog’s collar?

Accidents happen and pets get lost, which is why it’s advisable to keep your dog’s collar on whenever possible, especially when you’re walking him on a leash, moving households, or traveling. Still, there are times when it’s perfectly acceptable (and safe) to remove your dog’s collar:

  • When your dog is in their crate. Even the best-fitting collars can become choking hazards when identification tags catch on the bars of a crate. It’s also possible for your dog to get their leg caught in the collar when they’re scratching their neck, which can result in a fracture or other leg injury.
  • At bedtime. Removing your dog’s collar after the day’s last potty break can give the fur and skin beneath their collar a welcome breather. If your dog moves around frequently at night or scratches and shakes their head a lot, removing their collar might make nighttime quieter for the human members of the household. (Keep the collar on if your dog has access to a doggy door.)
  • When they’re playing with other dogs. Dogs are rambunctious when they play with each other. Whenever possible, let them enjoy their romp (in an enclosed, supervised area) without their collar, which will help minimize the risk that it will accidentally catch on another dog’s collar or limb. Every play area is different, so be sure to note the rules. Many pet-sitting facilities remove dog collars during group play; some dog parks require that your dog wear their collar and ID tags at all times.

Let common sense guide you

Without question, a collar is the most logical place to attach your dog’s identification tags. It’s also the first place someone will look if, heaven forbid, your dog gets lost. And, provided you don’t use a harness when you go for a walk, a collar is the best place to attach a leash.

Besides collaring your dog, experts say, you can keep your dog safe by making sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, securing cabinets and other areas in which you keep toxic materials, supervising them when they’re outside, and putting decals on your windows that alert emergency personnel that you have pets.

All things considered, does your dog need to wear their collar at night? Probably not, especially if your dog is secured inside your home with no unsupervised access to the yard through a doggy door; however, every situation is different. The key is to consider your dog’s behavior and your lifestyle to create the safest possible environment for your pet.

Editors' Recommendations

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
Why you shouldn’t feed your dogs trail mix
3 reasons why dogs can't eat trail mix or their common ingredients
A Yorkshire terrier licks their lips and looks into the camera

At first glance, trail mix might look like a healthy snack for everyone in your home. It has a little sugar, some healthy fats, and a small number of carbohydrates to keep you going throughout the day. Sounds great, right?
Although people can eat as much trail mix as they please, the same isn't true for our canine friends. There are many ingredients in this popular combo that aren't safe for dogs to eat. Let's go over a few of the reasons why as we answer some of the most common questions:

Can dogs eat raisins?
Why can't dogs eat trail mix?
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?

Read more
5 safe and fun adventures you can plan with your small dog
Your small dog can do just as much as a big one if you follow these tips
Cute small dog stands in front of a blurred background

As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins.
Go for hikes
While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter.
Travel together
One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

Read more
Pamper your pooch with the best dog Valentine’s Day activities
Dog pampering, adventures, and more: The best Valentine's Day activities for pups
A woman taking a selfie with her white dog

Valentine’s Day celebrates love. Whether you’re single or with someone special, let’s share a secret between friends: Your dog is your main squeeze. Your pooch’s unconditional love and snuggles have helped you get through challenging times, and their one-of-a-kind personality has improved your brightest days.

Showering your dog with love on Valentine’s Day is a no-brainer. However, what should you do for the dog that has given you everything and so much more? Even these days — where news of shortages dominates the headlines — there are so many dog Valentine’s Day activities you and your furry best friend can enjoy this year. Choose one, or consider ditching work and treating your pup to a day of dog pampering and memories.

Read more